Unsung Heroes of Methodism: Phoebe Palmer

We’ve all heard the names John and Charles Wesley, but there are a lot of other important names in the history of Methodism you may not know. The Unsung Heroes of Methodism series tells the stories of lesser-known figures whose lives and witness still impact The United Methodist Church today, even if their names aren’t familiar to us.

Phoebe Palmer was a devout Methodist, influential prayer leader, published author and a key figure in the 19th-century Holiness movement—a popular Christian movement emphasizing conversion, sanctification and pious living. Her leadership helped pave the way for future generations of female preachers and ministry leaders in Methodism.

Born in New York City in 1807 to Henry and Dorothea Worrall, Palmer was raised in the Methodist faith. Her father, an English immigrant, had converted to Methodism in London before settling in America. At 20, she married a physician named Walter Palmer. The couple had six children, three of whom died in infancy. These personal tragedies, rather than weakening her faith, deepened her spiritual passions and convictions.[1]

In 1835, Palmer began attending women's prayer meetings led by her sister, Sarah Lankford, every Tuesday at home. Over time, she assumed leadership of these gatherings, which grew significantly due to her gifts as an evangelist. Many attendees reported profound experiences of the Holy Spirit. As word spread, her meetings attracted prominent Methodists, including future bishops Matthew Simpson and Jesse Truesdell Peck.[2]

Phoebe and Walter Palmer received invitations to speak at churches and Methodist gatherings across the United States, Canada and Europe. In 1850, she helped establish the Five Points Mission to aid New York’s poor. She was also a staunch advocate for abolitionism, temperance and women’s rights. Despite prevailing restrictions on women in ministry, Palmer defended her calling in numerous published works, detailing her experiences of holiness and defending her calling as woman to ministry.[3]

Palmer died of Bright’s disease in 1874 at the age of 66.[4] One of her daughters, Phoebe Knapp, became a well-known Methodist hymnist, composing the music for the beloved hymn "Blessed Assurance."[5]

Palmer remains a somewhat controversial figure within The United Methodist Church due to her views on sanctification and Christian perfection, which diverged from traditional Wesleyan teachings. While John Wesley and most Methodist theologians taught that sanctification was a gradual process leading believers toward perfect love of God and neighbor, Palmer and other Holiness movement leaders argued that sanctification should occur instantaneously all at once.[6]

Despite her unusual beliefs on sanctification, Palmer’s influence on 19th-century Methodism is undeniable. As a laywoman, she set a powerful example for future generations of women in ministry and activism. Among those who drew inspiration from her were Frances Willard, a leader in the women's suffrage movement, and Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army.[7]

This content was produced by umc.org on February 6, 2025. Philip J. Brooks is a writer and content developer at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email.