John Blackadder (preacher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Blackadder |
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A picture showing a conventicle (secret church meeting) from 1906.
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| Religion | Christianity |
| School | Presbyterianism |
| Personal | |
| Born | 1615 |
| Died | 1685 (aged 69–70) Bass Rock |
| Resting place | North Berwick |
| Senior posting | |
| Title | Mr. (he was a graduate) |
| Religious career | |
| Profession | Preacher |
John Blackadder (1615–1685) was an important Presbyterian Covenanter preacher in Scotland. He lived during a time when the king, Charles II, wanted to control the church. Blackadder and other Covenanters believed the church should be run by ministers and elders, not the king or bishops.
After the king returned to power, he tried to force the Scottish church to accept bishops. This meant the king would have more control. Blackadder refused to follow these new rules. He kept preaching even though the government banned it. Because of his beliefs, he was arrested in 1681 and died in prison on the Bass Rock.
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Early Life and Ministry
John Blackadder was born around 1615. He studied to become a minister at Glasgow University. In 1646, he married Janet Haining, and they had five sons and two daughters. He finished his studies in 1650.
In 1653, Blackadder became the minister of Troqueer, a town near Dumfries. This was during a time when England and Scotland were a "Commonwealth," meaning there was no king. Blackadder worked hard to improve the spiritual life of his parish. He held extra church services and encouraged everyone to read the Bible. He even helped poor families buy Bibles. His meetings became very popular, with people coming from other towns to hear him preach.
Standing Up for Beliefs
When Charles II became king again in 1660, he wanted to change the church in Scotland. He wanted bishops to be in charge, like in England. This was called Episcopacy. Blackadder strongly disagreed with this. He preached against the king's new rules.
In 1662, soldiers were sent to Troqueer because Blackadder and other ministers refused to follow the king's orders. Blackadder was brave and continued to preach his beliefs. He even kept the church gallery open for the soldiers to listen. He explained his views using the Bible. Some soldiers were surprised, saying he only spoke what the Bible supported.
Despite this, Blackadder and other ministers were ordered to appear before the authorities. They were asked if they would agree to preach on the anniversary of the king's return. Blackadder and one other minister, Archibald, refused. They were told their opinions would not change. Surprisingly, they were allowed to return home.
However, soon after, a council meeting decided that all ministers who had not accepted the new church rules had to leave their parishes by November 1, 1662. If they didn't, soldiers would remove them. This rule forced Blackadder to leave Troqueer.
A Preacher on the Run
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After being forced out of Troqueer, Blackadder became a "fugitive preacher." This meant he had to move around to avoid being caught. He preached in secret meetings called "conventicles." These were often held outdoors in fields or in private homes. Many people came to hear him, sometimes from far away.
The government issued many warrants for his arrest, but he always managed to escape. He moved from Glencairn to Edinburgh, thinking he would be safer in a busy city. The night he left Glencairn, soldiers came to arrest him, but he was already gone. His family had to scatter and find new places to live.
Blackadder preached in many parts of southern Scotland. He often joined other Covenanter preachers. At a large meeting at Hill of Beath in 1670, people even brought weapons to protect themselves from soldiers.
Once, Blackadder preached near St Andrews. The local archbishop, James Sharp, asked the town leader to send soldiers to break up the crowd. But the leader said he couldn't, because the soldiers had joined the worshipers!
In 1674, Blackadder was declared an outlaw, meaning there was a reward for his capture. Still, he continued to preach. In 1678, he went to Rotterdam in Holland for a while. He helped other Scots who had been forced to leave their homes. He returned to Scotland in 1679 and continued his secret preaching. His last known sermon was in March 1681.
Arrest and Death
On April 6, 1681, John Blackadder was finally arrested in Edinburgh. He was tried and found guilty of breaking the king's laws. He was sent to prison on the Bass Rock, a small island in the sea.
He spent four years in a damp, small cell with iron-barred windows. The harsh conditions made him very sick. His friends tried to get him released, but the government delayed. They offered him freedom if he paid a large sum of money, but it was too late. John Blackadder died in prison on the Bass Rock in December 1685. He was 63 years old.
He is buried in the churchyard at North Berwick. His tombstone has a long poem that tells about his life and faith.
Family Life
John Blackadder and his wife Janet had five sons and two daughters. His eldest son, William, became a doctor to King William III. Another son, Adam, became a merchant and wrote about his father's struggles. His youngest son, also named John, became a soldier and later the governor of Stirling Castle.
Legacy
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John Blackadder is remembered for his strong faith and courage. A book about his life was written in 1826, using his own writings from prison.
A church in North Berwick, called the Blackadder Kirk, was built in his memory in 1845. It was created to honor the Covenanter "martyrs" (people who died for their beliefs) who were imprisoned on the Bass Rock. Today, this church has joined with another to form the St Andrew Blackadder Church.
There is also a plaque in Troqueer, his old parish church, remembering him.
