Richard Mayo (minister) facts for kids

Richard Mayo (born around 1631, died 1695) was an English minister who didn't agree with all the rules of the official Church of England. Because of this, he was forced to leave his church job in 1662. After that, he led his own group of worshippers who wanted to practice their faith differently. He also wrote a book about the life of another important minister named Edmund Staunton.

Richard Mayo's Life Story

Richard Mayo was born around 1631. His family likely came from an area called Hertfordshire in England. When he was young, he went to school in London. His teacher was a Puritan named John Singleton. Richard Mayo became a minister when he was quite young.

Early Ministry and Challenges

During a time when England didn't have a king (called the Interregnum), Richard Mayo became the vicar, or church leader, in Kingston upon Thames. He took over this role from Edmund Staunton. For several years, he also gave weekly talks at a church in London called St. Mary's, Whitechapel.

In 1662, a new law called the Uniformity Act of 1662 was passed. This law made ministers follow strict rules of the Church of England. Because Richard Mayo didn't agree with these rules, he was forced to leave his church job. He was one of many ministers who were "ejected" at this time.

Continuing His Work

Even after being ejected, Richard Mayo continued to preach. He held religious meetings in secret places, which were called conventicles. In 1666, he took a special oath that helped him avoid another law called the Five Mile Act. This law tried to stop ejected ministers from living near towns or their old churches.

Later, he became the minister for a group of Presbyterian worshippers. They met at a place called Buckingham House, College Hill in London. After the Toleration Act was passed in 1689, his group could worship more freely. They moved to a new meeting-house in Salters' Hall Court. In 1694, Richard Mayo also became one of the lecturers at a new series of talks established there.

Family and Passing

Richard Mayo passed away on Sunday, September 8, 1695, after being sick for about six weeks. He was 64 years old. His assistant, Nathaniel Taylor, gave the sermon at his funeral. Richard Mayo had two sons. One son, also named Richard Mayo, became a minister and later a rector. His other son, Daniel Mayo, also became a well-known minister.

Richard Mayo's Writings

Richard Mayo published several works during his life. One of his important books was The Life ... of ... Edmund Staunton, which came out in 1673. This book told the life story of his predecessor, Edmund Staunton. He also wrote other religious and theological books. Richard Mayo also helped with a large Bible commentary. He wrote the notes for the Epistle to the Romans section in Annotations upon the Holy Bible, a book published in 1685 by Matthew Poole.