Gervase Bryan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gervase Bryan
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| Born | c1622 |
| Died | 27 December 1689 (aged 67) Coventry, England
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| Resting place | Holy Trinity Church, Coventry |
| Children | Elizabeth (bap. 7 March 1648); John (bap. 27 Feb 1649, buried 2 Oct 1653); Samuel (bap. 12 May 1652); Paul (buried 23 Sept 1652); Gervase (bap. 27 Sept 1653); unnamed son (bap. 10 Feb 1655, buried 12 Feb 1655); Timothy (b. 3 April 1656); Humphrey (b. 3 April 1656, buried 13 Sept 1660); Prudence (b. 15 July 1657); Susanna (b. 15 Mar 1659, buried 11 Jan 1664); Simon (b. 8 June 1660, 17 Aug 1664) |
| Relatives | John Bryan (ejected minister) |
Gervase Bryan (around 1622 – 27 December 1689) was an English clergyman. He was known as an "ejected minister" in 1662. This meant he lost his job because of new laws about religion.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Gervase Bryan was also known as Jarvis or Jervis Brian. He went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge University. He started his studies there on May 26, 1640. He earned his first degree (BA) in 1643 or 1644. Later, he received his master's degree (MA) in 1647.
Family Connections
Gervase Bryan had a son named Samuel. Samuel was born in 1652 in Oldswinford, Worcestershire. Samuel also followed in his father's footsteps and studied at Cambridge University. Gervase Bryan's brother, John Bryan, was also a minister.
Career as a Minister
In 1648, Gervase Bryan became the rector of St Mary's Church in Oldswinford. A rector is a type of church leader. He served there for several years.
The Ejection of 1662
In 1662, a new law called the Act of Uniformity was passed. This law required all ministers to follow strict rules for church services. Many ministers, including Gervase Bryan, disagreed with these rules. Because they refused to follow the new rules, they were "ejected" from their churches. This meant they lost their positions.
During this time, there were some difficult situations for ministers. In November 1661, Gervase Bryan was involved in something called the Pakington Plot. This was a situation where some ministers faced problems with the authorities.
Later Ministry and Challenges
Even after being ejected, Gervase Bryan continued his work. In 1672, he received a special permission. This allowed him to preach at his own home. This was important because ejected ministers were not allowed to preach in public churches.
Moving to New Congregations
In 1675, Gervase Bryan moved to Birmingham. The next year, in 1676, he moved to Coventry. There, he took over from his brother John. He became the minister for a group of people called Presbyterians. They met in Coventry.
For a while, these groups could meet in special licensed rooms. But in 1682, this freedom was taken away. It became harder for them to gather.
Renewed Freedom to Worship
Things changed again in 1687. King James II made a special declaration. This declaration allowed people more freedom to follow their own religious beliefs. After this, Gervase Bryan and another minister, Obadiah Grew, brought their congregation back together. They met in a place called St. Nicholas Hall, also known as Leather Hall.
Death and Burial
Gervase Bryan passed away in Coventry on December 27, 1689. He was buried a few days later, on December 31, 1689. His burial place is at Holy Trinity Church, Coventry.
