I am a retired teacher who wrote 7 photocopiable books for Teachers and one book for children Union Jack Colouring Book.
The 7books covered Geography, History (Medieval/ Tudor/ Stuart), Travel and Transport, Myself and Events (this included diaries), Race Against Time Stories (SATS based), Church Dates for Children plus Nature and Seasons (including Sport). These 7 books have been mainly broken into a number of segments.
Challenging the Physical Elements, my Geography book, is complete.
I am a retired teacher who wrote 7 photocopiable books for Teachers and one book for children Union Jack Colouring Book.
The 7books covered Geography, History (Medieval/ Tudor/ Stuart), Travel and Transport, Myself and Events (this included diaries), Race Against Time Stories (SATS based), Church Dates for Children plus Nature and Seasons (including Sport). These 7 books have been mainly broken into a number of segments.
Challenging the Physical Elements, my Geography book, is complete.
Augustus Montague Toplady was an Anglican cleric and hymn writer. He is best remembered as the author of the hymn ‘Rock of Ages’.
Augustus was born in Farnham, Surrey, England. His father Richard, who was probably Irish, was a major in the Royal Marines. He fought in the War of Jenkin’s Ear (1739-42) and died most likely from yellow fever.
This meant his mother, Catherine, raised the boy alone. They moved to Westminster and he attended the local school from 1750-55. They moved to Ireland where he attended Trinity College, Dublin.
August 1755 Augustus heard a sermon preached by James Morris in a barn in Codymain, co. Wexford . The text was Ephesians ch 2 v 13 *But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who were sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
He remembered this sermon when he received his effectual calling from God.
Having under gone his conversion under the preaching of a Methodist preacher he initially followed John Wesley in supporting Arminianism. Aged 18 he read other material by Thomas Manton and Jerome Zanchius which convinced him that Calvinism was correct. (See Calvinism - Arminian debate etc. sheets)
1759 Augustus, aged 19, published his first book Poems of Sacred Subjects.
1760 graduated from Trinity College and returned to Westminster. John Gill encouraged him to publish his translation of Jerome Zanchius’ work on predestination.
1762 ordained as an Anglican deacon and appointed curate at Blagdon in the Mendip Hills in Somerset. 1763 wrote Rock of Ages. 1764 ordained priest.
In 1766 he becomes the incumbent, through simony (bought by the church), of Harpford and Venn Ottery, 2 villages in Devon. He moves to the Devon village of Broadhembury where he stays until his death in 1778 -but from 1775 he has leave of absence.
The Calvinist controversy went on for 9 years (1768-78). Augustus Toplady v John Wesley. Arminianism v Calvinism. Was the Church of England historically Calvinist or Arminian? The debate peaked when Augustus in 1774 when he published his 700 page The Historic Proof of the Doctrinal Calvinism of the Church of England. (See’ Calvinist controversialist: 1769-78’)
Toplady and Wesley relationship had initially been cordial but it became increasingly bitter.
He spent the last 3 years of his life mainly in London. preaching regularly in a French Calvinist(!) chapel in Orange steer, off the Haymarket.
His volume of psalms and hymns for Public and private worship were published in 1776. Of the 419 hymns several were written by him.
Augustus of died tuberculosis on 11th August 1778. He is buried at Whitefield’s Tabernacle, Tottenham Court Road.
Thank you for Rock of Ages
He was impulsive, rash-spoken, reckless in misjudgement; but a flame of genuine devoutness burned in the fragile lamp of his overtasked and wasted body. Rev. A.B. Grosart, D.D., LL.D.
Sources used
5 minutes in Church History
Britannica Online Encyclopedia
hymnary.org
John Wesley’s Journal
wikipedia
Benjamin was a Particular Baptist preacher and author in London whose name was given to the Keach’s Catechism. As a prominent nonconformist leader and prolific writer, he helped shape the theological development of the Particular baptists as they struggled through persecution and finally emerged under legal toleration near the end of the 16th century.
Benjamin was born in Buckinghamshire and in his early years worked as a tailor.
Aged 15 he was baptized and began to preach at 18. His first congregation was in Winslow. In 1668 he became the pastor at Horsleydown, Southwark where he remained for 36 years.
Benjamin or William Collins wrote a Catechism which became known as Keach’s Catechism. It was written to clarify the theology of the Second Baptist Confession that was written in 1677 and published in 1689 as The Baptist Confession of Faith…
He wrote 60 books of which his Parables and Metaphors of Scripture may be the best known. (See ’ Works’ for list 12 of his books)
The Child’s Instructor (1664) resulted in him being persecuted, fined and pilloried (put in stocks) in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. *The people, contrary to custom had no words of mockery for the good, persecuted minister and no offensive missile was thrown at him. (See picture)
Around 1673 he was amongst those leading a campaign to introduce congregational hymn singing. This left to public discourse on whether or not singing was appropriate in worship, and if so what types of song were acceptable. Benjamin’s hymnbook, published In 1691, provoked heated debate in the 1692 Assembly of Particular Baptists.
For many years Benjamin preached powerfully to a large congregations in a building which had to be enlarged several times. His congregation later became the New Park Street Church and then eventually moved to the Metropolitan Tabernacle.
Sources
GotQuestions.org
Metropolitan Tabernacle
Theopedia
wikipedia
Dr.Peter Masters has been the minister at of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London since 1970. He founded the Evangelical Times in 1967. He directs the School of Theology, an annual Christmas conference for pastors and Christian workers.
