Matthew Clerk facts for kids

Matthew Clerk (born in 1659, died on January 25, 1735) was an Irish Presbyterian minister. He was known for his strong beliefs and his interesting personality. He even moved to America later in his life.

Matthew Clerk's Life Story

Early Years and the Siege

Matthew Clerk was in Derry during a big event called the Siege of Derry in 1689. During this siege, he was shot in the head. He had a scar on his temple for the rest of his life, which he covered with a black patch. After the siege, he decided to study to become a minister.

In 1697, he became a minister for the churches in Kilrea and Boveedy, County Londonderry. This was decided by a group called the Route presbytery.

Standing Up for His Beliefs

Matthew Clerk was very firm in his beliefs. In 1721, a big meeting of ministers, called a synod, suggested being more understanding towards people who didn't fully agree with the Westminster Confession. This was a very important set of beliefs for Presbyterians. Clerk was the only one who disagreed with this idea.

The next year, he and two other ministers strongly protested against any compromise with this group. This disagreement became a big topic. Even though some people tried to challenge Clerk, the main group of ministers was too busy defending themselves to focus on him.

His Unique Personality

Matthew Clerk also wrote about these disagreements. His friends thought his writing style was a bit too funny and not serious enough. One friend wrote in 1723 that Clerk was "one of the most comical old fellows that ever was." This shows he had a good sense of humor!

Clerk was also a strict vegetarian, meaning he only ate plants and no meat. Even with his quiet diet, he was known for his strong and spirited personality. People told funny stories about him, like how he once joked that St. Peter should have been more forceful in a fight.

Moving to America

On April 29, 1729, Clerk left his church in Ireland. He moved to New Hampshire in America. When he arrived, he found that the minister he was going to replace, James Macgregor, had just passed away. Macgregor had founded the town of Londonderry on the Merrimack River.

Matthew Clerk took over as the minister in Londonderry. He also helped with education there. He died on January 25, 1735. His old friends from the Derry siege carried him to his grave. He was married three times, and his third wife was the widow of James Macgregor.

His Writings

Matthew Clerk published some writings during his life. These were important in the discussions among ministers at the time.

• A Letter from the Country to a Friend in Belfast, with respect to the Belfast Society, &c. (Belfast), 1712 (actually 1722).
• A Letter from the Belfast Society to the Rev. Mr. Matthew Clerk, with an Answer to the Society's Remarks on ... A Letter from the Country, &c. (Belfast), 1723.