Canadian Methodist women, like women of all religious traditions, have
expressed their faith in accordance with their denominational heritage.
Canadian Methodist Women, 1766-1925: Marys, Marthas, Mothers in Israel
analyzes the spiritual life and the varied activities of women whose
faith helped shape the life of the Methodist Church and of Canadian
society from the latter half of the eighteenth century until church
union in 1925.
Based on extensive readings of periodicals, biographies,
autobiographies, and the records of many women's groups across Canada,
as well as early histories of Methodism, Marilyn Färdig Whiteley tells
the story of ordinary women who provided hospitality for itinerant
preachers, taught Sunday school, played the melodeon, selected and
supported women missionaries, and taught sewing to immigrant girls, thus
expressing their faith according to their opportunities. In performing
these tasks they sometimes expanded women's roles well beyond their
initial boundaries.
Focusing on religious practices, Canadian Methodist Women, 1766-1925
provides a broad perspective on the Methodist movement that helped shape
nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century Canadian society. The use and
interpretation of many new or little-used sources will interest those
wishing to learn more about the history of women in religion and in
Canadian society.