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  "Alma Lind Swensson would become a prominent figure in the work of this organization,
and she would bring a world view to thousands of women ...."
                                                                                                                             ​-- Karen A. Humphrey, 2012
​​<>  Remembering the Augustana Synod Legacy  <>

Their 1892 "Augustana Women's Missionary Society"
~ An account by Ms. Karen A. Humphrey

Author, Ms. Karen A. Humphrey, a former Bethany College Vice President of Institutional Advancement and wife of former Bethany Church pastor (1998 to 2006) Swedish American Rev. Charles W. Humphrey, captures so well, the hours of June 6, 1892 in Lindsborg which led to the birth of the "Augustana Women's Missionary Society" as described in her 2012 book Grace, Faith, and the Power of Singing - The Alma Christina Lind Swensson Story in the chapter, "Where Hospitality is Golden."  On page 45, we read:
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Courtesy of Karen A. Humphrey

     "Alma hosted one of the most significant events in the history of the Augustana Synod.  On June 6, 1892, during the meeting of the Synod at Lindsborg, fifty women from all over the country were present on the lawn of the parsonage when the decision was made to organize a women's missionary society.  The women, wives of pastors and lay delegates, came to the parsonage expecting a typical, bountiful Swedish coffee party.  But Alma and Emmy Evald had an additional purpose in mind.  Emmy gave a powerful speech about the need to organized themselves for the work of the church around the world.  She based her speech on the message Jesus gave Mary and Mary Magdalene in Matthew 28: 'Go quickly and tell.'  Emmy and Alma asked the ladies to sign a document requesting permission from the Synod to organize a women's missionary society.  The fifty women agreed.  Then, carrying banners with red crosses, they formed a procession to bring their request to the business meeting of the Synod in session at Bethany Church.  The delegates, all male, had a heated debate for several hours.  Carl Swensson spoke in favor of the organization as did Emmy's husband, Pastor Carl Evald.  The request passed, the women returned to the parsonage for prayer and thanksgiving, and elected officers.  Emmy Evald was elected president and Alma recording secretary.  The Augustana Women's Missionary Society came into existence that day at Alma's house, empowering women in the church for social ministry and action as well as experience in leadership.  Now women would serve on congregational Women's Missionary Society boards of directors, conduct meetings, draft by-laws, organize events, and learn to raise money in support of missionaries, hospitals, and schools.
     "Alma Lind Swensson would become a prominent figure in the work of this organization, and she would bring a world view to thousands of women across the United States."

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​A 1919 Photograph
Courtesy of Karen A.. Humphrey
​Courtesy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

  
For information on the 1894 - 1962 ~ Bethany College Graduates in Augustana Lutheran Synod World Mission Work
~ An account by Dr. Emory K. Lindquist go HERE.
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For The 2000 - 2016 "Augustana Heritage Association" go HERE.  

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​* These shared selections of Ms. A. Karen Humphrey's book, "Grace, Faith and the Power of Singing:  The Alma Christina Lind Swensson Story"
 have been shown to her for approval as of 11-14-22.
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