Peter has been at the Metropolitan Tabernacle now for 40 years.
He continues to edit The Sword and Trowel started by the great Charles Spurgeon in 1865.
Peter founded the London Reformed Baptist Seminary (LRBS) in 1976 and directs the further studies of both pastors and fledgling pastors in the Tabernacle’s seminary. The LRBS went on line in 2011. In October 2014 the 2 courses - the part time for those living in the UK and the online course for those overseas were merged, enabling those in the UK to follow the course online.
Peter has published 28 books which have been translated into 28 languages.
(See ‘Authorship’ fro list of 28 ) ( See ’ Selected works currently printed’ for titles of his books.)
His sermons have been broadcast in the UK since 2003. On the Sky channel UCB initially but they they were transfered to Sky channel Revelation TV in 2013. These broadcasts are aired every Saturday at 8 pm and include a sermon from Peter and an accompanying apologetic or biographical feature. There are other channels too. The programmes are carried by a number of overseas radio stations including the USA and New Zealand
Evangelical Times was founded in 1967 by Peter. It is a monthly, conservative evangelical newspaper. Peter was the original editor , Mike Judge, pastor of Chorlton Evangelical church is the current editor.
I have included pictures and a brief history of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The Tabernacle Fellowship goes back to the year 1650.
The ‘Brief History’ finishes with these words.
By 1970, our ranks had fallen to the point where we occupied only a few pews, but the Lord refreshed us and blessed our testimony giving rise to the full church and galleries of today. We give all the glory to Him for the large number of people who have come into the Tabernacle over the past forty years, for numerous professions of faith, and for the various ministries which have been established.
The church have to thank the Lord and Dr. Peter Masters’ ministry for its revival.
Sources
Metropolitan Tabernacle
Google search
Chief Kofoworola Abeni Pratt Hon. FRCN was a Nigerian born nurse and was the first black nurse to work in Britain’s National health Service. She went on to become vice-president of the International Council of Nurses and the first black Chief Nursing Officer of Nigeria, working in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Kofoworola was educated at Lagos CMS Girls’ Grammar school. She wanted to become a nurse but her father discouraged her so she trained as a teacher. For 4 years she taught at CMS girls’ school.
She married Nigerian pharmacist Dr. Olu Prat and they came to the UK in 1946. She studied nursing at the Nightingale School at St. Thomas’ Hospital. She passed her preliminary exams in 1948, her finals in 1949 and qualified as a State registered nurse in 1950. She was the first black nurse to work for the NHS.
After 4 years she returned to Nigeria. She applied for the post of ward sister but at the time only British expatriates allowed to hold role. 1955-7- admin .sister.
1955-63 deputy matron
In 1960 Nigeria became independent. Kofoworola 's star began to shine!
She led in the Nigerianisation of nursing in her country.
She was appointed Matron of the University Hospital in Ibadan 1964/5 - the first Nigerian to do so.
1965-72 chief nursing officer (federal)
1965 she was founder of a nursing school at the University of Ibadan
leader of the Professional Association of Trained Nurses in Nigeria
co-edited the journal Nigerian Nurse.
1971 she became President of National Council of Women’s Societies in Nigeria.
1973-5 commissioner for Health, Lagos State
1973 she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
1975 she was awarded the chieftaincy title * Iya Ile Agbo of Isheri * f or services to the nation.
1979 Kofoworola was made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Nursing.
1981 awarded an honorary degree from the University of Ife.
Twice in her life time we are aware she was discriminated against because of her colour. The first time was when she worked at St, Thomas’. The second , although fully qualified, in Ibadan from becoming a matron earlier in her career.
Kofoworola died on 18th June 1992
Kofoworola has not yet been honoured in Britain in association with Florence Nightingale. She is linked to Nightingale for inspiration, the Nightingale School where she trained , and the Nightingale Fund which gave her a scholarship. Nor must it be forgotten Kofoworola was the first black nurse to work for the NHS.
Sources used
Florence Nightingale Museum London
Mary Seacole Information
The Nightingale Society
wikipedia
William was an English poet and hymnodist. He was one of the most popular poets of his time. He changed the direction of 18th century nature poetry by writing of everyday life and scenes of the English countryside.
I have just concentrated on his life as a hymnodist,
William was born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. His father John Cowper was the rector of St. Peter’s church. He lost his mother 6 years later when she died giving birth to his brother John.
He went to Westminster school in 1742. He was a Latin scholar. In 1750 he began to study law. He was then articled to Mr. Chapman, a solicitor, to be trained as a lawyer. He was called to the bar in 1754 and took chambers in London’s Middle Temple. By this time he was beginning to show signs of the mental instability which would plague him for the rest of his life.
In 1763 he was offered a Clerkship of Journals in the House of Lords but broke under the strain of the approaching examinations. He tried 3 times to commit suicide and was confined for 18 months to Nathaniel Cotton’s asylum at St. Albans for 18 months. He was troubled by religious doubts and fears and persistently dreaming of his predestined damnation.
On recovery religion provided the comfort for William’s convalescence. He went to Huntingdon where he lodged with Rev. Morley Unwin, his wife Mary and their small family. Morley in 1767 died in a riding accident and they moved to Olney in Buckinghamshire.
