This week in Christian history: John Knox dies, Vatican II, Women's Christian Temperance Union founded

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter

Women's Christian Temperance Union Founded - November 18, 1874

Women belonging to the Committee on Arangements for the National Women's Christian Temperance Union's 1924 Convention.
Women belonging to the Committee on Arangements for the National Women's Christian Temperance Union's 1924 Convention. | (Photo: Public Domain)

This week marks the anniversary of when the Women's Christian Temperance Union held its first national convention, a multiday gathering in Cleveland, Ohio.

The opening meeting was attended by approximately 300 people, with Annie Wittenmyer elected president and Frances Willard elected corresponding secretary.

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"Eventually, the WCTU's social reform causes included kindergartens, child labor, anti-prostitution, public health, sanitation, international peace, and suffrage. The movement grew in numbers and strength, and by 1892 the WCTU had nearly 150,000 dues-paying members," noted Virginia Commonwealth University's Social Welfare History Project.

"The WCTU was instrumental in organizing woman's suffrage leaders and in helping more women become involved in American politics."

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