Susie Forrest Swift

Susie Forrest Swift (later, Sister M. Imelda Teresa, O.P.; June 10, 1862 – April 19, 1916) was an American Salvationist, and later, after converting to Catholicism, a Dominican nun. In both roles, she worked as a magazine editor.

Early life and education Susie Teresa Forrest Swift was born in Amenia, New York, June 10, 1862. Her parents, George Henry Paine, a lawyer, and Pamela (Forrest) Paine, were wealthy.

She developed a strong taste for literature, and while still in school, acquired an easy and graceful style of writing.

Swift came to believe that the then-existent system of awarding college honors at Vassar was unfair, and that it invariably led to deception, and sometimes fraud among the candidates, and so while yet an undergraduate, set herself to agitate for its reform. She was besought to wait and do this as a post-graduate when, as an undoubted "honor girl" she could speak more decisively. sailed for Europe with a view to writing magazine articles, for both had decided to devote their lives to literary work. She labored and lectured for the Salvation Army for 12 years.

Swift wrote hundreds of stories and poems for Salvation Army publications. She was the first American woman to attain the rank of Major in the Salvation Army. Swift decided to become a Roman Catholic, and, although she was strongly opposed by General Booth, went to the Paulist Fathers for instruction.