George Peck (clergyman)

George Peck (August 8, 1797 – May 20, 1876) was an American Methodist clergyman, editor, and author.

Born in Middlefield, New York, Peck entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816. He served as a pastor in various locations throughout New York State, including Otsego, Chenango, and Utica.

Peck was a prominent figure in the temperance movement and a strong advocate for education. He served as the principal of the Cazenovia Seminary from 1824 to 1835, an institution he helped to establish. He also played a key role in the founding of Syracuse University.

From 1840 to 1848, Peck served as the editor of the Methodist Quarterly Review, a leading theological journal of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was then elected editor of the Christian Advocate, the official newspaper of the church, a position he held from 1848 to 1852. After serving as pastor in Scranton, PA for a time, he became editor of the Sunday-School Advocate and Sunday-School Journal from 1856 to 1872.

Peck was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books and articles on religious and social issues. Some of his notable works include Scripture Doctrine of Christian Perfection (1841), The Rule of Faith (1844), and History of the Great Republic (1868). He also wrote a multi-volume History of Methodism.

George Peck was a highly influential figure in the Methodist Episcopal Church during the 19th century, known for his intellectual leadership, his dedication to education, and his commitment to social reform. He died in Scranton, Pennsylvania.