George Whitefield was an influential 18th-century English Anglican priest and itinerant evangelist. Born in Gloucester, he studied at Oxford before becoming a central figure in the evangelical movement and a founder of Methodism. Unlike his contemporary John Wesley, Whitefield championed Calvinistic views. He is best known for his massive preaching tours across the British Empire and the American colonies, where his dramatic oratorical style helped fuel the Great Awakening. Throughout his ministry, he focused on both spiritual revival and social welfare, particularly through his work with orphans.