Mortality
by Stephen Stookey
Title
Mortality
Artist
Stephen Stookey
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
George Whitefield, 18th century British Anglican evangelist, gained popular standing as a preacher during England's Methodist revivals and Colonial America's First Great wakening. Extemporaneous and emotional, Whitefield's passionate preaching captivated supporters and troubled detractors. He was, arguably, the most popular and recognizable religious figure in the 1700s. He preached 18,000 plus sermons, to an estimated 10 million people. In the midst of his 5th American preaching tour, Whitefield passed away in Newburyport, MA, at the age of 55, following a "field-preaching" event. On the evening of September 29, 1770, a large crowd gathered on School Street, outside the parsons house, requesting Whitefield preach. Never one to pass up a preaching opportunity, Whitefield obliged. He held forth from the steps of the parson's home, preaching until the candle in his hand spent its life. Whitefield passed at 6:00 AM the next day, ironically 30 years to the day from Whitefield's first visit to Newburyport. The apparent cause of death was asthma-like breathing difficulties. When asked about the pace of his 5th revival tour schedule relative to his age, Whitefield quipped, "I would rather wear out than rust out." Whitefield was laid to rest in a crypt directly below the pulpit in Newburyport's Old South Church (today, Old South Presbyterian Church).
Uploaded
November 18th, 2017
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