Jonathan Hanmer facts for kids

Jonathan Hanmer (1606–1687) was an English minister who faced challenges because of his beliefs. He was known as an "ejected minister" because he was forced to leave his church roles. This happened during a time when the English government wanted everyone to follow the same religious rules.

Jonathan Hanmer: A Story of Faith

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Hanmer was born in a town called Barnstaple in Devon, England. He was baptized on October 3, 1606. His father was John Hanmer. Jonathan went to Barnstaple grammar school to get his early education.

Later, he went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1624. He studied hard and earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1627. He then earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1631.

A Preacher's Journey

Jonathan Hanmer became a minister on November 23, 1632. He first worked at a church in Instow, Devon. Later, in 1652, he became the vicar of Bishops Tawton. A vicar is a type of priest in charge of a church parish.

From 1646 to 1662, Hanmer also worked as a lecturer in the church at Barnstaple. This meant he gave sermons and taught people about religion. He became very well-known for his powerful preaching.

Standing Up for Beliefs

In 1662, a new law was passed called the Act of Uniformity 1662. This law said that all ministers had to agree with the Church of England's rules and ways of worship. If they didn't, they would lose their jobs.

Jonathan Hanmer could not agree with all the new rules. Because of this, he was "ejected" from both his vicarage and his lectureship. This meant he lost his positions in the church.

Even after being ejected, Hanmer continued to preach. With another minister named Oliver Peard, he started the first nonconformist church in Barnstaple. Nonconformists were people who did not follow the official Church of England. At first, they met in a private building. Later, in 1672, they built their own meeting-house near the castle.

Hanmer traveled to different places like London, Bristol, Pinner, and Great Torrington to continue his ministry. He still kept good relationships with people in the Church of England, even though he was a nonconformist.

Jonathan Hanmer passed away in Barnstaple on December 18, 1687. He was buried in the churchyard there a few days later.

His Written Works

Jonathan Hanmer also wrote and published several books. These books shared his religious ideas and teachings.

• Τελείωσις, or an Exercitation upon Confirmation (1657): This book was about a religious practice called confirmation. Other famous religious thinkers like Richard Baxter liked his book.
• 'Άρχαιοσκοπία, or a View of Antiquity' (1677): This book talked about ten important early Christian leaders, called Church fathers.

Helping Others Across the Ocean

Hanmer was also a big supporter of John Eliot. Eliot was a missionary who worked with Native Americans in North America. Hanmer helped Eliot by raising money for his work. He made sure the money went directly to Eliot to help his mission.

His Family and Legacy

Jonathan Hanmer was married to Catharine, who passed away in 1660. They had at least seven children. One of their sons, John Hanmer (1642–1707), also became a nonconformist minister, following in his father's footsteps.

Their daughter, Katherine (1653–1694), married William Gay. Their youngest child was John Gay, who grew up to become a famous poet. This means Jonathan Hanmer was the grandfather of a well-known writer!