Jeremiah Whitaker facts for kids

Jeremiah Whitaker (born 1599, died 1654) was an important English clergyman. He was a Puritan, which was a group of Christians who wanted to make the Church of England simpler. He was also a key member of the Westminster Assembly, a special meeting that helped shape religious rules in England.

Early Life and Education

Jeremiah Whitaker was born in 1599 in a town called Wakefield, which is in Yorkshire, England. He went to grammar school in Wakefield. Later, in 1615, he went to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, for his university studies. This was just two years before Oliver Cromwell, a famous English leader, also attended the same college. In 1619, Jeremiah Whitaker finished his studies. For a while, he worked as a schoolteacher in Oakham, a town in Rutland.

A Dedicated Clergyman

In 1630, Jeremiah Whitaker became the rector (a type of priest) of Stretton, another town in Rutland. He was known for being very learned, especially in ancient languages like Hebrew. When he was in London, he often preached four times a week!

Role in the Westminster Assembly

A very important event in Jeremiah Whitaker's life was his involvement in the Westminster Assembly. This was a big meeting of religious leaders and scholars. It started in June 1643. The assembly's goal was to discuss and decide on new ways of worship and church rules for England. Jeremiah Whitaker was one of the first people chosen to be a member. In 1647, he was even chosen to be the moderator, which meant he led the meetings. He also helped to check and approve the assembly's published writings.

Family and Legacy

Jeremiah Whitaker passed away on June 1, 1654. He was buried in the church of St Mary Magdalen in Bermondsey, London. While he was teaching in Oakham, he married a woman named Chephtzibah Peachey. Her father, William Peachey, was also a Puritan minister. Jeremiah and Chephtzibah had a son named William Whitaker (1629–1672), who also became a minister.