07/01/2026
Joshua Thomas - The Parson of the Islands and America's 2nd War for Independence.
The War of 1812 was a "Second War of Independence" for a fledgling nation fighting to survive against a great empire. By 1814, the British had sailed into the Chesapeake, burned down the U.S. Capitol and White House, and set up their massive naval headquarters on tiny Tangier Island.
Meanwhile, another war was being fought - a spiritual one. America was in the grip of the Second Great Awakening. Fueled by huge Camp Meetings in the frontiers of America, a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit was sweeping across the land. And right in the middle of it all rowed Joshua Thomas. He was no trained theologian or eloquent speaker. He was a rugged Chesapeake waterman who had been converted at one of those camp meetings. He rowed from island to island in the Chesapeake in his log canoe, The Methodist, preaching the gospel to all who would listen. When 12,000 British troops occupied Tangier Island, they didn't capture him.
Instead, the British Admiral, captivated by Thomas and his character, invited the humble preacher to address the British army just before they sailed to attack Baltimore. On September 11, 1814, days before Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner in Baltimore, Joshua Thomas stood before thousands of British soldiers and cast his nets one more time. More than that he warned that it was given to him by the Almighty that they could not succeed in their expedition- that they could not take Baltimore.
Pastor Jennings will bring this man and his powerful message to life This Independence Day weekend. Don't miss this great opportunity to be inspired by this man who was born in 1776. Come join us at 10:30 am.
