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“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” — Proverbs 31:26
Long before women in church leadership was widely accepted—
Before boards had diversity policies—
Before most people imagined a woman leading a district—
One woman said yes.
Her name was Rev. Elsie Wallace, and she was the first female district superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene.
Yes, you read that right.
In 1920, when leadership roles for women were almost unheard of, Elsie was already leading a district.
A Woman Before Her Time, Appointed by One Who Believed
In early 1920, General Superintendent John Goodwin appointed Elsie Wallace to lead the Northwest District—a bold move that affirmed the Church’s early commitment to Spirit-led leadership, regardless of gender.
But even before that, she had already made history:
In 1902, Phineas Bresee himself ordained her, making Elsie Wallace the first woman to be ordained in the Church of the Nazarene.
Not a Token, But a Trailblazer
Elsie wasn’t placed in leadership as a gesture—she was already doing the work.
She had planted churches, preached the gospel, and built communities of faith long before any title arrived.
Among the churches she helped establish are:
- Spokane First Church
- Walla Walla First Church
While her husband, Rev. DeLance Wallace, served part-time as a superintendent, it was Elsie who carried the full-time pastoral and leadership load. Her influence wasn’t borrowed—it was earned through prayer, preaching, and perseverance.
Why Her Story Still Matters Today
In a time when women in ministry still face resistance in many corners of the world, Elsie Wallace reminds us that:
- God has always called women.
- The Spirit has always empowered them.
- And the Church of the Nazarene has a legacy of saying yes.
She walked so others could run.
Her yes in 1920 still echoes in the halls of every district that affirms and ordains women today.
To Every Woman Asking, “Can I Lead?”
The answer has already been written in history.
It was etched in the faith of a woman who believed God’s call was bigger than cultural expectations.
You don’t have to wait for permission—heaven already gave it.
You don’t have to wonder if leadership is for you—just look at Elsie.
If she could lead in 1920, you can stand strong in 2025.
You are not second-class in the Kingdom.
You are called qualified and commissioned.
