This week in Christian history: McPherson dies, Gutenberg Bible, Whitefield’s final sermon
George Whitefield preaches final sermon – Sept. 29, 1770
This week marks the anniversary of when famed 18th century English Methodist preacher George Whitefield gave his final sermon in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Whitefield, who had traveled through the American colonies on multiple occasions to evangelize, preached the sermon as an impromptu request from the local population.
“Whitefield commenced his service in the forenoon of that day in the church of the second parish, but as it was found altogether insufficient to accommodate the throng who assembled to hear him, he was obliged to preach outside,” recorded Charles H. Bell in 1888.
“In order to avoid the shining of the sun in his face he crossed the street, and mounted upon a board laid upon a couple of hogsheads, from which he addressed his congregation.”
Whitefield, who famously declared that he would “rather wear out than rust out,” preached for around two hours at Exeter. He died the following day.
