Tennent, Gilbert (1703–1764)

American Protestant evangelist of Irish origin. A fiery, persuasive preacher, he helped foment the religious revival known as the Great Awakening, during which he travelled through the northern colonies with English evangelist George Whitefield. His dismissive views on the pastorate and on the church as an institution provoked a schism among New Jersey Presbyterians in the 1740s. Mellowing in later years, when he served in Philadelphia, he helped to heal the breach he had largely created.

Tennent was born in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. He emigrated to America with his father in about 1718 and entered the ministry in 1725.