Hosier, Harry - Timeline Biography
Time Period
1750 - 1806
Description
Harry Hosier was born into slavery into the South and later converted to Methodism. The first clear reference to Hosier was in Francis Asbury’s 1780 journal entry. Asbury, the father of American Methodism, already considered him a potentially important evangelist for the Methodists, and they traveled together on horseback as circuit riders.
Hosier captivated both black and white audiences with his preaching abilities. Asbury claimed that the best way to attract large audiences was to have Hosier speak. Despite being illiterate, he could recite Bible verses from memory and make powerful observations. Renowned physician Benjamin Rush viewed him as the greatest orator in America, while Thomas Coke, John Wesley’s representative, declared Hosier "one of the best preachers in the world."
Despite never being officially ordained, Hosier’s ministry remained fundamental in the growth of American Methodism.
Hosier captivated both black and white audiences with his preaching abilities. Asbury claimed that the best way to attract large audiences was to have Hosier speak. Despite being illiterate, he could recite Bible verses from memory and make powerful observations. Renowned physician Benjamin Rush viewed him as the greatest orator in America, while Thomas Coke, John Wesley’s representative, declared Hosier "one of the best preachers in the world."
Despite never being officially ordained, Hosier’s ministry remained fundamental in the growth of American Methodism.
Interactive Timeline(s)
Browse Related Timeline Entries
Religious Groups
Methodist/Pietist Family: Other ARDA LinksMethodist/Pietist Family: Religious Family Tree
Related Dictionary Terms
Asbury, Francis (1745-1816)Photographs
Harry Hosier portrait, cropped from The Ordination of Bishop Asbury- Wikimedia Commons
Book/Journal Source(s)
Murphy, Larry, J. Gordon Melton, and Gary Ward, 1993. Encyclopedia of African American Religions New York: Garland.Web Page Contributor
Benjamin T. GurrentzAffliated with: Pennsylvania State University, Ph.D. in Sociology
