Our Foundation’s History: A Legacy of Faith and Vision

The Gospel Foundation of New England was founded on August 23, 1979, by Glenn Leland Husted Jr., following a life-changing revelation from God. As Glenn drove past a large cemetery in Norwich, Connecticut, he felt an overwhelming sense of urgency—realizing that many of those laid to rest had never experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Deeply moved, he committed himself to spreading the Gospel across New England, determined to make a difference in a region that desperately needed the hope and transformation only Christ can bring.

Glenn was not alone in his calling. As a bi-vocational pastor ordained under Reverend Curtis Watrous of Amity Faith Church, he was deeply connected to a rich spiritual heritage. Married to Rev. Watrous’s niece, Glenn continued the legacy of the Watrous and Whipple families—families rooted in the Rogerine Quaker Christian traditions dating back to the 1600s. The Gospel Foundation of New England proudly stands as a spiritual heir to these early pioneers, continuing their work of faith, devotion, and evangelism in New England.

A Vision for the Future

Fast forward to 2023, when Pastor Brad Whipple, founder and lead pastor of Seaport Community Church in Groton, Connecticut, received a vision from the Lord. He saw two men entering his office, seeking to discuss funding for God’s work. The meaning of this vision wasn’t clear at first, so Pastor Brad prayed and waited for further insight.

Months later, God’s plan began to unfold. Lee Husted, son of Glenn Husted, reached out to Pastor Brad to discuss a gift for the ministry in Groton. In a divinely orchestrated moment, it became clear that Lee and his brother George were the very men from Pastor Brad’s vision. Together, they were overseeing their late father’s foundation and felt led to entrust it to Pastor Brad to further its impact in New England.

With the Husted family now living in Mississippi and the recent passing of Glenn Husted, this was a timely and inspired decision. In September 2024, the Gospel Foundation of New England was renamed the Great Awakening Foundation of New England (DBA), marking the beginning of a new chapter under Pastor Brad’s leadership.

Building on a Legacy, Envisioning a Revival

Today, the Great Awakening Foundation of New England is poised to make an even greater impact across the region. The Foundation has already resourced over 50 university campus missionaries with Andrew Murray’s With Christ in the School of Prayer and 60 pastors with Lead With Prayer, furthering its mission to foster a deeper commitment to prayer. The primary focus of the Foundation is to encourage fervent prayer for a spiritual awakening across the six states of New England.

Pastor Brad, with a heart for revival, is committed to expanding the reach of the Foundation and mobilizing believers to bring the light of Christ to every corner of New England. By honoring the legacy of its founders and embracing new possibilities, the Foundation seeks to ignite a spiritual awakening that will transform lives, churches, and communities.

As we look to the future, we invite you to be a part of this powerful movement. Together, we can continue the work Glenn Husted began and build a foundation for revival that will endure for generations to come.