Biography

"John Summerfield (1798-1825) was Methodist preacher active in England, Ireland and the United States. He was born January 31, 1798 in Preston, England. He educated at the Moravian School in London where he majored in the Classics. In 1817 he converted to Methodism, and the next year became a local preacher. Summerfield was an outstanding preacher and orator. His sermons and addresses attracted large audiences in Ireland and England. 

In 1821, he came to America after suffering a severe illness. The Troy Conference admitted him, and in 1822 he was preaching in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. As in England, Summerfield was enthusiastically received by large congregations. Some regarded him as the most illustrious orator in America. Summerfield's health failed quickly, hastened by a severe lung hemorrhage. By 1823 his activity was greatly curtailed. To accommodate this health condition, the American Bible Society appointed him as a delegate to the Protestant Bible Society in France, and to represent the Society in England. When he returned to America, he was appointed to the Missionary Board of the Philadelphia Conference to travel and represent the Society in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While in this role, he helped found the American Tract Society. He suffered another severe illness and died June 13, 1825, at the age of 27."

In 18310110WHS_FMS1v1, WHS compares the preaching of Mr. Welch with that of the late Mr. Summerfield, concluding that in his "humble judgement Mr Welch is superior to what Mr Summerfield was."