28 Jun On This Day in UB History: June 28 (Peter Kemp)

Peter Kemp was born June 28, 1749. He became a strong supporter of the movement started by William Ottebein and Martin Boehm.

Kemp lived in a large stone house about two miles outside of Frederick, Md. His home has a firm place in United Brethren history. It apparently became a frequent waystation for Otterbein, Christian Newcomer, and other traveling ministers. But most significantly, Kemp’s home hosted 17 ministers for the 1800 conference during which we officially organized as a denomination and chose Boehm and Otterbein as bishops.

The 1801 conference also met at the Kemp home. Peter Kemp was listed as a minister that year and covered a circuit of churches.

Interestingly, the Kemp family operated a still. Members brought grain to be distilled into alcohol, and barrels of whiskey, according to some accounts, were stored in the basement.

Peter Kemp passed away February 26, 1811.