Garrettson Freeborn

Garrettson Freeborn, a distinguished pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in Maryland August 15, 1752, was converted in 1775, and entered the Conference in the same year. In December, 1784, he was ordained elder by Dr. Coke, and volunteered as missionary to Nova Scotia. In 1788, with twelve young ministers, he opened the work of evangelizing Eastern New York and Western New England. From 1818 to his death, September 26, 1827, he mostly had the relation of Conference missionary. Mr. Garrettson was a very widely-useful minister. "He was among the earliest Methodist preachers of American birth, and, being active and zealous from the commencement of his ministerial career, his life and labors are intimately connected with the rise and progress of Methodism in this country." He preached in almost all the Eastern States, from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico, and on all his appointments many souls were converted and many churches built up. Although not a man of great learning, Mr. Garrettson was a man of vigorous mind and powerful character. He was imbued with fervor and zeal; and during fifty-two years he was one of the most laborious and efficient evangelists of the age. He died greatly honored and lamented. — Minutes of Conferences, 1:574;, Bangs, Life of F. Garrettson (N.Y. 12mo); Stevens, Memorials of Methodism, volume 1; Methodist Magazine, March, 1828; Stevens, History of the Methodist Episcipol Church. (G.L.T.)