This week in Christian history: George Beverly Shea born, ‘Walk to Canossa,’ James Caughey dies
James Caughey dies – Jan. 30, 1891
This week marks the anniversary of when James Caughey, an Irish-born immigrant to the United States known for being a Methodist revival preacher, died at the age of 80.
Converted in the early 1830s and ordained an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Caughey preached extensively in England in the 1840s, reportedly converting around 20,000 people.
“Caughey was a seasoned revivalist with a forceful personality, a sharp mind, a ready wit and an irresistible eloquence. His commanding height, keen eyes and strong features gave him a great pulpit presence,” explained The Revival Library.
“His preaching was simple and orthodox but shot through with insights and persuasive applications to his hearers. He effectively employed the American ‘altar call’ to bring his hearers to a decision for Christ but would also move around the hall passionately inviting sinners to the penitents bench to find freedom and forgiveness.”
