One story that comes to mind refers to the Rhode Island Calvinist minister Samuel Hopkins. William Ellery Channing, who later became a key figure in the Unitarian church, recalled this about Hopkins' preaching:

I understand, that the interest, expressed by me in the character of Dr. Hopkins, has surprised some of my townsmen in Newport, who knew him only by report, or who saw him in their youth. I do not wonder at this. He lived almost wholly in his study, and like very retired men, was the object of little sympathy. His appearance was that of a man who had nothing to do with the world. I can well recollect the impression which he made on me when a boy, as he rode on horseback in a plaid gown fastened by a girdle round his waist, and with a study cap on his head instead of his wig. His delivery in the pulpit was the worst I ever met with. Such tones never came from any human voice within my hearing. He was the very ideal of bad delivery. Then I must say, the matter was often as uninviting as the manner.

That recollection comes from this source, which has a great story about ruffles on the follow page.

Although I don't recall the source, I've been led to understand that despite Hopkins' position of influence within New England Calvinist theology at the time (he lived from 1721-1803), even his own congregation could barely stand the sound of his voice.