Terrell, Melissa

TERRELL, GARRETT, TIMMONS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 4/28/2014 at 09:51:23

Christian Church Women: Shapers of a Movement
Daughters of Priscilla
Pastors and Evangelists
Page 29
By Debra B. Hull

Melissa Garrett was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1834. She was married to Reverend W.H.H. Timmons and after that, to Mr. Terrell. Melissa Terrell was ordained by the elders of the Ebenezer Church, Clark County, Ohio, on March 7, 1867. Later that year the Deer Creek Conference met and determined that, by virtue of the action and authority of her local church, Melissa Terrell was an ordained minister in good standing in the conference. However, in their official statement the officers of the conference remained opposed to the ordination of women. Melissa Terrell served pastorates in Ohio, Iowa, and Missouri.

In a sermon preached before the Southern Ohio Conference in 1877 and later printed and widely distributed, Melissa Terrell spoke on the importance of the prophecy of handmaidens on whom the Spirit has been poured. Melissa Terrell's ability as a preacher and her humility in service led to her acceptance as an ordained minister in the Christian Church, at least among those who knew her as a pastor and preacher.
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Transcriber Note: She is buried in Forest Home Cemetery, Poweshiek County, Iowa
Find A Grave Memorial #92491937