Lawrence Coughlan

( ? - ? ). Pioneer preacher in Newfoundland. An itinerant Wesleyan preacher in Ireland (1755- 65), he went to Newfoundland in 1765 under the auspices of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Arriving in Harbour Grace, he proceeded to establish a congregation. On the recommendation of John Wesley and the Countess of Huntingdon, Coughlan was ordained by the bishop of London in 1767. A revival broke out after his return to Newfoundland, but he was soon in trouble with the more influential people of the area because of his preaching against conditions in the colony. Incessant opposition, long difficult journeys, and an aversion to sea travel broke Coughlan's health. He returned to England in 1773, leaving the work in the hands of two merchant converts.