The Parson of the Islands

Joshua Thomas (1776-1853) became a skilled waterman in his youth and ferried clergymen from the mainland to the islands of the Chesapeake Bay. He converted to Methodism about 1807, was licensed as an exhorter (or lay preacher), and was later ordained an elder. He served the Chesapeake region for more than four decades. Known as “The Parson of the Islands,” he traveled in a canoe called The Methodist. Thomas raised his family on Tangier Island and led many camp meetings here. According to tradition, he conducted services for British forces stationed at Fort Albion during the War of 1812 and foretold their defeat at Baltimore in 1814.