Reverend George Whitefield’s sermon, reenactment on Foster Hill this Sunday, August 15.
Whitefield, “The Great Exhorter” spoke there in 1740 to a crowd of 5,000.
WEST BROOKFIELD – The Quaboag Plantation 350th committee and the George Whitefield United Methodist Church will present a unique reenactment on Foster Hill on Sunday, August15, at 10:00 a.m.
On October 16, 1740, The Reverend GeorgeWhitefield stood at the large rock near the top of Foster Hill, and preached his evangelist message to a crowd numbering, according to contemporary accounts, about 5,000. He was to become, in his lifetime, probably the most famous religious figure in Europe and America, and one of the founders of the Methodist church.
Whitefield Rock, on Foster Hill, from which the Reverend George Whitefield delivered a sermon on October 16, 1740. Local legend relates that he asked, and was refused permission to preach at the Congregational Church, so arranged to speak in the open air by the large rock near the top of Foster Hill. The crowd he attracted was estimated at about 5,000.
“We don’t expect quite that number to join us on Sunday,” Methodist Pastor Bruce E. De Witte said, “but we’ve planned a service that we feel to be authentic in fact and in spirit. Steve Dennehy will deliver a Whitefield sermon, and he speaks with a British accent. Period dress, order of worship, and costume will be featured.
“The Reverend Steve Dennehy, recently retired from the United Methodist Church, was born in London, and holds a seminary degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has agreed to deliver the sermon. The accompanying music has been arranged by West Brookfield’s Stewart King, who has studied and performed in the United States and in Europe.”
Whitefield was born in Gloucester, England, in the tavern of which his father was the proprietor, one of seven children. Historians recount his attraction to religion and the theater at an early age. He worked his way through Pembroke College, Oxford, England, and made his first trip to America in 1738. Accounts of his preaching describe his mastery of speech, his histrionic delivery, and spellbinding effect upon his audience. His Calvinist leanings closed some churches against him, and he formed the habit of delivering his message in an open air setting. Eventually, he attracted such crowds that no church could accommodate his followers. His visit to West Brookfield coincided with a ten day visit to Boston, a portion of a triumphant month-long tour to the East coastal region. Benjamin Franklin wrote of him, “his integrity, disinterestedness, and indefatigable zeal, in promoting every good work, I have never seen equaled, and shall never see excelled.”
Whitefield made seven trips to America in his lifetime, and is, with the Wesleys and Jonathan Edwards, credited with the spiritual revival termed “The Great Awakening.” He is said to have delivered 18,000 sermons in his lifetime, many have been published. He is buried, as he requested, in a crypt at Old South Church, Newburyport, Massachusetts, the church built for his use.
“In Steve Dennehy, we feel we have the perfect person to deliver Whitefield’s words”, DeWitte said. “We’re excited to be able to present this program, and welcome all who wish to come.”
The Whitefield United Methodist Church, West Main Street, West Brookfield, will hold a coffee hour with light refreshments following the Foster Hill service; all are welcome, De Witte says. He reminds those who plan to attend the service to bring outdoor chairs or blankets. In the event of rain, the service will be held in the church at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Contact: Ruth Lyon 508-867-7316, ntiques@aol.com
Judy Bartlett 508-867-3002
Rev. Bruce E. De Witte – 508-954-7124