In Olney the curate, John Newton, encouraged William in a life of practical evangelism . That failed as his doubt and melancholy returned. But William and John collaborated on a book of religious verse- Olney Hymns - which was eventually published in 1779. This included Praise for the Fountain Opened, and Light shining out of darkness.
1773 William experienced another attack of insanity. When he recovered the following year his religious fervour was gone.
Poetry and Hymns, in my opinion, are closely linked. Inspiration for both can come from loved ones. 50 years after his mother’s death he wrote* On the Receipt of My Mother’s Picture. * In his student days he became engaged to his cousin Theodora Cowper. Mary Unwin helped him recover from his illness and they became very close after her husband’s death. A further relapse into near madness in 1773 put paid to the idea of marriage. In 1781 Lady Austen, a charming widow, inspired William to write new poetry. In 1786 he became close to Lady Harriet Hesketh - Theodora’s sister.
William was seized with dropsy in the spring of 1800 and he died on the 25th of April. He was buried in the chapel of St. Thomas of Canterbury. There are stained glass windows in East Dereham and in St. Peter’s Berkhamsted.
Robert Southey between 1835-7 edited William’s 15 volumes of writings. William Cowper is considered one of the best writers of English and some of his hymns have become part of the heritage of English churches.
Sources used
Britannica Online Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
Edward Joshua Poole-Connor was an evangelical preacher and Christian leader.
He served as secretary of the North African Mission (now known as Arab World Ministries) between his 2 pastorates at The Talbot Tabernacle, Notting Hill, London.
He founded the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), helped administer the The Lord’s Day Observance Society ( now called DayOne) and was a regular speaker at Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony conferences. He was also a founding member of the London Bible College.
Edward was born in Hackney, London, on 27th July 1872. He was a delicate child. His strict parents were of Irish extraction and devout Christians. Sunday , the Lord’s day, was the happiest day of the week.
He was converted early in life - some of his Sunday school pupils were older than the teacher!
Aged 21 he was baptized by immersion and took charge of Aldershot Baptist church (1893-7). He then had a short pastorate in London followed by 10 happy years in Surbiton wher he made friends with Dr. Barnardo.
He sat and passed the Ministerial Recognition Examination of the Baptist Union.
He later left the Baptist Union because of the ‘Downgrade’ controversy.
(See Spurgeon notes)
He became assistant pastor to W.Fuller Gooch , at the unsectarian Lansdown Hall at West Norwood.
In 1913 he was invited to Talbot Tabernacle as pastor. His two pastoral periods were divided by his service to the North Africa Mission which took him to the Barbary states in North Africa.
In 1922 Edward took steps to form *Fellowship of Independent Churches (FIC)
which is now called Fellowship of Independent Evangelic Churches (FIEC).
Later he serves the fellowship as national Commissioner.
After WW 11 he was Honorary Principal of All Nations Bible College for 3 years.
Edward visited a number of European countries. Aged 80 he did a preaching and lecturing tour of the USA.
On the death of Mr. W.E. Dalling he undertook the task of editing Bible League Quarterly. which is still being published. He also found time to publish 9 books. ( See ‘Writings’)
For 40 years he was a welcome speaker on the *Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony platform.
Edward’s ministry spanned the most turbulent period in British church life, from the time of Charles Spurgeon to the 1960s, and whose record and analysis of its events has been widely observed.
Sources used
wikipedia
Writings of others
The Tabernacle
FIEC
Robert Tillman Kendall is a Christian writer, speaker and teacher who pastored Westminster Chapel for 25 years. he is the author of more than 50 books. He is currently listed as part of the Word, Spirit & Power team, a non-denominational Charismatic ministry.
Richard was born in Ashland, Kentucky on the 13th July 1935. According to testimony he came to a conviction regarding Calvinist theology and his own eternal security in 1955.
Education
A.B. (1970) MDiv (1972 M.A. ( 1973) D.Phil. (1977)-Oxford (See ‘LIFELINE’)
While at Oxford (1974-7) he was pastor at Calvary Baptist church in Lower Heyford. for 3 years. From 1977 to February 1st, 2002 he was the minister at Westminster chapel in London.
He had followed in the footsteps of the like of Samuel Martin, G. Campbell Morgan and Martyn Lloyd Jones.
R.T. Kendall is a man of great authority and leadership. He has an amazing knowledge of the Scriptures and a willingness to deal with any verse in the passage preached, however difficult it might be. I can never remember hearing a sermon which he did not bless me. He truly practiced what he preached.
Earnest Paddon
Robert instigated a ’ Pilot Lights’ scheme, initially led by Arthur Blessitt. Church members distributed tracts and orange stickers on the streets of Westminster, in different languages, to the general public.
His School of Theology evenings attracted 100s of visitors.and church leaders from all over London.
He is author of more than 50 book (See ’ Books’). The book The Excellent Way, edited by David Moloney, is an anthology of Readings R.T. Kendall- a fresh word from God for each day of the year.**
His relationship with his predecessor Martyn Lloyd - Jones (MLJ) broke down for some reason. When MLJ died he did not want Robert to be part of it.
Robert is now in retirement in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He continues to work as an author and making contributions to Christian magazines. He is a guest speaker at conferences and appears on Christian TV programs. He is president of R.T. Ministries.
