They were also strong in the Isle of Wight amongst farm labourers, largely due to the inspirational teachings of Mary Toms of Tintagel, Cornwall.

The vicar of Brighstone, Samuel Wilberforce, urged that their influence be countered by having their adherents sacked from their jobs and turned out from their cottages, resulting in their sometimes meeting in a chalk pit.

Many of the emigrants from Devon and Cornwall to Canada and the United States in the 1830s were 'Bible Christians', further encouraging the spread of the church in those countries.

The church made extensive use of female preachers like Ann Freeman,[5] and O'Bryan's wife Catherine.

[citation needed] The Bible Christians recognised the ministry of women, calling them "Female Special Agents".