Nevertheless, She Preached: Story of the Two Earliest Methodist Clergywomen in Virginia

by Margaret T. Kutz

The never-before-told story of Reverends Lillian Russell and Mildred Long, the two earliest clergywomen in Virginia Methodism is based on years of research of primary sources. During the Great Depression, against all odds, petite, teenage, Lillian traveled from church to church as a powerful, popular evangelist. Then she served as the pastor of the Blandford Methodist Church in Petersburg for thirty-five years covering the decades of World War II and the civil rights and women's movements, forging a path for other women to follow. When the voices of the world ridiculed and minimized her, closed doors, and questioned her basic right to be there, she had no doubt as to God's claim upon her life. Nevertheless, she preached. After Mildred had attended six schools of higher education, been interviewed dozens of times, and attended hundreds of meetings , proving her competency time and time again to people over her, under her, and beside her; through hurled insults, closed doors, and unfounded doubts, she was granted the same clergy rights as men, opening another path for other women to follow. Nevertheless, she preached. As you follow these women through fifty years of service to their God, you will laugh with them, cry with them, and feel their hurt, rage, faith, exhaustion, and strength. You will be inspired to nevertheless live your own destiny.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2021

Reviews

[Nanci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my eye, since I am a member of a United Methodist church in Virginia. Also, I'm passionate about women's rights and the impact women have had in history, especially when attempting to enter male-dominated fields.

I was hoping for a good informative read, but what I didn't expect was a page-turning book that read more like a novel than a biography. Margaret T. Kutz, did a great job of telling the journey of the two earliest Methodist clergywomen in VA in a captivating, fun way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the beginnings of women in ministry and in particular any woman who is either currently or formerly a pastor/minister, or has a desire to become one.

[Jess Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected page turner! The stories of the early clergywomen were fascinating. I had no idea about the struggles of women in the church. I loved how the author made their lives come alive. I was so sad to learn that Rev. Russell’s sermons were burned. As I read I really wanted to see another book written to include actual sermons. I must admit I was in tears by the end…

This book was such a pleasure to read.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for all clergy and laity. It demonstrates how far we've come, while leaving room to see how far we still have to go. And it reminds us whose shoulders we stand on. Incredible book, and easy to read too!

[Rebecca Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. What a difficult time these women had and having worked with Margaret, I know she is a fabulous preacher and author now. Thank you Margaret for writing this!

[Belva Shelor · Rating 3 out of 5]

What remarkable women, so thankful they were brave to step out and follows God call. They remind me so much of my Pastor, Michelle Kim,