Jabez Bunting (1779-1858), Wesleyan Methodist

Sitter in 6 portraits
Bunting was initially apprenticed to a Unitarian doctor and began preaching in the Wesleyan ministry in 1799. A staunch opponent of the revivalist movement, he ministered for almost sixty years in Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Liverpool, London and elsewhere. In 1835, he was appointed President of the first Wesleyan theological college and in this position he succeeded in materially raising the standard of education among Wesleyan ministers. He was four times chosen to be president of the Wesleyan Conference, and for eighteen years was secretary to the Wesleyan Missionary Society. Under him, Methodism ceased to be a society based upon Anglican foundations, and became a distinct church.