Roger Baxter facts for kids

Roger Baxter (1784–1827) was an English Jesuit priest who traveled to the United States in 1817. He worked as a Catholic missionary, helping people in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. From 1819 to 1824, he was in charge of studies at the new Georgetown College, which is now Georgetown University. After spending a year in Europe in 1825, he left the Jesuit order. However, he soon returned to the U.S. and continued his work in the mid-Atlantic region. He passed away in Philadelphia.

The Life of Roger Baxter

Roger Baxter was born in a place called Walton-le-Dale, near Preston, in England. He went to school at Stonyhurst College. In 1810, he joined the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. This is a group of Catholic priests and brothers. In 1816, he wrote a letter that was printed in a newspaper. In this letter, he defended the Christian belief in the Trinity.

Coming to America

Baxter arrived in Georgetown, USA, in early 1817. He had a letter from Charles Plowden, who was the head of the English Jesuits. This letter was for Giovanni Antonio Grassi, who was the leader of the Jesuits in Maryland and the president of Georgetown College. Soon after he arrived, on May 31, 1817, he became a priest. This was done by Archbishop Neale.

Public Debates and Preaching

From May to December 1817, Baxter had a public discussion with Rev. W.H. Wilmer. Wilmer was a minister from a different church in Alexandria, Virginia. They debated about the beliefs of Catholicism. Baxter's letters were printed in one local newspaper, and Wilmer's in another. People at the time said Baxter was "a man known for his knowledge, good speaking skills, and strong belief in his faith."

In 1818, Baxter sometimes visited Richmond, Virginia. The next year, he became the main priest there. Many people in his church were Irish immigrants. They had come to work on the James River and Kanawha Canal. Baxter was known as a very good speaker. On May 31, 1821, he gave a special speech. This was at the opening of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Baltimore.

Working at Georgetown College

After October 1819, Baxter worked at Georgetown College until 1824. He was the Prefect of Studies, which means he was in charge of the school's academic programs. He also taught philosophy, which is the study of knowledge and existence.

After leaving Georgetown, Baxter went to Europe for a year. When he came back, he decided to leave the Jesuit order. He stayed in England for some time before returning to the United States.

Later Life and Death

Roger Baxter continued his work as a priest in Maryland and Pennsylvania. He passed away at St. Joseph's Residence in Philadelphia on May 24, 1827. He was 43 years old. He was first buried in a place called "The Bishop's Ground." Later, in 1841, his remains were moved to Holy Cross Cemetery.

His Writings

Roger Baxter wrote several books and articles. These works helped explain Catholic beliefs.

• Remarks on a Sermon preached by the Rev. J. Le Mesurier, B.D., in which the invocation of saints and angels, as now practised in the church of Rome, is attempted to be shown as idolatrous, London, 1816.
• The most important Tenets of Roman Catholics fairly explained, Washington, 1819. This book was printed again in Philadelphia in 1845 and many times after that.
• Meditations For Every Day In The Year, (edited by Roger Baxter S.J.) New York, Benziger Brothers, 1823.