John Rowe (minister) facts for kids
John Rowe (born 1626, died 1677) was an English minister who led an important Congregationalist church in London. He was known for his strong beliefs and his work during a time of big changes in England.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Rowe was born in a town called Crediton in Devon, England. He went to college at Emmanuel College, Cambridge and also studied at New Inn Hall in Oxford. These were important universities where he learned a lot to prepare for his life as a minister.
A Strange Event and a Book
In 1653, John Rowe wrote a book called Tragi-comoedia. This book was about a very unusual event that happened in his local area of Witney. During a play put on by traveling actors, the floor of an upstairs room in The White Hart Inn suddenly collapsed! John Rowe wrote about this incident, seeing it as a warning or a sign related to people attending plays.
Working in Westminster
John Rowe became a lecturer at Westminster Abbey in 1654. This meant he gave sermons and talks there. In 1656, he even preached to the English Parliament, thanking them after a naval victory. He also gave a speech at the funeral of John Bradshaw in 1659. Bradshaw was a judge who had been part of the court that sentenced King Charles I.
Facing Changes
When King Charles II returned to power in 1660, this period was called the Restoration of 1660. Many things changed, especially for ministers like John Rowe. In 1662, he refused to follow the new rules for the Church of England. Because of this, he lost his position and was forced to leave his church. He was known as an "ejected minister" because he was removed from his role.
Starting a New Church
After leaving his official church position, John Rowe didn't stop his work. He moved around a bit and then started a new church in Holborn, London. Another minister named Theophilus Gale helped him with this new church.
Family and Legacy
John Rowe had a son named Thomas Rowe (1657–1705). After Theophilus Gale passed away, Thomas Rowe took over the church his father had started. He moved the church to a new building called Girdlers’ Hall in 1681. Famous hymn writer Isaac Watts was even a member of this church! John Rowe's nephew, Henry Grove, was also a friend of Isaac Watts. This shows how John Rowe's work and beliefs continued through his family and influenced important people of his time.
