Martha Jayne Keys facts for kids
Martha Jayne Keys (1892-1975) was an important American Christian minister. She made history by being the first woman to become a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church). She also led a church group in West Kentucky for five years. In 1933, she wrote a play called The Comforter, which was a gospel drama.
Contents
Her Early Life and Education
Martha Jayne Keys was born in Mayfield, Kentucky. Her parents were Thomas J. and Lizzie A. Keys. In the 1910s, she finished her studies at Payne Theological Seminary. Later, in 1930, she earned a special degree called a Doctor of Divinity from the same university. On April 12, 1933, she officially registered her one-act play, The Comforter. She registered it under the name Evangelist Dr. Martha Jayne Keys Marshall.
Her Work and Leadership
Fighting for Women Ministers
Martha Jayne Keys worked hard to help women become ministers in the AME Church. She presented a proposal to the AME General Conference in 1935 (or 1936) and again in 1940. Her goal was to allow women to become "itinerant elders." This meant they could travel and lead different churches.
At the 1936 AME General Conference, she was a delegate. Many people supported her idea, including other ministers and women's groups. Even though her proposal was first turned down, she promised to keep trying. She kept campaigning for the bill until it was passed. Finally, in 1960, the AME Church removed all rules that stopped women from becoming leaders. This was a big step forward for women in the church.
Leading Churches
By 1947, Martha Jayne Keys had served as the pastor (leader) of five different churches. After she was officially ordained as a minister in 1951, she became the pastor of the Evangelical Rescue Mission. This mission was located at 2113 W. Walnut in Louisville, Kentucky.
See also
