David Marks (preacher)

David Marks (1805-1845) was an American Free Will Baptist preacher, evangelist, and reformer, active primarily in the northeastern United States and Canada. He was known for his fiery sermons, fervent advocacy for social justice, particularly abolitionism, and his dedication to establishing new churches.

Born in Windham, New York, Marks experienced a religious conversion at a young age and began preaching in his teens. He quickly gained a reputation for his powerful oratory skills and charismatic personality. His ministry focused on personal conversion, temperance, and the abolition of slavery. Marks travelled extensively, often on horseback, enduring harsh conditions to spread his message. He faced considerable opposition, particularly for his abolitionist views, which were controversial even within religious circles.

Marks played a significant role in the growth of the Free Will Baptist denomination during the Second Great Awakening. He helped to establish numerous churches and was a strong advocate for education and missionary work. He authored several books, including his autobiography, "The Life of David Marks: To Which is Added a Brief Notice of His Religious Opinions, and His Dying Experience." This autobiography provides valuable insight into the life and ministry of a nineteenth-century itinerant preacher and the social and religious landscape of the time.

Despite his relatively short life, David Marks left a lasting impact on the Free Will Baptist movement and the broader landscape of American religious and social reform. His commitment to social justice and his unwavering faith made him a significant figure in nineteenth-century America.