5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols A Little Church History of a Middle Colony: The First Great Awakening
Dec 17, 2025
Delaware's church history in the 1700s comes alive with the passionate preaching of George Whitefield, who drew massive crowds for revival meetings. The rise of Methodism is spotlighted, highlighting key figures like Charles Tennant and pivotal moments at Barrett's Chapel. Tensions are explored, revealing divides among supporters and detractors of the Great Awakening. This transformative period laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America.
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Charles Tennant’s Ministry In Delaware
- Charles Tennant moved from Ireland to Pennsylvania and then to Delaware where he pastored for decades at Christiana Bridge and White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church.
- He aligned with revivalist supporters during the First Great Awakening and remained at White Clay Creek until 1763.
Whitefield’s 1739 Revival At White Clay Creek
- George Whitefield preached at White Clay Creek in 1739 drawing an estimated 8,000 people to hear him speak.
- The visit intensified local divisions and led Charles Tennant to side with pro-revival members of the congregation.
Awakening Sparked Denominational Splits
- The First Great Awakening provoked institutional splits within colonial denominations, exemplified by the old side/new side rift at White Clay Creek.
- These theological divisions reshaped local church alignments and pastoral careers in the colonies.