The role of the Magic Methodists and their leader James Crawford at the beginning of Primitive Methodism has been widely debated. As a group noted for signs, wonders and miracles, they helped to provide the necessary experience and enthusiasm for a new revivalist movement. In the image of a poor agricultural labourer, Crawfoot represented a rustic and earthy beginning for a denomination that prided itself on its success amongst the poor. However, as a man ‘unpolished by learning and refinement… strangely odd and uncouth in argument’, he was a controversial figure. To successive generations of Primitive Methodists Crawfoot with his associated supernaturalism was an embarrassment.