Annie Armstrong facts for kids
Annie Walker Armstrong (born July 11, 1850 – died December 20, 1938) was an important leader in the Southern Baptist church. She played a big part in starting the Woman's Missionary Union. This group helps support missionaries around the world.
Annie's Early Life
Annie Armstrong was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Her father, John Dunn Armstrong, was a tobacconist. Her mother was Mary Elizabeth (Walker) Armstrong. Annie also had a brother named James. Her family had been Baptists for a long time. Her great-great-grandfather, Henry Sater, even helped start the first Baptist church in Maryland.
When Annie was 20, she had a special religious experience. This happened while listening to Dr. Richard Fuller speak at Seventh Baptist Church. Later, she helped start a new church called Eutaw Place Church. Dr. Richard Fuller, a leader in the Southern Baptist Convention, was also the pastor there. He was very involved in missionary work.
Annie spent a lot of time helping others in Baltimore. She worked with groups that supported orphans. She also helped African Americans, Native Americans, and Chinese Americans. She cared for new immigrants and women and families facing hard times.
Starting the Woman's Missionary Union
In 1888, Annie Armstrong helped create the WMU. WMU stands for the Woman's Missionary Union. She helped write the rules for this new organization. Annie also became its first "correspondent secretary." This job was like being the main leader or director.
In her role, Annie made sure everyone stayed connected. She linked church leaders, local churches, and missionaries. Missionaries are people who travel to spread their faith. Annie wrote many letters. In one year, she wrote 18,000 letters by hand!
Annie was very dedicated to her work. She never took a salary for leading the WMU. She also traveled a lot to support the WMU, paying for her own trips. Annie was a strong supporter of missionaries. She encouraged churches to help missionaries through prayer and donations. She visited missionaries across the U.S. She shared their stories with churches. She did this by telling her own experiences. She also shared letters from the missionaries. Because of Annie and the women of WMU, the annual Easter mission offering began in 1895. This offering helps support missions.
Annie's Legacy
Annie Armstrong passed away on December 20, 1938. She died in Baltimore. This was the same year the WMU celebrated its 50th anniversary. She was buried in Green Mount Cemetery with her family.
Annie has been honored for her work. She was added to the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame. Today, Southern Baptist churches still collect the Easter Offering for North American Missions. It is collected in her name every year. This helps continue her work of supporting missionaries.
