Alexander Mackonochie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Mackonochie
SSC
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| Born | 11 August 1825 Fareham, Hampshire
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| Died | 15 December 1887 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Wadham College, Oxford |
| Occupation | Mission Priest |
| Known for | ritualism |
Alexander Heriot Mackonochie (born August 11, 1825 – died December 15, 1887) was an important priest in the Church of England. He was known as "the martyr of St Alban's" because he faced legal challenges and was forced to leave his church due to his religious practices, which were called "ritualist."
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alexander Mackonochie was born in Fareham, Hampshire, England. His father was a retired army colonel. Alexander grew up in a family that followed a "Low Church" style of Christianity, which meant they preferred simpler church services.
Even when he was young, Alexander felt a strong calling to become a priest. People even nicknamed him "the boy-bishop"! He studied at Edinburgh University before going to Wadham College, Oxford in 1844. He earned his first degree in 1848.
Oxford University was a very important place for a religious movement called the Oxford Movement. This movement encouraged more traditional and "Catholic" ways of worship within the Church of England. While at Oxford, Alexander met many people involved in this movement, and it likely influenced his own beliefs.
Becoming a Priest and Early Work
Alexander became a priest in 1849. His first job was in Westbury, Wiltshire. In 1852, he moved to Wantage, Berkshire, where he worked with another priest who followed the "Tractarian" ideas (part of the Oxford Movement). In Wantage, Alexander taught in church schools and was known for his strong sermons.
Helping People in London
In 1858, Alexander moved to London to work as a priest in a very poor area called London Docks. He worked with another priest, Charles Fuge Lowder, helping people in the slum areas. At this time, some people strongly disagreed with the "ritualist" practices of priests like Alexander. There were even riots, and stones were thrown at the priests.
In 1862, Alexander became the main priest at St Alban's Church, Holborn. He believed in a more traditional style of worship, similar to early Christian practices. He started having daily services called the Eucharist, which included special singing and using candles. St Alban's was one of the first Anglican churches to hold a special three-hour service on Good Friday and to celebrate a Harvest Festival. Alexander also listened to people's confessions.
Alexander was known as a "slum priest" because he worked hard to help the poor people in his area. With his assistants, he started schools, soup kitchens, clubs for working men, and clothing funds. Even when he faced difficulties later, St Alban's remained a busy and active church.
Facing Challenges for His Beliefs
Some people, especially those with "Low Church" views, strongly disagreed with Alexander's "ritualist" practices. They felt his services were too similar to Roman Catholic ones. A group called the Church Association decided to take legal action against him.
In 1867, a lawsuit was brought against Alexander. He was accused of things like lifting the bread (host) high during the service, using a mixed chalice (wine mixed with water), lighting altar candles, using incense, and kneeling during a special prayer.
The first court decision went against him on some points. Even though Alexander agreed to follow the rules, the group against him appealed to a higher court. This court ruled against him on more points and ordered him to pay all the legal costs.
Even after this, the Church Association continued to pursue Alexander. This led to him being suspended from his duties for three months in 1870. He became a disliked figure for some, and he was even banned from preaching in one area.
Another lawsuit was started in 1874, bringing up old charges and adding new ones, like using processions with a crucifix and facing east during a prayer. Alexander stood firm, but in 1875, he was again found against and suspended for six weeks.
In 1878, he was suspended for three years.
In 1882, facing more legal troubles, Alexander decided to leave St Alban's. He moved to another church, St Peter's, London Docks, which had been started by his friend C.F. Lowder. Even though the church was lively, Alexander was very unhappy. He missed St Alban's, and his confidence was fading. In December 1883, he resigned again, knowing it was best for the church and his own health.
Later Life and Passing Away
After leaving St Peter's, Alexander moved back to the clergy house at St Alban's. He continued to help out in the parish, but his mind began to weaken. He often visited his friend, the Bishop of Argyll, in Scotland, a place he loved. He also spent time at his brother's house in Wantage.
His mental health continued to decline. On December 15, 1887, he got lost in the Mamore Forest in Scotland while out walking. His body was found two days later.
After a large funeral service at St Alban's, his body was taken to Brookwood Cemetery in Woking, where he was buried. A cross was later placed where he died, and a chapel was dedicated to his memory at St Alban's.
His Role in the Anglo-Catholic Movement
Besides his work in his parishes, Alexander Mackonochie was a very important figure in the wider "Catholic revival" within the Church of England. He was one of the first priests to join the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament. He also served as the leader (Master) of the Society of the Holy Cross (SSC) for several terms. He helped shape the rules of the Society and, as its leader, played a big part in guiding its activities. Under Alexander, the Society became a leading group in the Anglo-Catholic movement.
See also
- Society of the Holy Cross
- Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament
- Ritualism
- T. Pelham Dale
- Richard William Enraght
- Sidney Faithorn Green
- Arthur Tooth
Images for kids
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"He makes religion a tragedy, and the movements of his muscles a solemn ceremony"
Mackonochie as caricatured by Ape (Carlo Pellegrini) in Vanity Fair, December 1870 -
Mackonochie's grave in Brookwood Cemetery
