May 14, 1888 - First Meeting of the Women's Missionary Union

Annie Armstrong (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons.

Annie Armstrong was a key advocate for organized missions support, especially among women in local churches. When she and other women within the Southern Baptist denomination wanted to support mission work from a church-wide perspective, the Southern Baptist Convention leaders sent delegates from participating states to organize this group. Their first meeting took place on May 14, 1888 in Richmond, Virginia, forming what is now known as the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). The WMU became the official auxiliary of the Southern Baptist Convention. The SBC supported the formation of the WMU, but its formation was largely driven by women’s initiative and leadership. Armstrong was elected as the first corresponding secretary, meaning she coordinated communication across churches nationwide. In 1893 alone, it is estimated that she wrote upwards of 20,000 letters. Her efforts helped unify missions, giving awareness at a national level as opposed to just local church efforts. The SBC honored her in 1934 by naming its Easter missions offering after her. The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering supports North American missions, specifically church planting and evangelism. Her work contributed to the broader mission movement of the late 19th century when Protestant denominations expanded outreach efforts.

Through Armstrong’s work, Christians see the importance of missions support through prayer, giving, and organization. It also shows how women have played a vital role in advancing the Gospel. Her dedication models faithful service in the background, not just public ministry, and her legacy challenges modern Christians to consider their role in supporting missionaries locally and globally. Believers can look at the WMU and see the power of unified, church-wide efforts in missions while the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering continues to connect believers today with practical Gospel outreach.