Samuel Bourn the Elder facts for kids
Samuel Bourn the Elder (1648–1719) was an English minister who chose not to follow the official Church of England. People like him were called Dissenters. His uncle, Robert Seddon, helped him go to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, a famous university. Samuel Bourn became a Presbyterian minister, which is a type of Protestant Christian faith. He was known for his strong beliefs but was also very understanding of others.
Early Life and Education
Samuel Bourn was born in Derby, a town in England. His family were cloth makers. They even helped provide water for the town!
He went to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, but he left without getting a degree. After college, he worked as a teacher in Derby. Later, he became a chaplain, which is like a private minister, for Lady Hatton.
Becoming a Minister
Samuel Bourn moved to London and was officially made a minister there. In 1679, he became the leader of a Presbyterian church in Calne, Wiltshire. He stayed there for 16 years, even though other towns like Bath and Lincoln wanted him to come to their churches.
In 1695, his uncle Robert Seddon, who was also a minister, suggested that Samuel Bourn take over his church in Bolton, Lancashire. Samuel Bourn moved to Bolton. At first, the people at the Bank Street Unitarian Chapel weren't sure about him. But he worked hard and eventually won their hearts.
Work in Bolton
A new church building was built for Samuel Bourn in Bolton. The land for the church was given by his uncle. He also started a charity school for 20 poor children and helped support it. Even though he didn't earn much money himself, he was very good at asking for donations to help others. People called him "the best beggar in Bolton" because he was so good at it! He even left £20 in his will to support a special Monday lecture series.
Later Years and Legacy
Samuel Bourn's health started to get worse before he passed away on March 4, 1719. Before he died, he told his friend that he was very happy with his decision to be a nonconformist minister. This meant he continued to follow his own beliefs rather than the official church.
His son, also named Samuel, gave the sermon at his father's funeral. Samuel Bourn the Elder had seven children with his wife, who was the daughter of George Scortwreth. Sadly, some of his children passed away young.
Even though Samuel Bourn the Elder didn't publish any books himself, his son Samuel published a collection of his father's sermons in 1722. The book was called Several Sermons preached by the late Rev. Mr. Samuel Bourn of Bolton, Lancashire. It included a short story about his father's life. His son described him as a wonderful preacher, a caring pastor, a smart scholar, and an honest man. The book also had a picture of Samuel Bourn the Elder, showing him as a strong and thoughtful person.
