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concerns that her academic achievements and wonderful past
might make it hard to minister to people struggling to make ends

meet proved unfounded - she quickly won the support of church
and community where her care and industry moved mountains,
including nine baptisms in one day!

Ella’s application for ordination into the Presbyterian Church of
England came at a time when the loss of many men through World
Wars saw women increasingly respected in their service including
as Elders. Ella’s reputation preceded her and her application was
successfully passed (by 56 votes to 1, with 5 abstentions) to a
higher decision-making body, the Assembly.

The Assembly were cautious, initially suggesting a review of the
1921 call for women’s ordination. However, their amendment lost
by 123 votes to 229 and so the original resolution was carried with
253 voting for and only 25 against: Ella Gordon, outstanding in
ability, experience and personal grace of character was finally
eligible for a call!

Ella was ordained at High Howdon in November 1956. Her service
there for the next five years was beyond praise and she was held in
high regard throughout the community. In 1961 she was called to
Liverpool, where, largely through her influence, the Liverpool
Presbytery took on responsibility for an inner city youth project,
purchasing a disused public house to run the project from.

Sadly, ill health, partly due to the demands she put on herself, led
her from the pastoral ministry to teach at the Selly Oak Colleges in
1966 before retiring in 1968 to live in Edinburgh, Comrie and finally
Muthill. She died in 1999.

A pioneer of women’s ministry despite the prejudices of the time,
gaining new levels of respect by her vision and the mature, often
mischievous humour used to overcome disappointments and
frustrations.

Karen Naylor, Wareham URC

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