Carrie Frances Judd Montgomery (April 8, 1858 – July 26, 1946) was an American editor, philanthropist, woman preacher, faith healer, evangelist, radical evangelical, and writer.
Montgomery, the fourth of eight children, was born on April 8, 1858, and spent her early days in Buffalo, New York, where the revival of 1857-1858 was underway.
Because of her own deteriorating health, at fifteen years old, her brother invited her to live with him in another area of New York which had a better climate.
After a return home to help care for several sick family members, she moved to another part of New York with the same brother.
At a time when those around her were expecting her death at any moment, even her mother allowing friends into her room to say their last goodbyes, her father came across a unique article in the local newspaper.
The article told of the account of Mrs. Edward Mix, a "colored woman" named Sarah from Connecticut, being healed of tuberculosis through the prayers of Mr. Ethan Allan.
Even though no one showed up to Mrs. Mix’s regular prayer meeting that day due to poor weather, she and her husband prayed for Carrie nonetheless.
[7] Carrie became an itinerant preacher and teacher and traveled internationally throughout her life to share her story of healing and encourage people in their faith.
Through her close friendship with Albert Benjamin Simpson she eventually became a part of the forming of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA).
Carrie transcended denominational barriers as she shared her story,[10] speaking at Baptist (including The Temple in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, in 1910),[11] Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Salvation Army, Alliance, and other gatherings.
In 1889 Carrie experienced some persecution and even some churches shutting their doors to her, first because she was a woman preacher and second because she spoke to African Americans.
In 1890, Carrie married a successful businessman, George S. Montgomery, who was previously healed of diabetes and afterwards had "consecrated himself to the Lord’s service."
With her husband’s constant support and great provision of resources, she opened up an orphanage and a training center there[12] and also worked in Beulah Heights, California.
To the Evangelicals, she had a voice to introduce Spirit baptism to them without all the fanaticism and to the Pentecostals, she remained balanced and didn’t overemphasize the practice of speaking in tongues.
She was connected to Smith Wigglesworth, Aimee Semple McPherson, John G. Lake,[21] Finis E. Yoakum, George Peck,[22] and many other prominent Christian leaders in her time.
She continued her ministry including involvement with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union[24][25] until her death on July 26, 1946, and was succeeded by her only child, Faith Berry.