Women Organizers of the Early New Thought Conventions

Introduction

The early New Thought movement, a metaphysical and spiritual reform movement that emerged in the late 19th century, was profoundly shaped by the organizational efforts of women. These women not only taught and wrote but also orchestrated the conventions and conferences that bound the movement together, creating a sense of community and institutional continuity. From the first informal gatherings in Boston and Chicago to the grand International New Thought Congress in San Francisco in 1915, women such as Ursula Newell Gestefeld, Annie Rix Militz, Emma Curtis Hopkins, and Myrtle Fillmore were indispensable. This article traces their contributions, focusing on the organizational structures they built and the conventions they led, and examines the lasting impact of their work on the New Thought movement and its successors.

Historical Context

The New Thought movement arose in the mid-19th century against a backdrop of American religious ferment, influenced by Transcendentalism, mesmerism, and the mind-cure movement. Figures like Phineas Quimby, who experimented with mental healing, and Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, laid the groundwork for a new emphasis on the power of thought and spiritual healing. Women, who were often excluded from traditional religious leadership, found unprecedented opportunities in these new movements. The era also saw the rise of the women’s suffrage movement and a broader push for women’s rights, which intersected with the spiritual egalitarianism of New Thought. As Horatio Dresser notes in his 1919 history, the movement was “liberal” and open to diverse influences, and women were among its most active pioneers. This context of spiritual experimentation and social change set the stage for women to become organizers, teachers, and leaders in New Thought.

Main Narrative

The Emergence of New Thought and Women’s Leadership

The New Thought movement began to coalesce in the 1880s and 1890s, with key figures like Emma Curtis Hopkins, who was a former student of Mary Baker Eddy and later became known as the “teacher of teachers.” Hopkins trained many women who went on to found their own ministries and organizations. Among them were Ursula Newell Gestefeld, who founded the Science of Being and the Church of the New Thought in Chicago, and Annie Rix Militz, who established the Home of Truth in California. These women were not only spiritual teachers but also organizational innovators. They held meetings, published periodicals, and networked with other like-minded individuals. The need for a broader coordinating body became evident as the movement expanded across the United States and beyond.

The International New Thought Alliance: Origins and Founders

The International New Thought Alliance (INTA) emerged from a series of conferences and conventions that began in the 1890s. Its origins can be traced to the efforts of women and men who sought to unite the various New Thought groups under a common banner. The alliance was formally established in 1914, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., according to Dresser. The founders included prominent figures such as Annie Rix Militz, who served as a vice-president, and Ursula Gestefeld, who was an active participant. The beliefs of the alliance were broad, encompassing the core New Thought principles of the power of positive thinking, the immanence of God, and the practice of spiritual healing. The institutions of the alliance included annual congresses, regional meetings, and the publication of a journal. The alliance’s publications, such as the New Thought Bulletin, helped disseminate ideas and coordinate activities. Major events included the 1915 San Francisco Congress, which was a landmark gathering. The alliance had branches in many cities, and its membership grew steadily. Over time, the alliance evolved to include a wider range of metaphysical groups, and it continues to exist today as a network of New Thought churches and organizations.

The First International New Thought Congress (1915)

Date: August 30 – September 5, 1915.
Location: San Francisco, California, at Moose Auditorium, Jones Street near Golden Gate Avenue.
Participants: The congress was attended by New Thought leaders from across the United States and internationally, including many women who were prominent organizers. The program included daily sessions, healing meetings, and a New Thought Day at the Panama-Pacific Exposition.
Background: The congress was held in conjunction with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal. It was the first time the movement had gathered on such a scale, and it was intended to showcase New Thought’s global relevance.
What Happened: According to Dresser’s account, the congress began on August 30 and continued for six days, with three sessions daily and noon healing meetings. The event featured lectures, demonstrations, and musical performances. On August 28, a New Thought Day was held at the Exposition, with a procession of attendees to the Court of Abundance, where they received commemorative bronze medals. The program included a mind-reading demonstration by The Ellises, a banquet, and a choral and organ recital.
Primary Accounts: Horatio Dresser’s A History of the New Thought Movement (1919) provides a detailed account of the congress, including the schedule and activities. Other contemporary periodicals, such as Unity Magazine and Nautilus, also covered the event.
Consequences: The congress helped solidify the International New Thought Alliance as a central organizing body. It also highlighted the movement’s diversity and its appeal to women, who were prominently featured as speakers and organizers. The success of the congress led to subsequent international gatherings and increased coordination among New Thought groups.

Key Women Organizers

Several women were instrumental in organizing early New Thought conventions. Ursula Newell Gestefeld (1845–1921) was a prolific writer and organizer who founded the Science of Being and the Exodus Club in Chicago. She was a contributor to The Woman’s Bible and was known for her intellectual rigor. Gestefeld was a prominent figure in the transition from Christian Science to independent New Thought organizations, and she hosted conventions and taught extensively. Annie Rix Militz (1856–1924) was another key organizer. She founded the Home of Truth in San Francisco and, with her sister Harriet Hale Rix, established the West Coast Metaphysical Bureau. Militz was a student of Emma Curtis Hopkins and became a leading teacher and organizer. She was active in the International New Thought Alliance and helped arrange the 1915 congress. Emma Curtis Hopkins (1849–1925) was the “teacher of teachers” and trained many of the movement’s female leaders. Though she did not organize conventions herself, her influence was felt through her students. Myrtle Fillmore (1845–1931), co-founder of Unity, was also a significant organizer, though her work was more focused on the Unity movement. Other women, such as Nona Brooks and Malinda Cramer, played roles in the Divine Science branch and participated in national gatherings. These women’s organizational skills and networking abilities were crucial in creating the infrastructure that allowed New Thought to flourish.

Changes Over Time and Present-Day Organizations

The International New Thought Alliance evolved over the decades, incorporating new groups and adapting to changing cultural contexts. Women continued to play leadership roles, though the movement also saw the rise of male leaders like Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science. Today, the alliance remains active, with member churches and centers worldwide. The legacy of the early women organizers is evident in the many New Thought ministries led by women and in the movement’s ongoing emphasis on inclusivity and personal empowerment.

Why It Matters in New Thought History

The contributions of women organizers were essential to the New Thought movement’s growth and institutionalization. They created networks, organized conferences, and published materials that spread the movement’s ideas. Their work demonstrated that women could lead religious movements and shape theological discourse, challenging traditional gender roles. The conventions they organized provided platforms for diverse voices and helped unify a fragmented movement. The International New Thought Alliance, which they helped build, became a lasting institution that continues to connect New Thought communities. For students of New Thought history, the story of these women offers insight into the movement’s democratic ethos and its commitment to spiritual equality. It also highlights the intersections between the movement and broader social reform movements, such as women’s suffrage.

Primary Sources

• A History of the New Thought Movement by Horatio W. Dresser (1919) – A foundational history that includes detailed accounts of the 1915 congress and the formation of the International New Thought Alliance.
• The Woman’s Bible (contributions by Ursula Gestefeld) – A feminist theological work that includes Gestefeld’s commentary, reflecting her views on women’s spirituality.
• New Thought Bulletin (periodical of the International New Thought Alliance) – Contains reports of conventions and organizational news.
• Unity Magazine – Published articles about the movement and its gatherings, including the 1915 congress.
• Annie Rix Militz’s writings – Her books and articles, such as None of These Diseases, provide insights into her teachings and organizational philosophy.