By the time Smith was thirty-two, she had lost two husbands and four of her five children. Christianity has had difficulty coping with racial diversity, and in many churches congregations are almost entirely white or almost entirely black. In 1892, Amanda Smith returned to the United States and settled in Chicago where Although she was not ordained as a minister in any official capacity, she became the first black woman to work internationally as an evangelist. Established 1866 . and published her autobiography in 1893. Edit Profile. Amanda Smith, American evangelist and missionary who opened an orphanage for African-American girls. She was educated mainly at home and at an early age began working as a domestic. Ultimately, the God whom Smith faithfully served is greater than any humanly conceived description. Women Prose Writers, 1870-1920, Detroit: Gale Group, 2000; Melton, J. Gordon, Smith was born to slaves in Long Green, Maryland. In the 1870s, she accepted an invitation to speak on temperance in England. After first purchasing his freedom, he made it his mission to buy his family's. She was born to slave parents on January 23, 1837 in Long Green, [4] While there, she attended a revival service at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Amanda Berry Smith (January 23, 1837 – February 24, 1915)[1] was a former slave who became an inspiration to thousands of women, both black and white, while traveling and preaching as a devout Christian during her lifetime. In 1899, the orphanage opened its doors to homeless African American girls. Here you can find samples of my work: Published writing, videos, graphic design, and photography. In 1863, Smith’s husband was killed in battle during the Civil War. Born a slave, Berry grew up in York county, Pa., after her father bought his own freedom and that of most of the family. woman to work as an international evangelist in 1878. She continued to visit various nations and gained a reputation as "God's image carved in ebony." The couple then moved to Philadelphia. Although she was not ordained or financially She escaped slavery when her father bought her family out of bondage in Maryland before the Civil War. of sanctification, the belief that purification from intentional sin is achievable through African Methodist Episcopal church. Maryland. moved to York County, Pennsylvania, where their home became a station on the [6] By 1869, her children and husband had passed away, but Amanda continued to spread the Christian message. Smith was born to slaves in Long Green, Maryland. 10 Amanda met James Smith, her second husband, in the early 1860's. It was completely destroyed by fire in 1918, and was not reopened. purchase freedom for himself, his wife, Mariam Matthews, and their five children. At a temperance conference in London in 1898, Smith was inspired to do something for other blacks. Following another sojourn in Great Britain from 1889 to 1890, she returned to the United States. Born a slave, Berry grew up in York county, Pa., after her father bought his own freedom and that of most of the family. You have arrived at the portfolio website of Amanda Smith! She became well known for her beautiful voice and, hence, opportunities to evangelize in the South and West opened up for her. Early life. An Autobiography: The Story of the Lord's Dealings with Mrs. Amanda Smith, the Colored Evangelist: Containing an Account of Her Life Work of Faith, and Her Travels in America, England, Ireland, Scotland, India, and Africa as an Independent Missionary