William Parker (priest, died 1802) facts for kids

William Parker (born around 1714, died 1802) was an important English church leader. He was famous for his speeches, for debating ideas, and for serving as a special chaplain to two kings. He also became a member of the Royal Society in 1746, which is a group for top scientists.

William Parker's Early Life and Education

William Parker was born in Coventry, England, in 1714. His father was Moses Parker.

He started studying at Balliol College, Oxford University, in 1731. He earned several degrees there over the years, showing he was a very good student. In 1746, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a big honor for people who do important work in science and knowledge. From 1737 to about 1750, he was a Fellow at Balliol College. During this time, he taught subjects like logic and mathematics.

Parker's Church Career

In 1752, Parker became the vicar of St Katharine Cree church in London. A vicar is a type of priest who leads a local church.

He later received several important positions in the church, including roles at Hereford Cathedral and as the rector of Bockleton. A rector is also a church leader, similar to a vicar. These jobs were given to him by the bishop, Lord James Beauclerk.

In 1763, he was given a very good position as the rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly in London. He got this job because he was a chaplain to the Bishop of London, Richard Osbaldeston. A chaplain is a priest who serves a specific person or institution.

Parker also served as a special chaplain to two kings of England: George II and George III. After he got married, he received another church position at Lincoln Cathedral in 1776.

William Parker's Writings and Sermons

William Parker was well-known for his sermons, which are speeches given in church. His writings were mostly these sermons. In them, he often defended traditional religious beliefs and the history found in the Bible. He argued against the ideas of people called deists, who believed that God created the world but then didn't interfere with it.

Some of his important publications included:

• The Expediency of Some Divine Interpositions, published in 1749.
• Two Discourses on the Mosaick History of the Fall, published in 1750. These were sermons preached at the King's Chapel.
• A Letter to a Person of Scrupulous Conscience about the Time of keeping Christmas, according to the New-Stile, published in 1753. This book helped explain why the calendar changed to the "New-Stile."
• Two Discourses before the University of Oxford, published in 1754. In these, he discussed the writings of Henry Bolingbroke.
• The Scripture Doctrine of Predestination stated and explained, published in 1759. This book talked about the idea of predestination, which was a big topic of debate at the time.
• Several Discourses on Special Subjects, a two-volume collection published in 1790.

Family Life and Passing

In 1768, William Parker married Mary Whitwell. Mary inherited a large amount of money when her brother, John Griffin, 4th Baron Howard de Walden, passed away in 1797.

Mary Parker passed away in 1799. William Parker lived for three more years, passing away in his home in London on July 22, 1802. He was buried in a vault under St James's Chapel.

Because William and Mary Parker were allowed to use the family estates during their lives, a place called Audley End in Essex did not fully belong to Richard Griffin, 2nd Baron Braybrooke until William Parker's death in 1802. A painting of William Parker was kept at Audley End.