Evangelical Association

Evangelical Association, a sect closely akin to the Methodists both in government and doctrine, founded by Jacob Albrecht or Albright, who was born in the state of Pennsylvania, 1st May 1759. Originally a Lutheran, he travelled through several states as an evangelist, and in 1800 organised his adherents in 'classes' after the Methodist manner. In 1807 he was appointed bishop, and down to his death, 18th May 1808, he was the leader of the sect, which in 1818 assumed the name Evangelical Association of North America. Since 1843 it has drawn many adherents from the English-speaking population. In 1887 its membership in the United States amounted to 132,508 (besides upwards of 6000 in Germany), with 1808 churches and 1069 itinerant and other preachers. The association publishes religious periodicals in large numbers. See Plitt, Die Albrechtsleute (Erlangen, 1877).