06/17/2026
Mary L. Moreland is celebrated for being the "First Ordained Congregational Woman Minister in the United States"* (1889). Mary was born in Westfield, MA on December 23rd in 1859. From the very beginning, church, the bible, and religion played a tremendous role in Mary's life. Ms. Moreland was incredibly well educated as evidenced by her degrees at the Appleton Academy, Moody Bible Institute, Illinois Wesleyan University, Creal Springs College and the Chicago Theological Seminary. She began her temperance work in her teenage years where she "...was among the first of Massachusetts young women to take the white ribbon in the W.C.T.U...." Mary was a minister, teacher and author. Her oratory skills were exemplary and she often found herself on the pulpit numerous times persuading audiences to take action in a revival format. She had a gift to communicate and her passion inspired many of her writings, including: "Which, Right or Wrong (1883)", "Domestic Problem"(booklet), "The Flag of the Free" (booklet) and more. In 1893, Mary Moreland was recognized as "A Women of the Century", a publication that recognized notable 19th-century women. Thank you Mary for following your heart. Your passion, commitment and spirit continues lives on. (Written By: Heather Witalisz) (Photo Source: A Woman of the Century) | (Information Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_L._Moreland)
*Record book of First Congregational Church, Wyanet, Il, May 8, 1884-1917, p. 23
**A Woman of the Century: Fourteen Hundred Seventy Biographical Sketches, Accompanied by Portraits of Leading American Women, in all Walks of Life - published in 1893 by Charles Wells Moulton. Editors; Frances E. Willard and Mary A. Livermore
