Clark Bentom facts for kids

Clark Bentom (around 1774 – around 1820) was an English missionary and surgeon. He is remembered for his work in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, where he served from 1800 to 1805. He faced challenges but helped advance religious freedom for non-Catholic and non-Anglican people in the area.

Early Life and First Adventure

When Clark Bentom was a young man, he worked for William Wilberforce, a famous English politician who fought to end slavery. In 1798, Bentom joined the London Missionary Society, a group that sent people to spread their faith around the world.

That same year, he set sail for Tahiti with other missionaries on a ship called the Duff. However, their journey was cut short when French privateers (like government-approved pirates) captured their ship. Bentom and the others were eventually released and returned to London in 1799.

Mission in Canada

After his first adventure, Clark Bentom decided to try again. He sailed to Canada with another missionary and arrived in Quebec City on June 1, 1800.

In Quebec, Bentom led a church that followed a Presbyterian style of worship. He also sometimes worked as a surgeon. His efforts to build a congregation had mixed results. The established religious leaders in the city did not accept him. He even faced legal trouble for performing baptisms, marriages, and burials without official permission.

Despite these difficulties, Bentom's time in Quebec was important. He helped push for the rights of people who were not Catholic or Anglican to worship freely and be protected by law. This was a big step for religious freedom in Canada.

Later Life

In 1805, Bentom returned to England. He tried to get help from the British government, asking the House of Commons to look into the actions taken against him in Canada. However, we don't know what happened with his request. He also did not receive support from the London Missionary Society.

Bentom then left the missionary society. He joined the Royal Navy, working as a surgeon on a ship. It is believed that he died in Jamaica around 1820.

His Legacy

Letters and other documents written by Clark Bentom are kept in the Council of World Missions Archive. You can find these important historical papers at the library of SOAS University of London.

See also

• List of Christian missionaries
• List of English people
• List of surgeons
• Religion in Canada