John Evans (divine) facts for kids
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John Evans (born around 1680, died 1730) was an important Welsh religious leader, often called a divine. He was known for his preaching and his work in the Presbyterian church in London.
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Early Life and Family
John Evans was born in Wrexham, Wales, around 1680. His family had a long history of religious leaders. His great-grandfather and grandfather were both rectors (church leaders) in Penegoes.
His father, also named John Evans, was a minister in Oswestry. However, in 1662, his father was "ejected" (removed from his position). This happened because he refused to agree with a new law called the Act of Uniformity. After this, his father moved to Wrexham. There, he became the pastor of a Congregational church in 1668. He continued his ministry there until he passed away in 1700.
Becoming a Minister
Young John Evans first studied in London and then in Yorkshire. He was a very dedicated student. It is said he read many large books, including a huge Latin work called Synopsis Criticorum by Matthew Poole. He also studied the writings of early Christian authors.
In 1702, John Evans became a minister in Wrexham. He led a new Congregational church there. A few years later, he was invited to work in Dublin. However, a famous theologian named Dr. Daniel Williams convinced him to stay in Britain. Instead, Dr. Williams offered John Evans a job as his assistant in London.
John Evans became Dr. Williams's assistant at a church in Hand Alley, Westminster. When Dr. Williams died in 1716, John Evans was chosen to take his place. He had initially leaned towards the Independents, another Protestant group. But under Dr. Williams's influence, he joined the Presbyterians.
A Popular Preacher
John Evans was a very skilled and popular preacher. Many people admired his sermons. His congregation thought highly of him. In 1729, they even built him a new church building in New Broad Street, Petty France, Westminster.
For several years, he also gave evening lectures at Salters' Hall. In 1723, he was chosen to be a preacher for the Merchants' Lecture at the same location. Around this time, he received an honorary degree, Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). This special title was given to him by the universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
He often led public ordination ceremonies, where new ministers were officially appointed. He was respected by people from his own religious group and by others. This was because he had very tolerant views. He also played a key role in a religious debate called the Arian controversy. He supported those who did not want to sign certain statements about religious beliefs.
People described John Evans as being "uncommonly tall."
Evans's Important List
John Evans was the main person who put together a very important survey. This survey listed Baptist, Independent (Congregational), and Presbyterian churches and their ministers across England and Wales. It was started by a committee of Protestant ministers in London.
Information for the list was gathered by seventeen different people. John Evans himself wrote the final version. It was put together between 1715 and 1718, with more details added until 1729. This valuable list is now kept safe at Dr Williams's Library in London. It helps historians understand the religious landscape of that time.
Personal Challenges
John Evans married a woman who had a lot of money. With her wealth and his own savings, he decided to invest in the South Sea Company. Unfortunately, this investment did not go well, and he lost all his money. This caused him financial problems in his later years, which many believed made his health worse.
He managed to keep up appearances, so most people thought his daughter would inherit a lot of money. Some members of his church helped him financially. However, the real reason for his money troubles remained a secret until after he passed away.
Death
John Evans passed away on May 16, 1730. He suffered from dropsy and other health issues. He was buried in Dr. Williams's vault at Bunhill Fields burial ground.
