Conclusion

In an open letter addressed to clergymen and published in The Spirit of Missions in 1872, Julia Emery wrote that a faithful woman of the Church longs to “realize that she is working, not alone, nor simply as a member of a single parish, but as one of a great company wherein all [...] wait, and watch, and labor for their Lord.”

She believed that women would be quick to act in missionary spirit to enhance the work of The Episcopal Church as soon as they were given formal opportunity to do so. With the success of the Woman’s Auxiliary and subsequent women’s organizations that would follow, Julia Emery was proven correct time and time again.

Through their community-building initiatives, fundraising, and a willingness to challenge the standing preconceptions of authority, the women of The Episcopal Church have long exemplified the success that can be achieved through unified effort. Regardless of their position in the church, as laity or clergy, women continue to act as agents of change within The Episcopal Church.

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