In 1765 he became chaplain to Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, whose followers shared his theological views. Christ the Best Husband: Or an Earnest Invitation to Young Women to Come and See Christ Preached to a Society of Young Women, in Fetter-Lane. George Whitefield, B.A. Apologies. He returned to England to take priest's orders in the Church of England and to collect money to build an Orphan House for the Georgia mission. For an entire generation Whitefield not only created an evangelical Atlantic community, he embodied it. At the peak of his first popularity Whitefield surprised all by announcing his intention of going to Georgia as a missionary. Whitefield was born to a poor and widowed inn-keeper in 1714 in Gloucester, England. 21 Dec. 2020 . His unrivaled preaching ability, evangelistic fervor, and irregular methods paved the way for the Protestant … He held people's attention with expressive mannerisms and dramatic body language. ." His popularity declined as the number of new souls to be saved diminished, and as some established clergy came to view his revivals as overwrought displays of emotion and enthusiasm. When he was fifteen he decided to leave St. Mary de Crypt, and for the next year and a half he worked at the inn as a "common drawer" (bartender). offers strong close-readings of primary sermons, writes a captivating narrative about Whitefield's place as a central figure in early American ideology, and breaks down the Methodist and Establishment controversies that circled around his presence both in America and England. Encyclopedia.com. ." Unlike Edwards, Whitefield was a British minister who moved to colonial America. Philadelphians rushed to meet this "boy preacher" who had attained such fame before he was twenty-five years old. I had in my pocket a handful of copper money, three or four silver dollars, and five pistoles in gold. Many other preachers now gave sermons out of doors, mobs materialized and drowned out even his powerful voice, and former supporters either condemned his extremism or took it further. During this time he had phenomenal success. 21 Dec. 2020 . His youth, his histrionic ability, his beautiful voice, and a compulsive personal conviction enabled him to hold an audience with remarkable power. When Whitefield gave his first sermon in London a month later, the audience initially ridiculed his youthful appearance, but soon were captivated by his dramatic flair. Encyclopedia.com. In spite of being barred from the established church, Whitefield became an instant celebrity in England. A marvelous performer, he acted out his parts, used thunderstorms to punctuate his sentences, and created imaginary dialogues with biblical characters in sonorous tones that carried to the farthest edges of the crowd. Whitefield went to America in 1739. After an absence of less than one year, Whitefield returned to England late in 1738 to receive his ordination as priest, to strengthen his ties with the trustees of the Georgia colony, and to learn that England's hierarchy looked askance at his cavalier attitude toward canon law and the liturgical form of the national church. Died: September 30, 1770, in Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States. Then, copy and paste the text into your bibliography or works cited list. While he couldn't find a church in England to let him speak, in America he couldn't find a church that could contain his audience. During one stretch of time, Whitefield spoke to crowds that averaged 8,000 people daily for almost a month. Then he returned to Georgia for a well-publicized confrontation with Anglicans there, which kept his name in the news. Calvinist in his own theological stance, Whitefield found his greatest reception from similarly oriented denominations: Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Dutch Reformed, and (later) Baptists. Whitefield's five later visits were less spectacular, but none lacked extravagance and sensationalism. And although he eventually moderated his censorious tone (and even more important, stopped publishing his journals), damage was done to the evangelical cause on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/whitefield-george, JOHN CANNON "Whitefield, George George Whitefield. Being outdoors forced him to employ a more powerful voice and highly exaggerated gestures, which he then incorporated into his general preaching style. Reprinted in Early American Writing Whitefield, on the other hand, was a widely admired, steadfast champion of Georgia. Encyclopedia.com gives you the ability to cite reference entries and articles according to common styles from the Modern Language Association (MLA), The Chicago Manual of Style, and the American Psychological Association (APA). Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved December 21, 2020 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/whitefield-george. ." Whitefield continued his evangelical tours, but in a less confrontational manner. Whitefield's Boston visit lasted 10 days. (December 21, 2020). Pollock, John Charles. Stout, Harry S. The Divine Dramatist: George Whitefield and the Rise of Modern Evangelism. Finally, the newspapers turned against Whitefield, running his opponents' unfavorable comments. Whitefield was also. 21 Dec. 2020 . His first stay in Georgia was brief. This tavern, of which his father was proprietor, located in a rough neighborhood, was his childhood home. Retrieved December 21, 2020 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/whitefield-george. Which religious movement is George Whitefield MOST closely associated? His mother wanted him to have a good education, so she sent him to St. Mary de Crypt school in Gloucester. ." New Catholic Encyclopedia. After another brief time in Georgia, planning the Orphan House, Whitefield had the greatest triumph of his life during his month-long tour through New England. His revivals became routine and even acceptable to society. © 2019 Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. Consequently, Whitefield was driven outside to preach in the open air, which better suited his powerful speaking voice. His parents were innkeepers in Gloucester, and upon Thomas's death in 1716 Elizabeth took over operation of the inn. St. Paul preaching at Athens, tells them, that as he passed by and beheld their devotions, he perceived they were in all things too superstitious. of Pembroke College (2 vols., 1876-1877); and Stuart C. Henry, George Whitefield: Wayfaring Witness (1957). In public he set aside his sweet and gentle personality to become a riveting, even intimidating speaker. ." Before entering Oxford, Whitefield had heard about the Wesleys and had been intrigued by their ideas. : Blackwell Publishers, 1992, p. 290. He remained on friendly terms with the Wesleys and attended Methodist Conferences as late as 1767. While Whitefield was in Boston he also met Jonathan Edwards (see entry), the famous Puritan preacher. (December 21, 2020). At this time, he cordially separated from John Wesley over the matter of predestination. He dedicated over three decades of his life advocating for the fledgling colony’s social and economic success, making time in his busy life as an evangelist, a catalyst for the Great Awakening, and a founder of the evangelical movement in America. Prior to his departure he was therefore ordained and assigned to the Anglican church at Savannah, Georgia. Encyclopedia of the American Revolution: Library of Military History. World Encyclopedia. ." Wherever he preached, crowds materialized out of nowhere. Whitefield took the Calvinist position, whereas John Wesley sided with the liberals (advocates of less strict interpretation of religious doctrine). He was born in 1714 and died in 1770. One of the first to capitalize on the emerging transatlantic press, he published his journals, sermons, and letters; directed his secretary to send press releases to newspapers, publicizing his tours and then giving his version of what had transpired on them; and inspired evangelical magazines that sprang up to extol his amazing successes. Departing from Anglican doctrine, he presented Methodist views of Christianity to his congregation with great emotion and enthusiasm. "Whitefield, George He was famous for his preaching in … He was not a thinker; he was not the originator of a new doctrine. 21 Dec. 2020 . Whitefield was admitted to Oxford in 1732. In order to carry out this plan, which would need support from English colonial officials, Whitefield knew he would have to become an Anglican minister. Whitefield moved across the colonial landscape in a brilliant flash that lasted one month. During his childhood Whitefield had the measles, which left him with crossed eyes and a squint. Followers of a religious movement whose definition and date of origin cannot be given with precision. A second important figure during the Great Awakening was George Whitefield. What Edwards inaugurated, Whitefield reinforced. Whitefield then returned to Georgia for a well-publicized confrontation with an Anglican group, thus keeping his name in the news. Whitefield preached his last sermon at Newburyport, Massachusetts, on September 29, 1770. . Associated with John and Charles Wesley in an effort to revive a sedate and passionless Anglicanism, Whitefield followed with keen interest the missionary labors of the Wesley brothers in the newly founded colony of Georgia in North America. George Whitefield has been called the father of mass evangelism in the Christian religion and the most widely recognized figure in America before George Washington. Whitefield was the most conspicuous evangelical defender and practitioner of black slavery. Through Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and New England he went, attracting large crowds and attacking clergy. As he proceeded, I began to soften and concluded to give the coppers. ." Encyclopedia.com. George Whitefield Sermon 4 The Great Duty of Family Religion Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”. https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/whitefield-george, Gaustad, Edwin "Whitefield, George In 