James Coningham facts for kids

James Coningham (1670–1716) was an English Presbyterian minister and a dedicated teacher. He was known for educating young students, especially those who wanted to become ministers.

A Look at James Coningham's Life

James Coningham was born in England in 1670. He went to school in Edinburgh, Scotland, and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1694. That same year, he became a minister for a Presbyterian church in Penrith.

While in Penrith, Coningham also started teaching students. He helped prepare them to become ministers themselves. This teaching was likely supported by local religious groups in Cumberland and Westmorland.

In 1700, Coningham moved to Manchester. He joined John Chorlton at the Cross Street Chapel. There, they both taught at the Manchester academy, a school that trained future ministers. When John Chorlton passed away in 1705, Coningham continued to run the academy by himself for seven more years.

Some of his most famous students included Samuel Bourn the younger and John Turner. John Turner later became well-known for his efforts against the rebel army during the 1715 Jacobite uprising.

During the time of Queen Anne, Coningham faced some challenges. He was sometimes taken to court for running his academy. Even though he was a fair-minded person, it was hard for him to handle all the different religious ideas among his church members.

In 1712, Coningham left Manchester and moved to London. He became the new minister at Haberdashers' Hall. However, his health was not good. James Coningham passed away on September 1, 1716.

What James Coningham Wrote

James Coningham published three sermons during his life, in 1705, 1714, and 1715. A sermon is a speech given by a minister, usually during a church service. He also wrote an introduction, called a preface, for the second edition of a book titled ‘Invisible Realities’ by Henry Pendlebury. This book was first published in 1696.