Background
Whitefield, George was born on December 28, 1715 in Gloucester, England. Son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Edwards) Whitefield.
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George Whitefield
Edit ProfileEducation
Graduate Oxford (England) University, 1736. Master of Arts (honorary), College of New Jersey (now Princeton), 1754.
Career
Before 1737, drew great crowds of people. Came to Savannah; Georgia, 1737. Preached in Savannah and area.
Returned to England to raise funds for orphanage in Georgia, 1738.
Foundation most English churches were closed to him due to opposition, preached in open air. Returned to American, 1739, became interant preacher from Georgia to Massachusetts.
When he was refused a pulpit in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin led group to build non-denominational church for him. Received 500 acres from Georgia colony to build Bethesda Orphanage, supported by colonial funds.
Preached all along New England coast, 1740-1741, produced “Great Awakening” in Christianity.
Engaged in bitter controversy with John Wesley over Calvinistic principles, in England, 1741-1744. Preached with great success in New England, 1744-1748. Became domestic chaplain to Countess of Huntingdon (England), 1748.
Made 4 more visits to American 1751-1752, 54-55, 63-64, 69-70.
His American trips resulted in numerous conversions to Calvinism and weakening of established church in South. Published number of sermons, pamphlets and letters.
Author: The Nature and Necessity of Our New Birth in Christ Jesus in Order to Salvation, 1737. A Journal of A Voyage from London to Savannah in Georgia, 1738.
Short Account of God’s Dealing with the Reverend Mr.
Whitefield, 1746. The Two First Parts of His Life, with His Journals Revised, Corrected and Abridged, 1756.
Achievements
Connections
Married Elizabeth (Burnell) James, November 14, 1741, 1 child.
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Born
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Died
September 30, 1770 (aged 54) -
Nationality
British