Sources
R.T. Kendall Ministries
wikipedia
Charles Hodge was a leader of the ‘Princeton School’ of Reformed or Calvinist theology, and the principal of Princeton Theological Seminary (1851-78).
He was a conservative American biblical scholar and one of the greatest defenders of historical Calvinism in the USA during the 19th century. His theology was based on traditional beliefs.
Charles spent most of his adult life at Princeton University. Time Line
1812 Charles matriculated from College of New Jersey (now Princeton University (PU)
1814-5 Revival came to the PU in the winter
1815 he graduated and made a public profession of faith by joining the Presbyterians
1816 entered the theological seminary in PU.
1820 appointed teacher at PU in May
1821 he is ordained into the ministry
1822 became professor of Biblical and Oriental Literature
17th June marries Sarah Bache
1825 founded the * Biblical Repertory *
1826-8 abroad attending lectures in Europe
1840 chair of exegetical and didactic
1851-78 principal of PU
72 24th April Jubilee and Celebration of 50 years with PU
78 died 19th June
Charles wrote copiously from the beginning to the end of his theological career,
His master work, the 3 volume Systematic Theology was an unashamed defence of the tenets of the Presbyterian church. (See ‘Thought and works’)
He founded the Biblical Repertory ( later the Biblical Repertory and Princeton Review) in 1825 and remained editor and principal contributor for 43 years - the year he died. He contributed nearly 150 articles to the journal.
In the 1830s he had supported slavery; by 1846 he became convinced that slavery was wrong. He publically deno
He educated more than 3,000 ministers of the Gospel. He achieved distinction as a teacher, as a critical interpreter, preacher, and systematic theologian At conferences he spoke with clearness and logical precision but with spontaneity and tenderness.
At the 1872, 50 year Jubilee celebrations 400 of his own pupils, colleagues and representatives from various theological institutes assembled to honour him. Congratulations arrived from across the globe.
Devotion to Christ was foremost in his experience, and it was the test by which he judged the experiences of others.
Charles died on 19th June 1878 in Princeton. He had enjoyed old age surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
To his daughter he said, Dearest don’t weep. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. To be with the Lord is to see him. To see the Lord is to be like him.
Source used
American Theology
The Alpha course is a basic introduction to Christianity supported by churches of many Christian traditions.
The Alpha course has been led by the clergy at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB)
The Alpha course was started in 1977 by Charles Marnham, a curate at (HTB), a parish of the Church of England in London.
It was a course a originally meant for church members to help them with the basics of belief commonly held by believers in Christ. It then developed into an introduction for those interested in knowing about Christianity.
John Irvine in 1981, a curate at HTB, took over the course and developed it into the 10 week course which continues to this day.
Nicky Lee in 1985 and then Nicky Gumbel (1990 - present) , then took over the reigns in the UK. In 1996 the Bishop of London appointed Nicky Gumbel as Alpha Chaplain. Nicky, at the time was still the curate at HTB. In 2005, when the previous vicar Sandy Millar retired, Nicky was installed as vicar of HTB.
Under his leadership the course was transformed/developed from one designed for new Christians to one primarily for those outside the church who would not consider themselves Christians.
Nicky has written a number of books related to The* Alpha* course.
Questions of life - sold 1 million copies, published in 48 languages & voted Christian Book of the year 1994. Plus 7 more books.
In the USA Gerard Bramwell Long was responsible for the Alpha course from 2006-14 -(resigned due to daughter drowning).
The course grew rapidly in Britain in the 1990s. From 4 courses in 1991 to 2,5000 courses in 1995. In 1998, when it was at its peak, 10,500 courses. In 2001 it had fallen to 7,300.
In 2018 the Alpha website described the course as running in over 100 countries, in 100 languages and with 24 million having taken the course. The courses, developed by Nicky Gumbel, are being run by most Christian denominations, throughout the world, with some variation in course material.
Edward is probably best remembered for his hymn All hail the power of Jesus’ name.
Edward was born in Sundridge, Kent, England. He was descendant of a French Huguenot family which fled first to Switzerland and then to England to escape religious persecution.
Edward was the son of Vincent Perronet, an Anglican priest, who worked closely with John and Charles Wesley for many years during the 18th century revival. Vincent in 1728 became vicar at Shoreham church in Kent.
At the time persecution of the new Methodist movement was common and John Wesley noted in his diary that Edward* was thrown down and rolled in the mud and mire* at Bolton.
Edward was considered a capable preacher but the did not like preaching in front of John Wesley. On one occasion John announced that Edward would speak. He got up and read Christ’s Sermon on the mount and sat down !
In 1756 in* The Mitre* - the first prominent event in his life, he published a ferocious attack on the Church of England. This created a schism.
He became one of the Countess of Huntingdon’s ministers in a chapel in Watling Street, Canterbury. Throughout he was passionate, impulsive strong willed but always lived near his his divine master.* He bursts in full of fire and enthusiasm, yet ebullient and volatile.*
Edward eventually became a minister of an independent congregation.
In his life time he wrote a number of hymns and published 3 volumes of Christian poems. His hymns were published anonymously in successive volumes
.Select passages of the Old and New Testament. A small collection of Hymns. Occasional Verses, moral and sacred. ( The Rev A. B. Grosart gives a critic of Edward’s work on the second page of the Hymnary Sheet)
Shortly before he died, on 2nd January 1792, he uttered these words-
Glory to God in the height of His divinity! Glory to God in the depth of humanity! Glory to God in His all sufficiency! Into His hands I commend my spirit.
