Timothy Kenrick facts for kids

Timothy Kenrick (1759–1804) was an important Welsh Unitarian minister. He was also a biblical commentator, which means he wrote explanations about the Bible. Kenrick also taught at a special school called a dissenting academy.

Life of Timothy Kenrick

Timothy Kenrick was born on January 26, 1759, at Wynn Hall in Wales. His family lived in Ruabon, Denbighshire. He was the third son of John Kenrick and Mary Quarrell. His brother, Archibald Kenrick, became a famous manufacturer. Timothy Kenrick of Birmingham, who was born later, was his nephew.

In 1774, Timothy Kenrick started studying at Daventry Academy. This was a special school for people who didn't follow the main church. He first studied under Caleb Ashworth. Later, Thomas Robins became his teacher. While still a student, Kenrick was chosen to help teach classics. He even gave lectures when Robins lost his voice. When Robins left in 1781, Kenrick continued teaching. He taught classics and then mathematics. His new teacher was Thomas Belsham.

In January 1784, Kenrick moved to Exeter. He became a minister at George's Meeting, working with James Manning. He was officially ordained there on July 28, 1785. Even though Manning had different religious beliefs, they worked well together. Kenrick was a strong Unitarian. In 1792, he helped write the rules for the Western Unitarian Society. These rules made it clear that the society was for Unitarians.

In 1798, Kenrick was asked to teach theology at the Manchester Academy. He decided not to take the job. Instead, in the summer of 1799, he opened his own dissenting academy in Exeter. He started it with Joseph Bretland. Kenrick's school followed the same style as Daventry Academy. It used a library that had been created for an earlier academy. This school helped train many students. Eleven students completed their full training there. Four others, including Kenrick's oldest son, received some training. The academy closed on March 25, 1805.

Timothy Kenrick died suddenly on August 22, 1804. He was visiting Wrexham at the time. He was buried on August 26 in a special graveyard for dissenters. This graveyard was in Rhosddu, near Wrexham. There was a special message carved to remember him.

Timothy Kenrick's Writings

Timothy Kenrick published four sermons between 1788 and 1795. After he passed away, more of his works were published.

• Discourses on Various Topics, 1805, in two books.
• An Exposition of the Historical Writings of the New Testament, 1807, in three books. This work included a short story about his life by John Kentish. It showed how Unitarians at that time understood the Bible.

Kenrick Family

Timothy Kenrick married Mary Waymouth in 1786. She was from Exeter. Mary passed away in 1793 while giving birth to their sixth child. Their oldest son was John. He became a well-known historian of classical times.

Their fourth son was George Kenrick (1792–1874). He was born in Exeter on October 28, 1792. George studied with Lant Carpenter. He also went to Glasgow College and Manchester College, York. George became a Unitarian minister. He served in many places, including Chesterfield and Kingston-upon-Hull. Later, he was a minister in Maidstone, Hampstead, and Battle, Sussex. He also helped manage the charities of Dr. Williams. In 1860, he retired due to poor health. He moved to Tunbridge Wells and died there on December 2, 1874.

George Kenrick married three times. His first wife was the youngest daughter of Richard Hodgson. His second wife was Lucy, who was the sister of Sir John Bowring. His third wife was Sarah Walters. George wrote sermons and articles for magazines like the Monthly Repository.

Timothy Kenrick married a second time in 1794. His second wife was Elizabeth Belsham. She was the sister of his former teacher, James Belsham. They did not have any children together. Elizabeth passed away in 1819.