Christian Missionary Alliance

Christian Missionary Alliance

" Dr. Albert B. Simpson founded the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination in 1887 and Elsie Gatherer was preaching for the Christian Missonary Alliance in Oberlin.

According to Rev. Jones, Elsie Gatherer, a powerful speaker and an influential pastor in the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, played a critical role in bringing together the Oberlin church. Gatherer was a female evangelist who came from Scotland. She had spoken at meetings in Lorain, Elyria, and elsewhere throughout the county before coming to preach at Oberlin. The Oberlin congregation chose Gatherer to preach, but denominational leaders were not enthusiastic about issuing an invitation to a woman.

But the Oberlin church was adamant about the appointment, and the Alliance officials allowed her to fill the position.

It was Elsie Gatherer who collected donations to obtain the materials and labor needed to construct the current church building on South Pleasant Street, which was completed in 1928. Most materials were donated by local merchants and labor was volunteered; funds were also raised through subscriptions.

When the Oberlin Christian Missionary Alliance was incorporated on May 3, 1938; Elsie Gatherer, who was still serving as preacher, was a witness. "

[to be associated with this group is to be involved promoting their heretical teachings. Women are not to speak in the church. This is a command of the Lord. Keep seperate from them! ES]


Source: http://www.oberlin.edu/external/EOG/AfAmChurches/MissionaryAlliance.htm