John Barker (minister) facts for kids

John Barker (born 1682, died 1762) was an important English presbyterian minister. A presbyterian minister is a leader in a Christian church that follows the Presbyterian system of church government.

Life of John Barker

John Barker was born in 1682. We don't know exactly where he was born or much about his parents. He might have been related to Reverend Matthew Barker, who had to leave his church in Eastcheap, London, in 1662.

Early Education and Ministry

After finishing school, John Barker studied to become a presbyterian minister. He was taught by Timothy Jollie at Attercliffe Academy in Yorkshire. After his studies, Barker moved to London. There, he was officially allowed by the Presbyterians to preach.

In 1709, he became an assistant preacher at a leading presbyterian church in London, located at Crosby Square. He worked well with the main pastor, Dr. Benjamin Grosvenor.

Leading a Congregation

In June 1714, a famous religious writer named Matthew Henry passed away. His church in Mare Street, Hackney, London, invited Barker to become their new minister.

There was some disagreement among the church members about who should be the new minister. This led to some people leaving the church to form a new group called the Gravel Pit congregation. However, most of the church members stayed with Barker. Soon, the church grew to be as large as it had ever been.

Religious Debates

After settling in Hackney, Barker became involved in important discussions about the Trinity. This was a big debate among Protestant groups who were not part of the main Church of England. These groups were divided into two sides: "subscribers" and "non-subscribers."

Barker was a "subscriber," meaning he agreed with the traditional beliefs about the Trinity. He gave many talks explaining his views on the divine nature of Jesus Christ. In 1718, a member of his church, Reverend Martin Tomkins, questioned Barker about using certain prayers. Barker chose not to argue publicly, but he did discuss it with Dr. Isaac Watts, another important religious figure.

Changes at Hackney

In 1729, Philip Gibbs joined Barker as a co-pastor. Gibbs was talented, but some people questioned his religious beliefs. Because of this, he had to leave in 1737. In 1738, Reverend William Hunt took his place. In the same year, Barker himself suddenly resigned from his position at Hackney.

Later Years and Retirement

After leaving Hackney, Barker moved to Epsom in Surrey. He lived there for about three years without a regular church job, but he was always ready to help other ministers.

In 1741, after the death of Reverend John Newman, Barker became the main preacher at the Salters' Hall church. He preferred to be called the "morning preacher" rather than the official "minister." Salters' Hall always had two ministers. When his colleague, Reverend Jeremiah Tidcomb, died, Reverend Francis Spilbury from Worcester joined Barker in 1742.

In 1744, Barker moved from Epsom back to London. Later, he lived in Walthamstow and then in Clapham.

In 1748, he was saddened by the death of his mother. In 1751, he lost his friend and frequent correspondent, Doddridge. In the spring of 1762, due to his old age, Barker retired from his role at Salters' Hall. He passed away on May 31 of the same year, at 80 years old.

Works

John Barker published a book of his Sermons in 1748. He also chose sermons for a second book. However, he became ill, and this second volume was not published until after his death in 1763.

Family

John Barker was married twice. His first wife was Bathsua Gledhill, whose father, Robert Gledhill, lived near Wakefield, Yorkshire. She died in September 1719. His second wife was the widow of a Mr. Lamb. Her large house in Hackney (London Fields) gave its name to 'Lamb's Lane.'