James Guinness Rogers facts for kids

James Guinness Rogers (born 29 December 1822 – died 20 August 1911) was an important British clergyman. He was a Nonconformist, which means he was a Protestant Christian who did not belong to the official Church of England. He played a big role in both religious and political life in Britain.

Early Life and School

James Rogers was born in Enniskillen, Ireland, in 1822. His father, Thomas Rogers, was a preacher from Cornwall. Young James went to school at Silcoates School in Wakefield. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin. While there, he became friends with William Digby Seymour.

Becoming a Minister

After finishing college in 1843, James Rogers went to the Lancashire Independent College in Manchester. He became a minister in 1846. His first job was at St. James's chapel in Newcastle-on-Tyne. In 1851, he moved to Albion Chapel in Ashton-under-Lyne, near Manchester. There, he helped build new school buildings.

Rogers became a respected leader in his church group, the Congregational Union. He was chosen as chairman of the Lancashire Congregational Union in 1865. That same year, he moved to lead the Congregational church in Clapham. He stayed there as minister until 1900.

His Role in Politics

James Rogers was highly respected by his church. He became chairman of the Surrey Congregational Union in 1868. He also led the London Congregational Union and the Congregational Union of England and Wales in 1874. This group is now known as the United Reformed Church.

He was seen as a wise and trusted voice for Nonconformists. Important leaders in the government and church listened to him. He worked closely with Dr. Robert William Dale. Together, they campaigned for changes in education and for "disestablishment." Disestablishment meant separating the Church of England from the government. These efforts led to the Irish Church Act 1869. Rogers was also friends with famous politicians like Gladstone and Lord Rosebery. They often asked for his advice on what Nonconformists thought about political issues.

Later Years

James Rogers retired from his ministry in 1900. People gave him a special award and a gift of £1100. This amount would be worth about £173,000 today.

He wrote a book about his life in 1903. James Guinness Rogers passed away in Clapham in 1911. One of his grandsons was a war poet named E. A. Mackintosh.