]Last year, while researching Progressive Era women evangelists in The Free Methodist, I frequently encountered accounts of Blanche Stamp. Like many women from this period, I initially knew little about her, prompting further exploration into her life and contributions.

Early Life of Blanche Stamp

Emma Blanche Stamp was born in Pennsylvania in 1863 to Matthew and Emma Adams. The 1870 U.S. Census lists her as one of seven children, with her father working as a day laborer. In 1882, at nineteen, she married Christopher Stamp in Douglas, Kansas. Information about her life prior to marriage is sparse, but after their union, they embarked on a ministry together within the Free Methodist Church.

Conference Evangelist

From 1894 to 1898, Blanche served as a conference evangelist for the Pittsburg Conference. Although her license was from Pittsburg, she resided in Chicago when not traveling for revival services alongside Christopher. By 1898, she was listed as an evangelist in the Colorado Conference, where she was appointed to the Husted Circuit—a significant role in a thriving railroad town near what is now the U.S. Air Force Academy.

In 1899, Blanche returned to the Pittsburg Conference while living in Chicago, indicating that the couple was likely traveling extensively for their ministry. By 1900, she was appointed as the pastor in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, another vibrant railroad town.

Revivalist Journey

As revivalists, the Stamps traveled extensively. An August 30, 1902, report from Gallatin, Tennessee, provides insight into their revival activities. Blanche noted that they pitched a large tabernacle, where “the Lord began to send the crowds.” After Tennessee, they continued their revival efforts in Louisiana and Mississippi for two months, with Blanche emphasizing the area’s need for spiritual outreach.

Their ministry reports suggest that both Blanche and Christopher co-led many revival services, often noted as “C.W. and Mrs. B.E. Stamp.” Blanche’s vivid writing allows readers to visualize their experiences.

Impactful Sermons and Community Engagement

In an April 16, 1911, report, Blanche recounts a moving experience in Manhattan, Kansas, where she preached to a sixty-seven-year-old Catholic woman who had not attended church in forty years. The woman, though deaf, felt a deep conviction during the sermon and later expressed her desire for forgiveness, ultimately declaring, “O wonderful gospel!”

The Stamps continued their revival work, achieving significant success in Iowa and Wisconsin in 1912. Their growing influence led to Christopher’s appointment as a General Conference evangelist.

Challenges and Changes in Leadership

The General Conference had the authority to appoint elders as national evangelists to establish new churches. In 1913, Christopher provided a report in which he explained their decision to refrain from publishing their itinerary, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of revival durations. His respect for Blanche’s contributions was evident, as he recognized her role as a conference evangelist, despite the limitations placed on women in ministry.

While the Stamps saw themselves as equal partners in ministry, the denominational narrative often portrayed Blanche as secondary to Christopher’s leadership. Her April 20, 1945, obituary in The Free Methodist noted her support of her husband but overlooked her significant role in their joint ministry.

A Shift in Narrative

Following the defeat of women’s ordination in 1894, there was a noticeable shift within the male leadership of the Free Methodist Church. The focus shifted from opposing women preachers to applauding women serving in nurturing roles, such as the deaconess order established in 1907. Fortunately, the Stamps’ ministry reports provide a more accurate reflection of their partnership and contributions, contrasting the narrative presented in Blanche’s obituary.