Philip Embury

Philip Embury, of the German- Irish Palatines, cousin of Barbara Heck, was associated with the founding of Methodism in the U.S. and Canada.  He emigrated from Limerick, Ireland to New York on August 10th, 1760, along with two brothers, Paul Heck and Barbara (Ruckle), his wife.

Philip was a preacher and was married to Margaret Switzer.  He was also a carpenter and helped build the John Street Methodist Church of New York.

In 1770, he moved to what is now Troy, N.Y.  The Hecks moved with him, and together they formed the first Methodist Class.  Philip died suddenly in 1775.  His widow married John Lawrence.

At the outbreak of the American Revolution, the Hecks, Emburys and Lawrences moved to Canada and lived in Montreal and surrounding area.  In 1785, they moved to the Township of Augusta, Grenville County, on the third concession.

Samuel Embury, son of the late Philip Embury, was leader of the Methodist Class there, probably the first in Upper Canada.

Photos by Ed Kipp

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