England, then joined the Methodist Society. He was a relatively wealthy bricklayer. Around 1766, he was visited at his home by James Wardley. He subsequently joined the Wardley Group and hosted many poorer members of the society. Influence on Ann Lee Ann Lee was the daughter of two devout members of the church. She was compelled by the power of the testimonies of Wardley and her husband, and confessed her sins to them. She taught that repentance was absolutely essential to the reception of the power to forsake sin. She became the first leader of the Shakers. References 18th-century religious leaders Shaker members