Edward was buried in Canterbury Cathedral.
At his death he is said to have left a large sum of money to Shrubsole, who was the organist at Spatfield’s Chapel, London, and who had composed the tune ‘Miles Lane’ for All hail the power of Jesus’’ name!
I have included one version of* All Hail the power of Jesus’ name.*
Sources used
Hymnary.org
wikipedia
Sir George Williams was an English philanthropist and founder of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).
The YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world. Its aim is to support young people to belong, contribute and thrive in their communities.
George was born into a farming family in Dulverton, Somerset, England. He was youngest of 7 surviving sons of Amos and Elizabeth Williams. He was baptized into the Church of England.
His family sent him to Bridgewater to be an apprentice at Henry William Holmes’ draper shop. 1837 saw him change from Anglicanism to the Zion Congregational Church.
1841 he moved to London and worked at Hitchcock& Roger’s drapers shop. He attended the King’s Weigh House Congregational Church. 3 years later(1844) he became departmental manager.
On the 6 th June 1844 George, aged just 22, gathered 11 other young drapers into the living quarters of Hitchcock & Rogers to create a place that would not tempt young men to sin. The name . Young men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was suggested by Christopher W. Smith. It promoted Muscular Christianity. George Hitchcock, George’s boss, and future father-in-law, was one of the first converts and contributors to the new association. He became the associations first treasurer. ( See* Founding of YMCA* for full list)
In 1853 he married Hitchcock’s daughter Helen Jane Maunder. Hitchcock and taken into partnership at the drapers. When Hitchcock died in 1863 George became sole owner.
The YMCA grew. It spread across London. It spread the USA. It reached Canada in 1851. In 1855 it went global. The first YMCA World Conference was organized. This produced the ’ Paris Basis’ - an international agreement about the aims of the YMCA. by 1905 there were 45 YMCAs across the world with a membership of 700,000.
In 1894, YMCA’s Silver Jubilee year, George was knighted by Queen Victoria and given the Freedom of the City of London.
Sir George died in 1905. The funeral took place in St. Paul’s Cathedral on 14th November, 2,600 attended. He was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
There is a commemorative stain glassed window in Westminster Abbey.
The YMCA, every year, on Founders Day - 6th June, remember and celebrate the 22 year old, George Williams, who created the largest youth charity in the world.
Sources
YMCA
wikipedia
Brownlow North was an English evangelist. Brownlow was born in Winchester House, Chelsea the only son of Rev, Augustus North. He was the grandson of the former bishop of Winchester, Brownlow North.
Brornlow was educated at Eton College, Windsor.
For a while he lived with his great uncle Frederick on the island of Corfu. \he fought with Dom Pedro’s army in Portugal before eventually settling in Scotland.
He lived a life of pleasure enjoying hunting and gambling.
He went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford .
In November 1854 he experienced a religious conversion and began to attend Elgin Free Church where he proceeded to engage in public preaching.
1859 he was appointed an evangelist by the Free Church of Scotland. In the same year he became a significant figure in the Ulster revival where he preached to 12,000 at Newtonlimavady.
Rabbi Duncan once remarked, on seeing a photograph of Brownlow There is intellect in the brow, genius in the eye, and eloquence in the mouth.
Brownlow died on 9th November 1875 and is buried in Dean Cemetery in western Edinburgh.
I have included information about his grandfather, Brownlow, the bishop of Winchester
Source used
wikipedia
Commissioner Elijah Cadman was an evangelist and early member of the Salvation Army - the idea of wearing a uniform was his idea. He stood only 5 feet tall and became known as the ‘Converted Sweep’ and ‘Fiery Elijah’ because of his zeal for preaching.
Elijah was born in Coventry on 10thDecember 1843. He was the youngest of 5 children. His father was transported aboard the ’ Equestrian’ to Australia in 1845 for stealing.
He started work as a silk weaver along side his mother and one of his sisters. Aged from 6 -13 he found work as a chimney sweep, until it became unlawful. By the time he was 17 he could ’ fight like a devil and drink like a fish.’
Aged 21 he became a Christian having heard a street preacher in Rugby - who had intended to heckle! He abstained from drinking and smoking. He then spent all his spare time as a Methodist lay preacher. Elijah was illiterate and hired a boy to read the Bible to him. He committed large chunks to memory.
Aged 22 he married Maria Rosina Russell (1841-1923) in 1865 who taught him to read and write. They had 6 children , 2 died as children.
Aged 33 (1876) he sold his house and chimney sweeping business and took his wife and children to London to join William Booth’s The Christian Mission.
He was appointed to the Hackney (East London) Christian Mission Station where he visited slums in the day and preached in the streets at night.
Elijah was instrumental in the militarization of the language used by the SA.
In 1878 Elijah was sent to open The Christian Mission’s campaign in Whitby. He announced the ‘Hallelujah Army’, under Captain Cadman, was declaring war in Whitby. 2,000 at once wanted to join the SA. 3,000 regularly attended the meetings. He announced that the ‘General’ was coming to Review the troops. His reports in the* Christian Mission * magazine were ’ War News’.
Later Elijah was put in command of the Yorkshire Corps and made responsible for all the newly named SA s activities in the county.
