b. December 27, 1714; d. September 30, 1770
George Whitefield was born in Gloucester, in the southwest of England, in 1714. He is known as being one of the principle founders of Methodism, as well as being one of the greatest orators of his time. He graduated from Oxford University in 1732 and later embarked on an evangelism expedition to the American colonies, quickly and then continually drawing such huge crowds that most of his events had to be held outdoors. One of his greatest accomplishments was sparking the Great Awakening in America. He died in Massachusetts on September 30th, 1770, famously remarking during his final days, “I would rather wear out than rust out.”
