James McGready
Dare to Hope!
James McGready: Taming the wild frontier
In 1796, a praying Presbyterian named James McGready arrived in Logan County, Kentucky, to pastor churches in Red River, Gasper River, and Muddy River.
Although the churches were small and the Christians were outnumbered by the murderers, thieves, and other criminals, McGready’s penetrating messages were fire and brimstone. Known as a “son of thunder,” like James and John, Jesus’ disciples, he preached so powerfully that another pastor said of him, “My mind was chained by him, and followed him closely in his rounds of heaven, earth, and hell with feelings indescribable.” His Christ-like toughness tempered with humility was just what the rough frontier needed.
In 1796, a praying Presbyterian named James McGready arrived in Logan County, Kentucky, to pastor churches in Red River, Gasper River, and Muddy River.
Although the churches were small and the Christians were outnumbered by the murderers, thieves, and other criminals, McGready’s penetrating messages were fire and brimstone. Known as a “son of thunder,” like James and John, Jesus’ disciples, he preached so powerfully that another pastor said of him, “My mind was chained by him, and followed him closely in his rounds of heaven, earth, and hell with feelings indescribable.” His Christ-like toughness tempered with humility was just what the rough frontier needed.
Stories about James McGready
n June 1800, McGready’s Red River church sponsored a four-day Communion (conference where the focal point was the partaking of communion). Four or five hundred attended, including members of his other two churches and ministers from other denominations, who were also asked to preach.
On the final day, such a sudden move of God occurred that people began screaming for mercy and the floor was covered with those slain in the spirit. This had never happened there before.
McGready scheduled another communion for July in Gasper River. The word spread quickly and people came from as far as 100 miles away—a total of 8,000 flooding the roadways. Unusual physical manifestations occurred again and souls were saved.
In the summer of 1801, because of the excitement that had been building and the great amount of publicity, 25,000 people from many states and denominations came to Cane Ridge. Roads were clogged with people.
Over the next few years, the camp meetings continued to gain momentum, resulting in a spiritual awakening on the frontier. Camp meetings became so popular that in one year, 1811, it was estimated that one third of the entire American population attended at least one camp meeting. So many sinners came that watchmen with sticks patrolled the grounds each night to stop any sexual incidents and some states prohibited the sale of alcohol for miles around.
After the conversions and the strengthening of the churches, the Kentucky frontier never returned to its earlier state of lawlessness.
n June 1800, McGready’s Red River church sponsored a four-day Communion (conference where the focal point was the partaking of communion). Four or five hundred attended, including members of his other two churches and ministers from other denominations, who were also asked to preach.
On the final day, such a sudden move of God occurred that people began screaming for mercy and the floor was covered with those slain in the spirit. This had never happened there before.
McGready scheduled another communion for July in Gasper River. The word spread quickly and people came from as far as 100 miles away—a total of 8,000 flooding the roadways. Unusual physical manifestations occurred again and souls were saved.
In the summer of 1801, because of the excitement that had been building and the great amount of publicity, 25,000 people from many states and denominations came to Cane Ridge. Roads were clogged with people.
Over the next few years, the camp meetings continued to gain momentum, resulting in a spiritual awakening on the frontier. Camp meetings became so popular that in one year, 1811, it was estimated that one third of the entire American population attended at least one camp meeting. So many sinners came that watchmen with sticks patrolled the grounds each night to stop any sexual incidents and some states prohibited the sale of alcohol for miles around.
After the conversions and the strengthening of the churches, the Kentucky frontier never returned to its earlier state of lawlessness.
