Following a speaking engagement that was likely on behalf of the WCTU at an Erie, Illinois church in 1888,Zuber, Glenn Michael. "Women Missionary and Temperance Organizers Become 'Disciples of Christ' Ministers, 1888-1908". In Casey, Michael W., Douglas A. Foster. The Stone-Campbell Movement: An International Religious Tradition. University of Tennessee Press, 2002. p. 300-301. . the congregation urged Babcock to be their minister.
