Rachel Henderlite

Rachel Henderlite (December 30, 1905 – November 6, 1991) was an American religious leader who was the first woman to be ordained a pastor of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), which later merged with the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America to become the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. She held professorships at several American colleges and seminaries, wrote six books, and was active in various ecumenical efforts.

Early years and education Rachel Henderlite was born in Henderson, North Carolina, on December 30, 1905, one of three children of James Henry Henderlite and Nelle (Crow) Henderlite.