Laurence Coughlan | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Laurence Coughlan

Laurence Coughlan, missionary (b at Drummersnave, Ire; d in London, Eng 1784?). Ordained a Church of England priest in 1765, Coughlan sailed to Newfoundland that same year under the auspices of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.

Coughlan, Laurence

Laurence Coughlan, missionary (b at Drummersnave, Ire; d in London, Eng 1784?). Ordained a Church of England priest in 1765, Coughlan sailed to Newfoundland that same year under the auspices of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. A Methodist in doctrine and discipline, his evangelical labours in the Harbour Grace area were the origin of METHODISM in Newfoundland. He aroused great hostility during his mission, partly because of his abrasive tongue. In 1773, Coughlan left Conception Bay because of ill health. He returned to Great Britain and 3 years later published An Account of the Work of God in Newfoundland.