JACOB

See also:

• JACOB ALBRIGHT (1759-1808)

ALBRIGHT (1759-1808)  , American clergyman, was born near Pottstown, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of May 1759 . He was of " Pennsylvania-German " parentage, his name being originally Albrecht, and was educated in the Lutheran faith . At an early age he became a tile-burner . In 1790 he was converted to Methodism, and in 1796 determined to devote himself to preaching that faith among the Pennsylvania Germans . His efforts met with great success, and in 1800 he founded what was virtually a new and independent church organization on the Methodist system, of which he became the presiding elder, and eventually (1807) bishop . This church is officially the Evangelical Association, but its adherents have been variously known as " New Methodists." " Albrights," and " Albright Brethren." Albright died on the 18th of May 18o8, atMiihlbach, Pennsylvania .