Stephen Egerton (priest) facts for kids

Stephen Egerton was an important English priest and a leading Puritan preacher. He lived from about 1555 to 1621. He worked hard to change and improve the Church of England during his time.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Egerton was born in London around 1555. His father, Thomas Egerton, was a mercer, which means he sold fine fabrics. Stephen went to Peterhouse, Cambridge University. He earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1579. By this time, he had already become a priest.

Working for Church Reform

Stephen Egerton was a key leader in setting up a "presbytery" in Wandsworth, Surrey. A presbytery is a group of church leaders who manage local churches. This group is often called the first presbyterian church in England.

In 1584, Stephen got into trouble. He was suspended from his duties because he would not agree to the rules set by John Whitgift, a powerful church leader. But soon after, he helped promote the Book of Discipline. This book suggested ways to organize the church differently.

Later, in 1590, Stephen was asked by the Bishop of London to talk with two other religious leaders, Henry Barrow and John Greenwood. They were in prison for their beliefs. Stephen exchanged letters with them. However, in the same year, Stephen himself was called before a special court called the Court of High Commission. He was sent to the Fleet prison and stayed there for about three years.

Later Years and Influence

In 1598, Stephen Egerton became the minister at St. Anne's, Blackfriars church in London. In 1603, he was chosen to present the millenary petition. This was a request signed by many ministers asking for more changes to the church. The next year, in 1604, he asked the lower house of the Convocation (a church assembly) to reform the prayer-book.

Stephen continued to serve at Blackfriars until his death around 1621. Towards the end of his life, William Googe helped him, and Googe later took over his position. A famous scholar named Alexander Nowell once described Stephen Egerton as a "man of great learning and godliness."

Family Connections

In 1585, Stephen married Sarah Crooke. Sarah's father, Thomas Crooke, and her brother, Samuel Crooke, were also clergymen. They shared Stephen's strong Puritan beliefs. Another of Sarah's brothers, Sir Thomas Crooke, 1st Baronet, is famous for founding the town of Baltimore, County Cork in Ireland. Stephen and Sarah did not have any children.

Stephen was also very close to his sister, Anne. Anne was the mother of Margaret Tyndal Winthrop. Margaret later became the third wife of John Winthrop, who was a governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in America. Sarah, Stephen's wife, and Margaret were also close friends. Sarah left a large amount of money to Margaret in her will.

Published Works

Stephen Egerton published several sermons, but only a few of them are still around today. One of his most famous works was A Brief Method of Catechising. This book, first published in 1594, was very popular and had 44 editions by 1644!

He also translated a book from French by Mathieu Virel. The English title was A Learned and Excellent Treatise containing all principal Grounds of the Christian Religion. The earliest copy we have is from 1597, and the latest was published in 1635. Besides his own books, Stephen wrote introductions for publications by other Puritan writers, including Richard Rogers, Robert Pricke, Baine, and Nicholas Byfield.