The style of the uniform was decided at the August 1878 Congress, Elijah said , *I would like to wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know I meant war to the teeth and salvation to the world,
1881 Elijah is now a Major. In 1888 he is appointed to International HQ in London. In 1890 he is a Colonel and first leader of the Men’s Social Work HQ…
In later years he held the role of International Commissioner and campaigned for the S.A. abroad in many countries. Until July 1900 he was in charge of the City Colony- a homeless shelter in London.
He joined William Booth on all his motorcades around the UK.
Elijah and his wife, Marina, retired from active service in 1915. Marina died on 8th Janaury 1923, Elijah died on 12th December 1927 .
As prominent Salvationists the couple were buried in Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington.
( Elijah’s uniform etc. is part of the S.A. International Centre’s collection)
Sources
The Salvation Army
wikipedia
Jessie Penn- Lewis’ maiden name was Jessie Jones. She was born in Victoria Terrace, Neath, Wales. Aged 19 she married William Penn-Lewis.
She was a Welsh evangelical speaker and author of a number of Christian evangelical works. Her ministry took her to Russia , Scandinavia, Canada , the USA and India.
In 1882, 2 years into her marriage, she heard messages about the return of Christ and became concerned about her own spiritual state. By reading the Bible she came to a place of belief and found peace.
They moved to Richmond and she became involved with Richmond Young Women’s Christian Association (RYWCA). She lacked confidence when speaking publicly and preparation was painful. In 1892 she wanted answers to Questions. She had asked to be filled not crucified. Romans ch.6 v 6-11 became a power to her. I know the Risen Lord From this time she felt liberty in speaking and experienced power of prayer , the Bible came alive, Christ became real to her.
She was asked to give a message The Lord manifested his power and gave liberty. In 4 years the RYWCA numbers rose from 6,900 to 13,000.
1902 Jessie was asked about starting a convention in Wales by a group of Welsh ministers. In 1903 the Llandrindod Wells convention began. Jessie spoke regularly.
1904 revival broke out in Wales. There was spontaneity exhibiting renewed worship or singing, displays of confession, speaking in tongues, signs and wonders. In November she began writing weekly revival reports, The Awakening in Wales drew world wide attention to the movement.The 1904-5 Welsh Revival was one of the largest Christian revivals ever to break out.
Jessie became involved in building a national Keswick connection with more making more local yearly conferences accessible.
1906 she spoke out publicly that she believed the Keswick trustees were trying to to limit her ministry due to her gender.
Jessie and Evan Roberts founded The Overcomer (1908-14) (1920+), a monthly periodical, clearly aimed at Christian workers and helping to maintain communication within the Keswick network.
In 1919 she wrote The Magna Carta Of Christian Women
Jessie ran 8* The Overcomer conferences in Swanwick (1919-27)
By this time her health had deteriorated, William had died and she was living in a flat.
Early in her ministry with RYWCA she made it a priority for young women to be sent out as missionaries. She also encouraged and mentored others through personal correspondence.
With an extensive speaking and writing ministry she reached people with the Gospel message across the world. HerThe Bible Booklet . whose distribution spanned the globe, helped spread the Gospel.
Jessie would probably like to be remember for her emphasis on the priority of the cross.** Looking unto Jesus** and the power and strength of the Holy Spirit.
Jessie died on August 15th, 1927.
List of* Works* and History of Keswick Ministries included
Sources
CBE
History- Keswick Ministries
wikipedia
John Cannick was an early Methodist and Moravian evangelist and hymn writer. He was born in Reading, Berkshire, England to an Anglican family, originally from Bohemia, and raised in the Church of England.
Aged 9 he heard his dying aunt proclaim Last night the Lord stood by me and invited me to drink of the fountain of life freely and I shall stand before the Lord as bold as a lion . These words stayed with him for many years. He dreaded going to bed in case he would end up in hell. He prayed each night that he would be good the next day - he never succeeded.
Aged 13 and from humble means he left school to find an apprenticeship. 8 times he made the trip to London but failed to get a job. From 17-19 he suffered from depression.
His conversion
He entered St. Lawrence church, Reading on the 6th September, in 1937. Heard these words from Psalm 34 v19-22b Great are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivered him out of them all. And he putteth his trust in God shall not be desolate. His heart danced. He heard Jesus say* I am they salvation*.
( Read The conversion of John Cennick)
John worked as a surveyor in Reading. He read the writings of George W.hitfield he met the Wesleys.
John joined the growing Methodist movement .He began to write hymns. Charles Wesley wrote in his Diary* I corrected Mr, Cennick’s hymns for the press* (July 1739).
In 1740, on John Wesley’s recommendation, he taught at Kingswood, England.
On Kingswood Hill a crowd of colliers had assembled for a service. The expected preacher did not show up, John stepped into the breach.
When Whitfield returned from America John was asked to join him on his preaching tours. In 1745 John went over to the Morovians and went to Germany to study their doctrines.
In 1747 Baptists heard him preach and invited him to Dublin. After differences with his hosts he concentrated on Ulster. Between 1747-52 he founded 220 Moravian Societies and helped to establish Evangelicalism in Ireland.
John spent time in England and Ireland as an itinerant evangelist. Enduring aat times violent opposition. By the time of his death in 1755 he had established 40 churches.
Throughout the rest of his short career and life he published several collections of hymns.
