George Whitefield

Born in Gloucester, England, George Whitefield studied at Oxford, where he became part of the early Methodist circle that also included John and Charles Wesley. Ordained in the Church of England, he quickly gained a reputation for vivid, emotional preaching that reached people far beyond traditional parish churches.

Whitefield became a central figure in the Great Awakening, traveling widely through Britain and the American colonies and often preaching outdoors to thousands at a time. His speaking style was dramatic, direct, and intensely personal, and his sermons were circulated in print as well as heard in person, which helped expand his influence.

Although closely linked with the early Methodist movement, he followed a somewhat different theological path from John Wesley and remained an Anglican minister throughout his life. He died in 1770 in Massachusetts, after years of relentless travel and preaching, and is remembered as one of the most influential religious communicators of the 18th century.