About Alma Hunt (1908-2008)

Written by Rev. Dr. Nathan Taylor, Executive Director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society for the BGAV’s 200th anniversary

It might be summer, but in Baptist churches across Virginia, we will be hearing the name of Alma Hunt before we know it, as we are invited to generously support WMUV and BGAV missions and ministries once again. While familiar to many, the story of Virginia Baptists’ own beloved standard-bearer for God’s mission in the world is one that bears repeating.

Alma Hunt (“Miss Alma” to most) served as executive director of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) at the national level, from 1948-1974. Originally from Roanoke, she completed degrees at Longwood and Columbia (NY), before moving into her new position with WMU. When she was elected at age 38 (interrupting doctoral studies at Columbia and her role as dean of women at William Jewell College to accept the role), her youthful personality seemed radical to some and refreshing to others. One of Virginia’s other most beloved mission leaders, Blanche Sydnor White, praised the wisdom of the appointment, pledging the support of Miss Hunt’s home state.

During Miss Alma’s long term of service promoting mission endeavors, she inspired women and girls all over the world to lead, pray, and love people as God loves them, through her infectious compassion and care for others—serving in over 90 countries! Later, she was instrumental in forming the women’s department of the Baptist World Alliance at the global level and was active in the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Numerous buildings and other initiatives bear her name. In 2007, Rosalind Hills Baptist Church elected to ordain Alma Hunt, and she spoke with authority in support of full equality for women in ministry. Her pastor at the time, Tom Stocks, memorably remarked that her ordination came about “75 years late.” Indeed. While she passed away in June 2008, at age 98, her illustrious life of humility, encouragement, and passion for sharing the love of Jesus continues to exemplify the very best of the BGAV family of faith.