Thomas Goad facts for kids

Thomas Goad (1576–1638) was an English church leader and writer. He served as the rector, or main priest, of Hadleigh, Suffolk. He was also a participant at an important church meeting called the Synod of Dort. During this meeting, he changed his mind about some religious ideas, moving from Calvinist views to Arminian ones. This was different from what most people at the meeting believed.

Life of Thomas Goad

Thomas Goad was born in Cambridge in August 1576. He was one of ten sons born to Roger Goad. He went to Eton College for his education. Later, he earned a scholarship to King's College, Cambridge, in 1592. He became a fellow there in 1595 and earned several university degrees.

Early Career and Church Roles

In 1606, Thomas Goad became a priest. He held various important roles at King's College, including being a bursar (managing money) and dean of divinity (a leader in religious studies). In 1610, he took over his father's church position in Milton, Cambridge. Soon after, he moved to Lambeth to work as a chaplain for Archbishop George Abbot.

In 1618, he became the main priest (rector) of Hadleigh in Suffolk. He also held church positions in Black Notley, Essex, and likely in Merstham, Surrey.

The Synod of Dort and Changing Views

In 1619, King James sent Goad to the Synod of Dort. This was a big international meeting about religious beliefs. Before the synod, Goad had been a Calvinist, which meant he followed certain ideas about God's plan and human free will. However, at the synod, he changed his mind and adopted Arminian views, which were different.

Because of this change, he didn't receive some of the special rewards that his colleagues got from the King. However, he and the other English representatives did receive thanks from the States-General (the government of the Netherlands), money for their travel home, and a large gold medal.

Later Life and Contributions

In 1623, Goad helped in debates with Jesuits, who were members of a Catholic religious order. Around 1624, he was shown a book by William Prynne, but Goad did not agree with its arguments. Goad also took part in important church meetings for Cambridge.

Around 1627, he lived in Hadleigh. He wrote the inscription for a famous scholar's tomb in Westminster Abbey. He also made improvements to Hadleigh church and its rectory (the priest's house). These improvements included paintings designed by Goad and created by a local artist. He also planned to create a public library for theological books there. In 1633, he became a dean of Bocking, Essex, and helped oversee church matters in England and Wales.

Thomas Goad passed away on August 8, 1638. He was buried in Hadleigh Church. He left some land and his special Dort medal to King's College.

Works and Writings

Thomas Goad was known for his skill in writing poems. He contributed verses to collections celebrating important events, such as the accession of King James I and the return of Prince Charles from Spain. He enjoyed writing poetry throughout his life.

He also wrote books that criticized the Catholic Church in 1623. One was about Robert Drury, and another, called The Friers Chronicle, was a collection of stories that criticized the Catholic Church. Goad also contributed to or edited other books, including Vox Piscis (1627), which was about a strange event.