text: George Whitefield ( December 16 , 1714 ( O. S ) -- September 30 , 1770 ( N. S ) ) was an Anglican Protestant minister who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain and , especially , in the British North American colonies .
simplified: George Whitefield ( December 16 , 1714 - September 30 , 1770 ) , was a preacher in the Church of England .