1655

What would women be doing in the
Episcopal Church in 1655?

illustration - Old St. Lukes's Church, Smithfield, Virginia
Image from Historic St. Luke's Restoration

Background:

In 1655 the Church of England had an active presence in Virginia and Maryland.
Clergy were in short supply and male lay readers read services.
About one-third of the white women could sign their names and about half could read.

Women kept the church alive by teaching the catechism to children, servants and slaves.
Women led daily family prayers.
Women gave the church gifts and served as patrons.
Women published poetry and read books on religion by English women authors.
Women visited the sick, and cared for orphans and the elderly.
Women church members (Native American) served as important cultural mediators in new settlements.

This web page is maintained by Webster Joan R. Gundersen
for the Episcopal Women's History Project.