His conversion came during a normal church service and not even through preaching but through the reading of a Psalm. We see how God uses ‘normal’ worhship to bring people to himself. Too often we underestimate the importance of the normal church service.
Sources used
Evangelical Times
wikipedia
John Ioannou John (b 2nd June 1958) is best known as J.John. He is an international evangelist and author based in the U.K…
He was born in London of Greek parents who were owners and managers of a local restaurant in London.
J.John started his career in 1976 as a psychiatric nurse at Napsbury hospital in St. Albans, England.
In 1978 he went to St. John’s Theological College in Nottingham. While there in 1980 he worked at the Christian Renewal centre in Northern Ireland. He took part in reconciliation work as a member of the community, including volunteering at the local prison.
Under the leadership of David and Joyce Nugget he became Director of Evangelism at St. Nicholas’ church in Nottingham. He also began to work as an itinerant evangelist travelling the country and speaking at universities, churches and other venues.
J.John established the Philo Trust as a charity in Nottingham in 1980 today it is situated in Chorelywood, England. The purpose of the trust is to support J.John and his associates in their ministry. ‘Philo’ is the Greek for brotherly love
He has completed 1000s of speaking engagements at conferences, towns, cities and universities across the world - 69 countries on 6 continents.
Ten which became just 10 - the teaching of the 10 commandments began in January 1998 and was televised. Since then * just 10 Toolkit* -2 DVD courses for churches and small groups (2010). * just 10 for Kids* - online resource and book (2013) . The DVD has reached an audience of over 1 million. 7,500 books sold or given away. Pope Francis has copy of the book. (Read* just 10* )
JustOne - the use of stadiums because John J. , In Winchester Cathedral, heard a voice say * Now is the time to step up and use football stadiums for evangelism again*. Saturday, 8th July 2017 at Arsenal’s Emirate Stadium
was the venue for the first one - just under 24, 000 attended. (Read ‘Just One’)
Since 1988 J John has authored over 60 books. There are 1,000, 000 copies of his books in circulation.
Awards and recognition
1998 received a Lambeth MA from Archbishop George Carey.
2003 appointed an Honorary Canon of Coventry Cathedral
2012 ordained Presbyter and Canon Missioner by Bishop David Carr
*J.John is a speaker of national and international repute. I regard the work of J.John as being of primary importance. *
Lord Cary, former Archbishop of Canterbury
Sources used
Eden,co.uk
wikipedia
They were 2 Christian workers from the same country - China. Both were brilliant students with promising futures. Both were dynamically saved as teenagers and became diligent students of God’s word and zealous gospel preachers. Both were prolific speakers and writers. Both were persecuted for their ministry. Both changed many lives.
The ministries of Watchmen Nee and Witness Lee have brought a treasury of spiritual truth and life to the Body of Christ. Tom Smith
Watchmen Nee was a Seer of the Divine Revelation in the Present Age -the title of the biography written by his fellow worker Witness Lee. In the span of his 30 years of public ministry he made an indelible mark on the face of Christianity in China.
He was saved aged 17. His mentor was Margaret E. Barber ( See TES for more more info.). Nee was both a zealous preacher and a diligent student of the Bible.
His most widely recognized and appreciated books are The Normal Christian Life and The Normal Christian Church Life
Persecution resulted in Nee being imprisoned for 20 years (1952-72). This was his final note Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and resurrected in 3 days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of belief in Christ. Watchmen Nee
Witness Lee was born in 1905 in th Shantung Province of China. He was saved aged 15. His dynamic salvation put him on a pathway of pursuit for the Lord did not stop until his death in 1997.
Nee (1903) and Lee (1905) were born only 2 years apart but Lee regarded Nee to be his spiritual father. In 1932 Nee asked Lee to overseer of Shanghai Gospel Bookroom. For 17 years years they laboured together.
In 1949 Nee realized that the new Communist Government would try to end their ministry. Lee reluctantly agreed to leave China for Taiwan.
Lee continued to labour in Taiwan through the 1950s, He saw the church grow over the next 5 years from 350 to 20,000. After 9 years he started to make visits to the West. He conducted conferences in London and Copenhagen. Between 1958-61 he visited the USA 3 times.
Lee moved to the USA in 1962. In the USA he presented the riches of Christ from the whole Bible. He continued to travel and speak in conferences and annual trainings. in 1965 establshed The Stream Publishers which became * Living Stream Ministry*. His most notable publication was* Life-Study of the Bible*. It took 20 years to complete (1974-95). Lee died in June 1997.
To date over 3, 000 churches on 6 continents.
*Watchman Nee and Witness Lee taught the same thing, were of the same spirit, and ministered with the same goal - to minister Christ for the building up of the Body of Christ in oneness, expressed in local churches all over the earth
Tom Smith
Sources used
Contending for the Faith
Two ministers one ministry
Margaret Emma Barber was born in Peasenhall, Suffolk. The family moved to Norwich in 1879. The family home was opposite St.Martins parish church which was intensely evangelical in the 1880-90s. must have had an influence on the Barber Family.
During the course of her life she lived twice in China. On her first visit as a missionary she went as an Anglican. On her second visit she went as an independent missionary with informal ties to the Plymouth Brethren.
She was an Anglican missionary sent out by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to the city of Fuzhou, Fujian. There she taught in a the Tau Su Girls’ High School- founded by the Church of England for 7 years. She was regarded as an excellent missionary but her co-missionaries became jealous. They fabricated a serious charge against her and she was sent home to Great Britain. She was known for her faith and decided not to vindicate herself.
