The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

IV. Women’s Voices Tell the Advent Story

A number of women preachers formed part of the rather remarkable list of public heralds of the second advent. One was Olive Maria Rice, of Smithville, New York, who often spoke in schoolhouses and revival meetings, lecturing successfully to audiences of one thousand to fourteen hundred.” ¹⁷ There were also Mrs. Lucy Maria Stoddard (nee Kersey), Miss Seymore, Miss Spence, Miss Emily C. demons, previously a teacher and principal at Rochester ¹⁸ (and noted elsewhere), Sarah J. Paine, and Mrs. Clorinda S. Minor, of Philadelphia, who reported the Philadelphia Conference of February, 1844. The latter’s articles for the Midnight Cry appear on the editorial page over her initials. She was also gifted as a poet, but ably discussed doctrinal, prophetic, and chronological matters. ¹⁹ Let us note Mrs. Stoddard ²⁰ PFF4 706.1

In 1842, when the message of the soon-coming Saviour came to her, she at once began to teach it. Reporters took notice and the papers published her discourses, something that was most unusual for that day. As a result the galleries and floors were packed with eager listeners. She continued preaching in central New York for six months, with appointments every night and three times on Sunday. After her marriage to J. C. Stoddard, she, along with her husband, continued preaching the gospel of the coming kingdom. And when his health failed she still continued to preach the Word, visiting several States. A number of ministers were among her converts.” ²¹ So women preachers held a unique place in Millerism, and were effective heralds in reaching those of their own sex. PFF4 706.2