Carrie Elizabeth Merriweather: Pioneer Female Missionary

Early Life and Education

Carrie Elizabeth Merriweather was born July 28, 1881, in Carthage, Indiana. When she was 17 years old, she moved to Ohio and attended a Bible School. Merriweather enrolled at Nyack College & Seminary (The Missionary Training Institute) in 1910.

Missionary Service in Sierra Leone

Carrie answered her call to missions after completing NYACK. She began her ministry in Sierra Leone in 1913 with the C & MA mission organization. She was the first female African-American missionary to be sent by the C&MA.

Historic Significance

Carrie has cultural significance in Sierra Leone. She was an African-American woman. She played a crucial role connecting the mission fields of West Africa. She also connected the Black church heritage in the United States. Her selection by the C&MA showed increasing recognition of African-American leadership in international missions. However, this recognition was still uncommon at the time.

Around 1918, Carrie fell ill and had to leave Sierra Leone.

Return to the United States and Mentorship

Her passion after returning to the United States was to welcome as many people as she could into her house. Despite their anxieties, she wished to inspire them to follow the Lord. This was significant. She encouraged African Americans to join in international missions by using her house as a meeting spot. She assisted aspiring missionaries in overcoming their concerns about serving in Africa.

Carrie passed away on March 20, 1931.

CITATIONS

Historical records of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Archives.

Alumni profiles and historical documentation from Nyack College & Seminary.