John Higginson (minister) facts for kids
John Higginson (born in Claybrooke, Leicester, England, on August 6, 1616; died in Salem, Massachusetts, on December 9, 1708) was an important clergyman in early America. He moved to America with his father, Francis Higginson, who was also a minister.
After his father passed away, John helped support his mother, Anne Herbert Higginson, and his brothers. He did this by working as a teacher in Hartford.
Early Life and Ministry
John Higginson was a busy young man. He worked with Giles Firmin to record important meetings. These meetings were called synods, which were gatherings of religious leaders. They used shorthand to write down what was said. This was for the leaders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
He also served as a chaplain at the fort in Saybrook Colony for about four years. A chaplain is a minister who serves in a special place, like a fort or a hospital.
In 1641, John Higginson moved to Guilford, Connecticut. There, he worked with Henry Whitfeld, another minister. John later married Henry Whitfeld's daughter, Sarah. By 1643, John was recognized as one of the main leaders of the church in Guilford.
Settling in Salem
In 1659, John Higginson and his family planned to sail to England. However, their ship had to stop in Salem, Massachusetts, because of bad weather. While in Salem, he was asked to preach for a year. He liked it so much that he decided to stay.
He became the regular pastor of the church in Salem. This was the same church his father had helped to start many years before. John was officially ordained as a pastor in August 1660. He continued to serve this church until he passed away.
Later Years and Legacy
John Higginson was a very popular minister in New England. He served in the ministry for an amazing seventy-two years. He wrote and published several sermons. One of his most famous sermons was from 1663, titled "The Cause of God and His People in New-England."
He also wrote an introduction for a famous book. This book was called Magnalia by Cotton Mather. John Higginson's words were placed at the beginning of the first part of that important work.
John Higginson was known for his strong beliefs. He was initially very firm in his opposition to the Quakers. However, he later expressed regret for being so strict. He chose not to take part in the difficult events of the witchcraft prosecutions of 1692.
