Religion: Canadian First

In Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (pop. 21,000,000) one day 20 years ago, word reached a young woman named Lydia Gruchy that her brother Arthur had met his death in the War. Arthur Gruchy had been studying for the ministry. Grief-stricken, sister Lydia resolved to carry on for her brother, to do as much for God as a woman could. She entered St. Andrew’s Theological College in Saskatoon, the first woman in the Dominion to study theology. In 1923 Lydia Gruchy completed her courses. But when the United Church of Canada was formed two years later by a merging of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational bodies, it did not follow the lead of U. S. Methodists in ordaining women. Unable to administer such sacraments as baptism and marriage, Lydia Gruchy began preaching and teaching among young girls, finally became assistant to Rev. Geoffrey Glover of St. Andrew’s Church in Moose Jaw.

In that church, some 75 mi. north of the U. S. border, one day last week 1,000 friendly, happy people crowded to see Lydia Gruchy in a white dress and academic gown standing alone opposite seven male United Churchmen. She advanced to the altar, knelt while President John L. Nichol of the Saskatchewan Conference laid his hands upon her head and said: “Take thou authority to preach the Word of God and to minister the sacraments.” The other churchmen laid on their hands, questioned Miss Gruchy, handed her a parchment signifying that she was now a minister of God.

The preacher of the ordination sermon, Rev. George Dorey of Regina, reminded his listeners that the cause of Lydia Gruchy had been championed by no less a churchman than the late Moderator Edmund Henry Oliver of the United Church. The Church’s General Council finally voted to admit women to the ministry last September.

Now carrying on for her brother Arthur in a way she could not have dreamed 20 years ago, Rev. Lydia Gruchy will remain in Moose Jaw until assigned a pastorate.