New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-07-29
THE GIRL PREACHER.
MISS ANNA OLIVER IN BRooKLYN-HER EDUCATION
AND PLANS.

MISS ANNA OLIVER IN BROoKLYN-HER EDUCATION
AND PLANS.
Anna Oliver, called sometimes the girl
preacher spoke yesterday afternoon at Leerts Park
Brooklyn, to audience Of several hundred persons
The crowd overlooked the that had provided
and the edge of the circle frnged with dense, rest
less throng To protect the seats from the broad
canopy had been spread above them, and near
the centre small platform slightly raised, and on
this desk draped with the National flag. At the
Of the desk a covered stand in which was choir
which led the singing. accompanied by piano
Miss Oliver took as the theme of her discourse the
subject of salvation She began with description Of
Union soldiers angulshnG in rebel prisons, and Of the
message of salvation that the dngs Of peace brought to
them and to their country The preacher then proceeded
10 describe various classes Of prisoners TO SIM and the
greater salvation brought by the Gospel Of Christ The
need Of personal effort urged upon her hearers. IL
lustratiou was drawn from hen with brood Of chick
ems, which at the first note Of alarm from the mother
hen shelter of her protecting wings SO sim
ner must hasten the salvation offered by the religion
Of Christ Miss Oliver spoke for nearly thirty minutes
and was listened to with earnest attention She spoke
rapidly and clearly, and although sheet OF notes
was pinned to page OF the open Bible which
rested on the desk before her. she apparently did not
consult them. Miss Oliver Is q slight woman, some
what above the medium height, with small but strongly
marked features. Her forehead is wide, and slightly
higher than required by classic laws of beauty her
eyes nearly black and, although deep, are full and
bright, surmouned by heavy black brows that nearly
meet Her nose is bold and prominent, with decided
rise at the tip, but the nosrs are thin ana sensitive
She has wide mouth win thln req ups, ana nei
chin and pointed III general her complexion
Is dark and nearly sallOw.
Miss oliver wore yesterday dress mad OF some
thin black material that fell around her In SOFT Moving
lines Around her neck was white lace ru1le, and at
the throat simple bow Of white lace Upon her heau
she had dark straw hat, faced with dark velvet ana
trimmed with block ribbons. Her hair brushed
carelessy back OF the temples and under her hat fell
down the neck in short, loose curls In speaking MISS
Oliver has earnest, nervous manner somewhat
restrained but full of power her voice II clear and nc
times deep and her utterance rapid but distinct Miss
Oliver apparently about twenty years old She
ave. Thirtieth-st She was graduated at the
Rutgers Female College Ffthaye, IN this city and
then entered to Theological School OF the Boston
University Metbodsp, the first female pupil ever ad.
mtted to the school. she pursued the three years
course during which she supported herself by working
during the vacations, and was graduated IN June. 1875
Soon after the conclusion Of her theological studies,
Miss Oliver took charge OF the FIRST Methodist Churcnat
Passaic. n. j., where she remained nearly year her
frat audience at this church consisted OF fifteen persons
but the end Of the the church was crowded
ordained preacher Of Methodist Church The period
Of probation before she would be entitled 10 ordination
expired but at it's termination she VIII apply 10
the General Conference be ordained The Conference
Of the Methodist Church does not admit female preachers,
but Miss Oliver Is confident the belief that tue excu
sion will not be permanent. She received re-
Gently a call 10 take charge OF church III
Boston, but she felt that she needed Longer rest IMAM
she had then had and she therefore declined the invita-
tOn She has under consideration invitations from
other churches, but has not made decision upon tnem
gest work as slefet herself 10 be well ttod for the
OF church She shrank from the notOrlety that
attended the life Of evangelist workers She dislked,
she said to be talked about but wished to follow quietly
aud peaccabY the work which she felt had been laid
OF the excellent results of cOeducatiOn Of the sexes
Miss oliver expects soon to the Adrondacks with
party Of female friends She Is expert In the use OF the
rifle and wishes 10 try her SKILL has not yet DONE
The party will be accompanied by an Indian gudc