Roger Fenton (priest) facts for kids

Roger Fenton (born 1565, died 1615) was an English church leader, known for helping to translate the famous King James Bible. He lived a long time ago, during a period when England was undergoing many changes.

Roger Fenton's Early Life and Education

Roger Fenton was born in Lancashire, a county in England. He went to Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, which is part of the University of Cambridge. He started his studies there in 1585.

At Cambridge, he was a "sizar." This meant he received financial help to study, often by doing certain jobs for the college. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1589. The next year, in 1590, he became a fellow, which is like a senior member or teacher at the college. He then earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1592. Later, he continued his studies, getting a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) in 1602 and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1613.

His Career as a Preacher and Rector

From 1598 until he died, Roger Fenton worked as a preacher at Gray's Inn. This was a place where lawyers studied and lived in London.

In 1601, he became the rector (a type of church leader) of St. Stephen's, Walbrook, a church in London. In 1603, he also became rector of another nearby church, St. Benet's Sherehog. He left St. Benet's in 1606 when he was appointed to lead the church in Chigwell, Essex.

In 1609, he took over a special position in St. Paul's Cathedral from Lancelot Andrewes. This new role meant he was also the rector and patron of the church in Chigwell, as well as its vicar.

Helping Translate the King James Bible

One of Roger Fenton's most important roles was being part of the team that translated the King James Bible. This was a huge project ordered by King James I. Fenton was part of the "Second Westminster Company" of translators. Their specific job was to translate the Epistles, which are letters found in the New Testament part of the Bible.

Roger Fenton passed away on January 16, 1615. He was buried under the communion table in his church.

Roger Fenton's Published Works

Roger Fenton wrote several books and sermons during his lifetime. His first book, called An Answer to William Alablaster his Motives, was published in 1599. It was written to respond to the ideas of William Alabaster.

In 1611, Fenton published an important book titled A Treatise of Usurie. This book was about the practice of "usury," which means lending money and charging interest. At the time, there was a lot of debate about whether this was right or wrong. His book was so popular that a second edition was printed in 1612.

Fenton was also known as a popular preacher. Some of his sermons were published so more people could read them. For example, a sermon called 'Of Simonie and Sacriledge' was published in 1604. Another sermon, 'Upon Oathes,' was published in 1615. After he died, a book of his works was published in 1617 by his successor at Chigwell, Emmanuel Utie. This book included a treatise (a detailed written work) that discussed religious ideas of the time, along with several sermons.