Powerscourt Estate, Ireland

The Plymouth Brethren have several contenders for the title of Founder and Early Church Father. There is however probably only one woman who would fill the role of ‘Mother of the Church‘.  Lady Theodosia Wingfield Powerscourt was a young and wealthy widow, and like Darby, was a member of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy in the early 19th century. Viscountess Powerscourt was a powerful advocate in the formative years of the movement that became known as the Plymouth Brethren.

J.N. Darby, recognized as one of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren, was a very close friend of Lady Powerscourt. It is believed that they at one time planned to marry but mutually decided that their lives were headed in different directions. Some say that they were ‘dissuaded’ by other members of the early Plymouth Brethren.

Continue reading »