December 26

Dorothy Ripley (1767–1832) was a fiery English evangelist, abolitionist, and social reformer who defied expectations of her time to become the first woman to preach before the United States Congress. Born in Whitby, England, to a devout Methodist family, she embraced the call to preach the Gospel from a young age. Despite cultural opposition to women in ministry, Dorothy stepped boldly into pulpits, prisons, and even legislative chambers — armed with a Bible, a deep sense of justice, and a burning love for Christ.

After her father’s death, she took up his preaching mantle and became a traveling evangelist. In 1801, she crossed the Atlantic to minister in the United States. She was stirred by the plight of enslaved Africans, poor widows, prisoners, and Native Americans, and she dedicated her life to serving them. Without wealth or institutional support, she traveled on foot or borrowed horseback, often sleeping in rough shelters as she preached wherever doors opened.

Her most famous moment came in 1806, when she addressed a gathering in the Capitol building, becoming the first woman known to preach before Congress — boldly calling for repentance, freedom for slaves, and faith in Christ.

Ripley’s Final Words (as recorded by a fellow minister):

“I am not worthy, but He is faithful.”
Spoken shortly before her death, after a final street sermon in New York City.

Source: Memoirs of Rev. Dorothy Ripley, 1833

Selected Anecdotes:

Preaching Before Congress
In 1806, Ripley stood before lawmakers and political elites in Washington, D.C. She opened her Bible, declared Christ crucified, and called the nation to repentance, justice, and Gospel truth.

Her Mission to the Slaves
Dorothy visited Southern plantations, preaching to enslaved people. She wrote, “I go to them not as a white woman, but as a servant of the Savior.”

The Prison Revival
She ministered in prisons, leading worship among murderers, thieves, and the condemned. One jailer wrote, “Her voice softened iron hearts.”

Resisting Compromise
When offered church support if she agreed not to preach publicly, she replied, “I will take no bread that silences my witness.”

The Quaker Connection
She often dressed plainly and ministered among Quakers, sharing their disdain for slavery and love for the downtrodden.

Famous Quotes Attributed to Dorothy Ripley:

"The call of Christ is not constrained by gender."
"If the slave cannot hear of Christ, then I am still in chains."
"I have no wealth, no home, no title — only a message."
"He who lifted Mary Magdalene lifts me also."
"The Gospel must be preached — even where it is not welcomed."

Legacy:

Dorothy Ripley was a spiritual pioneer — a woman far ahead of her time, who broke through social, political, and religious barriers with boldness and humility. She paved the way for women in ministry, for public Gospel preaching, and for Christian abolitionist witness. Her fearlessness opened doors in both sacred and secular spaces. She proved that one voice, wholly given to Christ, can shake nations and awaken hearts. Dorothy’s life remains a testimony that God uses those who the world overlooks — and that no pulpit is too grand, and no jail too dark, for the message of salvation.

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals

Christian Women Devotionals