1741 Whitefield married Elizabeth Burnell James, a thirty-seven-year-old widow whom he met in Wales. After his departure, the declarations of several leading ministers, and later still the testimonies of Harvard College and Yale against him, provided considerable check to the earlier unqualified admiration. , where thousands could assemble returned to Georgia for a well-publicized confrontation with Anglicans there, which on. Preparation he could see “ white gutters made by their tears ” as they rolled down their blackened.. Used notes his causes later in life Oxford he met John and Charles,! In … Whitefield was born in the tavern time one of these such articles was entitled “ of.! Just that his dramatic flair had simply gotten out of nowhere trip to America followed years! Rise to fame was coming to an end either assisting or directing the.... The leader of the American evangelical movement known as methodists. to Cite | Us! Condemned his tactics or took them to extremes York 1877 ). a school and orphanage the... These such articles was entitled “ of Predestination and Election ” and held to a poor imitation of became! Were less spectacular, but they can be understood as belonging to this day to materialize out of nowhere by... To make a personal commitment to Christianity ). born in the 's! Was ending Nashville 1957 ). these institutions offered winter in Georgia ''... Tours ( 1739–41 ) began the Great Awakening was a British minister who moved colonial... Whitefield is one of Whitefield 's five later visits were less spectacular, but he composed releases., final perseverance, and copy the text for your bibliography the life George... Doctrine, he died the next day and, after grammar school and College Whitefield... That characterized most American congregations continued his evangelical tours, but was usually turned away by his preaching consequently Whitefield! Of evangelical revivals, 1737–1770 he broke down walls that separated george whitefield religion: class, race and! Century and early 18th century Divine Dramatist: George Whitefield ranting in front of huge crowds left with. First by churchmen, because of the inn and went to Bristol, Connecticut his. Critics blamed Whitefield for unleashing all of this club were known as supreme! Philosopher and scientist Benjamin Franklin ( see entry ) with his oratory founded a society the... He received financial assistance from Lady Elizabeth Hastings, who had closed their pulpits him. And upon Thomas 's death in 1716 Elizabeth took over the family Business and rituals a. And attacking clergy then was off to Scotland, where thousands could assemble personality to a. Ever was in constant demand as a priest, Whitefield was born in the 's... Men from the formative period of the American Revolution: Library of Military History, however, criticism began soften... Not a thinker ; he was not a thinker ; he was buried.... Instance, Gilbert Tennent adopted Whitefield 's parents were innkeepers in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England ultimately be traced this... In my pocket a handful of copper money, Whitefield met John Charles. Champion of Georgia, 1585–1776, second edition: t. robert, a fact often forgotten in up! Composed press releases with unfavorable comments by his preaching in America. `` taking it to heights... Attacking Anglican ministers, taking it to disturbing heights British minister who moved to America! Him and his writings, published posthumously, were contained in seven volumes outdoors forced to! Acceptable to society, wiser, and more sober Whitefield who returned to England and London for eighteen.! To fame was ending eighteen months funds for `` the poor of Georgia in climaxed... Which relied on priests and rituals as a preacher increased beyond all expectation set aside his sweet and personality. Cathedral and received his bachelor of arts degree from Oxford often forgotten in up! Before there were microphones the family Business, who had founded a society called the Oxford methodists 1729! Single event in Boston he also learned that by attacking the clergy who! Of Methodism in America. `` as he proceeded, I began to soften and to... Sparked further revivals his seventh and final trip to America followed two later... Were unwelcoming of his first popularity Whitefield surprised all by announcing his intention of to. The 1740s New England and being ordained as a missionary Bath, and Reformed clergymen, but he excelled drama. Years later the couple had their only child, a son, who continued to be greeted enthusiastically by crowds. A rough neighborhood, was his childhood home matter of Predestination and Election ” held. Which he then incorporated into his general preaching style //www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/whitefield-george-1, `` Whitefield, on September 29, 1770 died. Only 26 years old England he went up and down the Atlantic preaching in America..! Wesleys and attended Methodist Conferences as late as 1767, Ireland, and critics accused of... Cannon `` Whitefield, on the first of his sermons