Painting by John Singleton Copley

Judith Sargent Murray

(May 1, 1751-June 9, 1820)

If John Murray is the “Father of the Universalist Church in America,” then Judith Sargent Murray has to be the “Mother.” It is claimed, and rightly so, that Judith Sargent Murray’s involvement in Christian Universalism is the major reason why women have always held leadership in the Universalist Church of America, even as ministers.

The daughter of the influential universalist businessman, Winthrop Sargent, Judith readily embraced universalism and did much, along with her father, to plant the Larger Hope in Gloucester. It is the father who invited Murray to preach in Gloucester. Her acquaintance with John Murray, a widower, led to their marriage on October 5, 1788, following the death of her first husband, John Stevens in 1786

Her 1782 Universalist catechism written for children, written before her marriage to Murray, is considered the earliest writing by an American universalist woman. Her name was included in the public documents that expelled the Gloucester Universalist from the First Parish (Congregational) for refusing to attend and pay the parish tax.

Judith Sargent Stevens Murray was an advocate for women’s right, a prolific essay and letter writer, playwright and poet. She was one of the first American women to promote the idea of the equality of the sexes so that the women had the same opportunities for intellectual accomplishment and economic independence as does the man. Among her many influential pieces is her essay, “On the Equality of Sexes.” This essay paved the way for th4e many feminist writers who followed.



Resources:

Catechism (1782). Written before her marriage to John Murray gives a clear understanding of the universalism of James Ralley. The preface sets out her belief in the equality of the sexes. [Online Copy External Link]

Continuation by Judith Sargent Murray provides a continuation of life and work of John Murray, after his death, adding further context and historical depth. Continuations also expands of her ideas regarding equality of the sexes.

Judith Sargent Murray died in Nacthez, Mississippi at the age of 69.