Turn-of-the-Century Female Leadership

Helen Barrett Montgomery (1861-1934) was both a reflection of the gains made by Baptist women in the 19th century and a precursor of change in the 20th century. A licensed minister, social activist, author, and lecturer, she published a translation of the Greek New Testament and was the first woman president of the Northern Baptist Convention (1921-22). Her lifelong work for missions included world travel and the presidency of the Woman’s American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, and her support of ecumenism led to her involvement in the establishment of what has become the World Day of Prayer.