Samuel Glasse facts for kids
Samuel Glasse (born 1735, died 1812) was an important English church leader and a member of the Royal Society. He held strong beliefs within the Church of England, known as "High Church" views. He was also a supporter of the government during a time of unrest in the 1790s.
Early Life and Education
Samuel Glasse was born in 1735 in Purton, a town in Wiltshire, England. His father, Richard Glasse, was also a church leader.
From 1749 to 1752, Samuel attended Westminster School, a famous school in London. After that, he went to Christ Church, Oxford, one of the colleges at University of Oxford. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), in 1756. He continued his studies, getting a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1759. Later, he earned two more advanced degrees in theology, a Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.), both in 1759.
Career as a Church Leader
Samuel Glasse began his career as a chaplain, which is like a minister, to Margaret Coke, Countess of Leicester. He also worked as a schoolmaster in Greenford, Middlesex, starting in 1768.
In 1780, he became the rector of St. Mary's Church in Hanwell, Middlesex. During his time there, the church building was rebuilt, and he gave a lot of money to help with the construction. In 1785, he gave up this position to his son, George Henry Glasse.
Samuel Glasse continued to serve the church in other places. In 1782, he became the vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Four years later, in 1786, he became the rector of Wanstead, Essex. He also held special positions called "prebends" at Wells Cathedral from 1791 to 1798, and then at St Paul's Cathedral in London.
Other Achievements
In 1764, Samuel Glasse was chosen to be a fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group that promotes science. In 1772, he became a chaplain to King George III, which meant he served as a religious advisor to the king.
He was good friends with other important church leaders, including William Jones of Nayland and George Horne. Samuel Glasse passed away at his home in London on April 27, 1812, when he was 78 years old.
Published Works
Samuel Glasse was very active in the late 1700s, often giving sermons to raise money for charities. He was also a Justice of the Peace, which meant he helped keep law and order in his local area.
In 1787, he wrote a book called A Narrative of Proceedings tending towards a National Reforming... This book was about efforts to improve society and reduce bad behavior. He also helped another person, William Man Godschall, with a pamphlet about local policing.
Glasse was a strong supporter of Robert Raikes and his work with Sunday Schools. Sunday Schools were created to teach children, especially poor children, to read and write, and to learn about religion. Glasse wrote a book in 1786 called The Piety, Wisdom, and Policy of promoting Sunday Schools, and an article in the Gentleman's Magazine in 1788, all to support this important educational movement.
In 1777, he translated and edited a French book by Louis-Antoine Caraccioli. The English version was called Address from a Lady of Quality to her Children in the Last Stage of a Lingering Illness, and it was published in 1778.
