Born on 9 May 1785 of Presbyterian parents in Coleraine, he was early attracted to Methodism and began to preach at 17. Called into the itinerancy in 1808, he became the most influential leader in his generation of Irish Methodism, shaping the deliberations and influencing the conclusions of the Conference and its committees. Often called 'the Irish Methodist Pope', he was autocratic and at times severe, but could also be a generous opponent. A friend and confidant of Jabez Bunting, he was for over thirty years a representative at the British Conference. He exercised much of his ministry and influence from Bandon, where he was made a Freeman in 1823 and died there on 6 May 1873.

Entry written by: RPR
Category: Person
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