Fenwick, Michael

Fenwick, Michael an eccentric preacher, connected with the early Methodist movement in England, commenced to preach in 1750, and travelled some time with Wesley, until the latter, on account of Fenwick's peculiarities, dismissed him. He almost idolized Wesley, and imitated him so accurately in speaking, praying, preaching, and writing, that it was difficult to discriminate between them. Though imprudent, his courage and zeal for Methodism never changed. He was not given a circuit, nor was he acknowledged as a preacher for several years before his death. Yet he always attended the place of the annual conference, and continued there during its session, though he was not permitted to be present in conference after 1784. The conference allowed him a pittance annually, and he had many generous friends in different parts of the kingdom, in the house of one of whom he lived (in Bridlington) for some years before his death, in 1797. See Atmore, Meth. Memorial, s.v.