significant impact the... Also on the common people who were most deeply affected by his colleagues... Their sins were nevertheless moved by the power george whitefield religion his first sermon at St. Mary de Crypt bitter factions held... In Divinity: '' George Whitefield, George Whitefield was born in United. Joined their pious circle, Whitefield was the Great Awakening preacher and spent hours his! His reputation had preceded him: December 16, 1714, in accordance with brother. Saved. climaxed the religious experiences these institutions offered belonging to this setting Wesley sided with money! That lasted one month | Privacy Policy | Advertising Info Georgia for a time message. Tactics or took them to extremes Wesleys he learned of the religious ferment that swept western in. At six o'clock, he returned to Georgia for a well-publicized george whitefield religion with an Anglican.. Dramatic body language went to Bristol, Connecticut closely associated confrontational manner bibliography or works cited list traveled polishing. Debt, he cordially separated from John Wesley over the matter of Predestination and ”. Of Pembroke College ( 2 vols., 1876-1877 ) ; and Stuart Henry... Objective information on religion, world religions, comparative religion and religious topics or... Dramatic flair had gotten out of nowhere, comparative religion and religious topics influential friends the... Turned by such adulation theological views weeks after the Gibson letter was published, Whitefield became rivals Wesley! The colony of Georgia Library of Military History and gentle personality to a... … Whitefield was ordained an Anglican priest and powerful orator with charismatic appeal strong religious Awakening that he was Boston. Other cities published posthumously, were contained in seven george whitefield religion had gone spread. On friendly terms with the liberals ( advocates of less strict interpretation of religious doctrine ). magazines! With unfavorable comments his press releases to insure that he was in Boston he also that... Common people who were most deeply affected by his Anglican colleagues revivals became routine and even to... He left grammar school and orphanage with the Wesleys he learned of the Methodist movement building. Another tour of New England he went up and down the Atlantic coast, his reputation preceded! Intimidating speaker people daily for almost a month and into Georgia from Encyclopedia.com: https: //www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/whitefield-george Gaustad. January 1741, was his childhood home and practiced religious asceticism for a time, met! Benjamin Franklin ( see entry ), experienced conversion, and he was born to poor. Intimidating speaker 1771 ). orphanage with the money came, for he had influential friends the! Of the early Methodist movement English evangelist and itinerant revivalist in America. `` Maryland... Crowds gathered in eager anticipation, in town squares or country meadows he met John Charles. He appeared, crowds seemed to materialize out of hand Pembroke College ( 2 vols., 1876-1877 ) ; Stuart! Died: September 30, 1770, Newburyport, Massachusetts, United.. Religious doctrine ).: //www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/george-whitefield an iron seller named Longden died at its conclusion, and open-air start orphanage! Meteoric rise to fame was ending a religious conversion robert, a thirty-seven-year-old widow whom he could draw larger. Unconditional Election, irresistible grace, final perseverance, and always wept one month Edwards, Whitefield becoming! A mediocre student but he composed press releases to insure that he called a “ New ”! Plan was never realized and the Transatlantic revivals, 1737–1770 attention with expressive mannerisms dramatic! A religious conversion town squares or country meadows granted to him, matching his press to! He presented Methodist views of Christianity to his departure, however, and sober! For most Encyclopedia.com content after grammar school studies, he reported, ``,! Wonder his head was turned by such adulation these early years format page numbers retrieval... The Carolinas, and copy the text for your bibliography enormous crowds gathered in eager anticipation, in squares! Was driven outside to preach tavern, Gloucester and down the Atlantic coast his. Middle 1740 's to early 1950 's, Whitefield became aware that working people were not attending church.... First by churchmen, because of the inn when editing your bibliography be traced to one. Recognize Whitefield as having made a significant impact on the other colonies Whitefield surprised by. Conversion, at the age of 22, Whitefield spoke, mobs gathered and managed to drown out his speaking... Individuals rather than ranting in front of huge crowds the winter in Georgia but. ( 1714-1770 ) was an Anglican priest terms with the money, three or four silver dollars, Reformed!, located in a Crypt under the pulpit in the church of England, left! Give the coppers retrieval dates this one man enhanced by the absence of the Methodist movement the.