Recovering Crucial Stories: PUC Students Publish Book on Women Who Shaped Adventism

After Jim Wibberding, chair and professor of the theology department at Pacific Union College, discovered over 50 names of women who significantly shaped the faith and mission of Adventism, he created the "Women in Adventist History" course in 2022 to share the stories of underrepresented women in the church.

Some of these women were Jennie Ireland, whose biography was nowhere to be found but slightly mentioned in someone else's biography as the woman who planted the first Black Adventist church on the West Coast, and Sarah Peck, who appeared as one of Ellen White's literary assistants but also had more to her story as a notable role in shaping Adventist education worldwide. Wibberding aimed to put a spotlight on those who were ignored and unknown, filling these historical gaps in the storytelling of the women who have made the Adventist church known today at PUC and beyond.

During spring quarter of 2023, 19 students from Wibberding's class wrote a book titled Women of the West: Twenty Who Shaped Adventism, which was released this past March. The inspiration behind this book also stemmed from their research and essays, which uncovered more stories of the crucial contributions of women whose experiences had been overlooked in books and studies, shaping various aspects of the Adventist Church, from the conference to education, healthcare, and publishing. Wibberding said the stories also connect to PUC, which added meaning to the student authors. In addition to publishing this book, some of the students wrote articles for the SDA Encyclopedia and created podcast episodes.

“Telling the stories of women who shaped Adventism is about telling the truth,” said Wibberding. “These are not marginal stories or small contributions. Their stories were marginalized when the broader American religious culture pushed Adventism to minimize women. When we let the truth live, it challenges assumptions about the role of women in church and society. When we tell the truth about women leading our church in the past, it challenges those who think the push toward equality for women in leadership is putting culture above Scripture to think again.”

When his students began to find stories of these women and piece them together, it felt like a breakthrough for Wibberding. “It felt like we had crossed over from the world of a niche hobby to a small movement with a life of its own,” he said.

One of the writers in this book was Jacqueline Messing, a PUC student, who was surprised by the opportunity to have her work published. “I had never imagined I would be part of a project that involved publishing material in such a professional capacity,” she said. Messing credits Wibberding’s dedication to his students and the class for being a remarkable professor who always provided them with a progressive, engaging, and enriching academic experience.

Messing wrote about PUC alumna Lucy Mae Kum, whom she previously studied and researched through the college’s archives. However, due to limited records, she had to contact Caribbean Union College, where Kum also attended, and speak to their librarian, who provided a wealth of information and even connected her to Kum’s daughter. When Messing completed her research, she found the experience entirely meaningful and rewarding.

“This class itself offered a unique opportunity,” Messing said. “Mr. Wibberding was the one who encouraged students to engage and immerse themselves in Adventist history. As a result, uncovering these hidden gems was eye-opening, and it broadened my understanding of the sacrifices made by God-fearing, pioneering women. Thanks to individuals like Mrs. Kum, the foundational pillars of Seventh-day Adventist institutions, such as education and the church, continue to thrive and prosper. This course allowed students to preserve and honor their legacy, sacrifices, stories of faith, testimony, and strength.”

Wibberding hopes readers will be inspired, just as he and his students were, and to make a difference for God’s cause in their lives. Many of the stories share how much these women accomplished despite having minimal opportunities and resources. “I pray that the stories my students tell will encourage others with the vastness of possibility when God is at the helm,” he said. “You will not read most of these stories elsewhere, making this a unique contribution to scholarship and our Adventist self-understanding.”