Whitefield, << HWIHT feeld, >> George (1714-1770), was an Anglican preacher and evangelist. In Britain, Whitefield played an important part in the founding of Methodism. In the American Colonies, he became a leader of a series of religious revival movements called the Great Awakening (see Great Awakening ).
Whitefield was born on Dec. 27, 1714, in Gloucester, England. While studying at Oxford University in the early 1730’s, he was influenced by Charles and John Wesley, the founders of Methodism. Whitefield experienced a religious conversion in 1735 that changed his life. He was ordained an Anglican deacon in 1736 and became known for his bold, dramatic, and severely challenging preaching. Some Anglican ministers accused him of disrupting their congregations and refused to let him preach in their churches. Whitefield began to preach outdoors and attracted large crowds. His success influenced John Wesley to begin outdoor preaching, which became typical of the Methodists.
Between 1738 and 1770, Whitefield visited America seven times. There he angered some ministers who resented his attacks on the lack of interest in the spiritual life. These ministers also denied their pulpits to Whitefield, so he again turned to outdoor preaching. His preaching made him one of the best known religious figures in colonial America. He died on Sept. 30, 1770.