Years later the chairman of CMS board became aware of the case. He persuaded her to tell the truth. She told him the whole story and was fully vindicated.
While in England she came in contact with D.M. Panton, editor of the Christian magazine The Dawn. 1907 Margaret became a member of Surrey Chapel and was baptized by full Immersion.
Margaret resigned from CMS. In 1909 with Miss Ballard, a Surrey Chapel member she returned to China, settling in Fuzhou. They rented a house in Pagoda . She stayed there until her death in 1930 of Crohn’s disease.
She lived by faith. According to Chinese customs all bills had to be paid in full by the end of the year. With only 2 days remaining she found herself $120s short.
On the last day of the year D.M. Panton, in London, through the British bank in Foochow, sent exactly $120s!
Margaret lived with little travelling and no publicity. She was content to remain at home and pray. She helped those who sought her counsel. She, with others, regularly taught a Bible class at ‘white teeth rock’. There she had contact with
Watchmen Nee while he was studying at Anglican Trinity College.
Through their relationship Watchman Nee was greatly edified and perfected. If he had a problem or needed spiritual instruction he would go to her. She treated him as a young learner and frequently administered strict discipline.
At that time over 60 young brothers and sisters received help but after awhile most stopped going to see her except Watchmen Nee.
When Margaret died she left all her belongings - an old Bible and her notes - to Watchmen Nee. In the March 1930 issue of his periodical The Present Testimony he wrote
She was one who was very deep in the Lord, and in my opinion, the kind of fellowship she had with the Lord and the kind of faithfulness she expressed to the Lord are rarely found on this earth.
In 1972 Watchmen Lee was martyred for his faith.
Sources used
Living Stream Ministry
Christian web sites
Contending for the Faith
American Society of Church History 1955
wikipedia
Gabriel Salguero is the President of the national Latino Evangelical Coalition.
Rev. Dr. Gabriel and Rev. Jeanette Salguero are the Senior Pastors of the multicultural Lamb’s Church in New York City.
Gabriel has a B.A., M.Div and a PhD and a Dr.DIv.
The Lamb’s Church worships in 3 languages- English, Spanish and Mandarin. Much of their work work focuses on racial reconciliation… Gabriel is the founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC) which offers an important leadership voice for the near 8 million Latino evangelicals in their country.
They have ministered extensively in Europe, Latin America and Africa…
Gabriel has been named as one of the most influential Latino Evangelical leaders by a number of different media and been featured on radio and TV. programmes…
He has served as an adviser to the White House on issues of immigration and health-care and the faith community.
He has served as the Director of the Institute of Faith and Public Life and Hispanic Leadership programs at Princeton Theological Seminary
Gabriel is recognized as one of the emerging national leaders among among Latino faith leaders.
Theodore was a British Christian evangelist and author. He was known as Mr. Sparks or TAS.
He was born in London but at a young age moved to Scotland to live with his father’s relatives. Aged 17 he decided to become a Christian having listened to a group of young street preachers in Glasgow.
He saw the truth of believer’s baptism and as a result got baptized and left the Church of Scotland. Theodore, at the age of 24, was ordained a Baptist and Congregational minister. He became one of Dr. Campbell Morgan’s young men. For 14 years (1912-26) he led 3 congregations in Greater London.
During this time he saw a tremendous change in his congregations. The nominal Christians became ‘born again’ -one after another found the Lord and this turned the church inside out.
Theodore had established himself as a conference speaker especially on teaching the Bible, but a tension was building up inside . He said to his wife,
‘’ I’m going to my study _ _ _ _ .’’ He read Romans chapter 6 - a chapter he knew well-** but this time it was as if heaven opened, and light shone into his heart and for the first time he understood that he was crucified with Christ and the Holy Spirit was within and upon him.**
He emerged from his study a changed man. He began to preach Christ, he began to magnify the Lord Jesus, and the church came into an altogether new experience. He soon began to preach ‘the way of the cross.’
The new experience instead of opening every pulpit, closed them. The authorities thought he was dangerous/unbalanced.
The Baptist Federation, in 1926, wanted a ‘Make More Baptist Year’. Theodore’s church wanted to ’ bring more people to the Lord’ and would not take part. The Federation had the title deeds to the church and house and within a week Theodore was out!
A titled lady, who was a missionary in India, and in England at the time, came to his rescue… A local boys’ school had become vacant and she bought the whole property and gave it to the church. Honor Oak became his family’s home and later became the Honor Oak Christian Fellowship and Conference Centre.
Theodore resigned his baptist ordination. The congregation at Honor Oak all agreed to leave the Baptist denomination. With like-minded Christians he established a conference and training centre at Honor Hall.
Theodore’s ministry went from local , to national, to an international ministry.
In the early days of the conferences people had tremendous experiences of the Spirit of the Lord and of the cross of Christ.
A Witness and a Testimony a bi-monthly magazine was published (1923-1971). He published most of his messages in the magazine.
His speaking ministry took him around the world. His Christian Fellowship Centre was international. Many trained under his ministry became missionaries and Christian teachers.
At the end of his life he was a lone, prophetic voice in a spiritual wilderness
Sources used
The Life and Ministry of TAS
Wikipedia