The Women Had It Right

In Chapter 3 of American Methodism, Richey discusses the role of women regarding societies and mission.  The women's societies seem to have been the essence of what mission is supposed to be.  They "showed what direct, hands-on missionary initiatives could accomplish in slum areas and among society's marginalized persons."  The Five Points Mission in New York City began with limited success, but female leadership ultimately made it the "much-visited model for urban mission" by the 1860s. I commend the Methodist women of the time for their concern for the marginalized.  Outside of the challenges of serving the people of the slums, did the Women's societies receive any push-back or face challenges in their efforts to serve the poor?