AT 84, Reverend Margret James, the first woman to be ordained a minister in the Methodist Church of Zimbabwe, is making history once again, this time with her memoir, The First and Last.
The book, which traces her journey in ministry, sheds light on the evolution of the church, her personal experiences and the role of women in faith leadership.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, James said she was a retired supernumerary, who remained deeply involved in church work on a voluntary basis.
With a lifelong passion for church history, she was inspired to write the memoir to document her legacy and inspire future generations.
“I have always been interested in recording history,” James said.
“My grandfather was a missionary in 1926 and my mother would often share stories.
“I believe it’s important for people to trace back the way we live and understand our past.”
The book explores her early ministry, the places she served and a comparison of the Methodist Church then and now.
It primarily targets Methodist Church members in Zimbabwe, aiming to deepen their knowledge of the church’s roots and transformation.
Beyond the memoir, James contributed to church literature by rewriting John Wesley’s sermons in modern English.
Her dedication to preservation of history reflects her firm belief that “God has a plan and purpose for each one of us, and ordinary people are just as important to Him”.
The First and Last is available for purchase at Main Street Methodist Church in Bulawayo and Book Connexional in Harare.
