Richard Kidder facts for kids
Richard Kidder (1633–1703) was an important English church leader. He became the Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1691 and served until his death. He was also known as a very smart thinker about religious topics.
Early Life and Career
Richard Kidder went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, starting in 1649. He was a "sizar," which meant he got help with his college costs, often by doing some work for the college. He finished his studies in 1652. Later, in 1655, he became a Fellow at the college, which is like being a senior researcher or teacher.
In 1659, he became the vicar (a type of church leader) of Stanground, a town in Huntingdonshire. However, in 1662, he lost his position. This happened because of a new law called the Act of Uniformity, which required church leaders to follow strict rules.
Church Leadership and Writings
After a few years, Richard Kidder decided to follow the new rules. From 1664 to 1674, he served as the rector of Rayne Parva in Essex. He later became the vicar of St. Martin Outwich in London.
In 1689, he was chosen to be a royal chaplain, which meant he led prayers for the king or queen. He also became the dean of Peterborough, another important church role.
One of his most famous books was called A Demonstration of the Messias. This book was very important to Charles Jennens, who wrote the words for Handel's famous musical work, the Messiah. Kidder's book helped Jennens think about the story of the Messiah. Kidder also wrote about ideas from another scholar, Joseph Mede, regarding the Book of Zechariah in the Bible.
Tragic End
Richard Kidder died during the Great Storm of 1703. This was a huge storm that hit England on November 26, 1703 (which would be December 7 on today's calendar). He was in bed with his wife at the bishop's palace in Wells when a chimney fell on them both, sadly killing them.
Published Works
Richard Kidder wrote many books and sermons during his life. Here are some of his notable works:
- The Christian sufferer supported (1680)
- A Demonstration of the Messias. In which the Truth of the Christian Religion is Proved, Against All the Enemies Thereof; But Especially Against the Jews. In Three Parts (1684, 1699, 1700)
- A sermon upon the resurrection (1694)
- A Commentary on the Five Books of Moses: With a Dissertation Concerning the Author Or Writer of the said books and a general argument to each of them (1694)
- The life of the Reverend Anthony Horneck, late preacher at the Savoy (1698)
- The holy Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments (1715)
- A Discourse Concerning Sins of Infirmity, and Wilful Sins, with Another of Restitution (reprint, 2010)
