Addie Aylestock was born 1909 in Glenallen Ontario and died 1998. In 1951 she became the first ordained black woman in Canada. Early in her life Addie began working as a domestic but felt a desire to help others. Initially her intention was to attend Medical Missionary College in Toronto then work in Africa; however, after graduating she ended up staying in Toronto to further her education. She attended Toronto Bible School and, following her graduation in 1951, she was ordained. By 1959 Aylestock had rose to the ranks of deaconess, which was the highest position available to women at that time. She spent over twenty years ministering for the British Methodist Episcopal Church, during which time she served several cities throughout Canada including Toronto, Halifax and Owen Sound.
Additional information about Addie Aylestock can be founding at the following links:
http://www.blackhistorycanada.ca/profiles.php?themeid=20&id=12
http://famouscanadianwomen.com/famous%20firsts/religious%20leaders.htm
http://education.davidspencer.ca/wiki/Addie_Aylestock
compiled by Barb Godin
