Nathan Bangs was an American Christian theologian in the Methodist Tradition and a very influential leader in the methodist Episcopal Church before the 1860s. Nathan received a limited education, taught school and in 1799 went to Upper Canada in search of work as either a teacher or a land-surveyor. !800 he was converted to Methodism and worked for 8 years as an itinerant preacher in the wilderness of the Canadian provinces. He took responsibility for organizing the first camp held in Upper Canada. in 1805. In 1805 he also married Canadian Mary Bolton of Edwardsburgh Township. They had 11 children After a brief stint in Lower Canada he was transfered back to the USA in 1808 - first in Albany then New York 1810. 1812 made presiding Elder of the Lower Canada District, also riding the Montreal Circuit Today he would be equivalent to a district superintendent. With war brewing between Britain and the USA he ended up becoming Presiding Elder of the Croton Circuit in Delaware. 1820 he was transferred from a pastorate in New York to become the Senior Book Agent of the Methodist Book Concern . Founded in 1798 by John Dickins it was the publishing arm of American Methodism. Under Nathan the establishment was provided with its first press, binary, official premises and weekly newspaper. He paid off the Concern’s debts and was the first editor of the Methodist Magazine. In 1828 he officially became editor also of the Christian Advocate. When the Methodist Quarterly Review replaced the Methodist Magazine in 1832 he stayed editor. In 1836 Nathan became the principal founder and secretary of the Methodist Missionary Society. He devoted his chief energies to its service. (1836-41. In 1841, aged 62, he left the Society and was appointed president of the Wesleyan University of Middletown. His skills unfortunately did not far well in higher education. He returned to New York where he spent the next 20 years devoting his time to writing and pastoral work. He did stay on the Wesleyan board until his death. His most important piece of writing was History of the Methodist Episcopal Church from its Origins in1776 to the General conference of 1840 (4 volumes, New York, 1839-42) ( See list at end of wikipedia entry) Unfortunately his reputation suffered when he failed to support Methodist abolitionists at The General Conference in 1844. Nathan died on 3rd May 1862 in New York City. He had an illustrious career. During his time the Methodist Episcopal Church (MEC), in both the USA and Canada, was transformed from an alternative society into a middle class, main stream denomination. Jared Maddox’s book Nathan Bangs which came out for the bi-centenary of the MEC in 2019 revises our estimates of the man who played Wesley-like roles in refashioning post Asbury American Methodism for the print age. Sources Britannia Online Encyclopedia Methodist mission Bicentenial wikipedia

Enoch Adejaje Adeboye (born 2nd March 1942) is a Nigerian pastor, General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Worldwide. Enoch came from a very poor family. His teachers recognized he was cut out for academia. His parents sold some cherished possessions and borrowed from friends so his dream was not held back. In 1956 he was admitted to one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools,Ilesha Grammar School. Enoch went to the University of Nigeria in Nsukka but because of the Nigeria Civil War (1967-70) he completed his degree at Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). MA (1969) PhD (1975). His degrees were in hydrodynamics and Applied Mathematics. He holds a position as professor of Mathematics at Lagos University In 1973 he joined the RCCG. He began by interpreting Yoruba into English the sermons of Pastor Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of RCCG. Josiah had recognized, in the Spirit, that Enoch, a young university lecturer, was to be his successor. Enoch was ordained a pastor of the church in 19 77. Enoch found it hard to fully contemplate being the Oversee. Josiah, shortly before his death, shared the details of the covenant and the plans of the Lord for the church with Enoch. Josiah died in 1980 aged 71. Enoch became General Overseer of the church in 1981. For 3 years he filled the role part-time at Unilorin before giving up his university position to preach full time. He continues to be the General Overseer. He set his heart on taking RCCG to the next level of ministry, where all strata of society could be involved without compromising the true worship of God. Prior to Enoch becoming the General Oversee at RCCG was not well known. It now has branches in about 196 nations (March 2017)and 14, 000 churches - grouped into 25 regions, in Nigeria. Since 1981 RCCG, under Enoch’s leadership, has exploded across the world. In 1990 the RCCG Bible School was founded. The numbers are phenomenal Holy Ghost Services (HGS) in the mid 1980s - now millions EACH month Holy Ghost Congress 1998 - 7 million 1999 - 12 million It constituted the largest mobilization of people in one spot on the surface of the earth never before recorded. At each and every one of these events many souls are won for Christ. The Holy Spirit moves freely to heal, anoint and empower. Open Heavens his daily devotional manual - 1 million published annually He has written 60 books and broadcasts on numerous T.V. channels. Enoch has received honours across the world ( See Recognitions include the following) His trade mark of humility is disarming and endearing, enabling him to easily share his testimony of the gospel. I have included information about:- the Nigerian Civil War 1967 - 1970. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi - founder of RCCG History and Beliefs of RCCG Prosperity Theology Sources Dict, of African Christian Biography wikipedia

David Christopher Knight Watson was an English Anglican priest, evangelist, author and a captain in the Royal Artillery. David was born in Scotton, Yorkshire. He was educated at Bedford School (1940-6), Wellington College (1946-51) and St. John’s College, Cambridge. He converted to Christianity while at Cambridge. Undoubtedly the most formative influence on my faith during the 5 years at Cambridge was my involvement with the boys’ house parties or ‘Bash camps’. He became a priest in the Church of England began his ordained ministry among dock workers in the parish of St. Mark’s Gillingham, Kent. His second curacy was at the Round Church in Cambridge. While there he was encouraged by Martyn Lloyd Jones to seek the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit and he began to speak in tongues. In 1965 he became curate-in-charge at St. Cuthnert’s Church York. The church was 12 months away from redundancy and congregation of 12 when he took over. 8 years later the congregation had out- grown St. Cuthberts and he moved to St. Michael le Belfry, York. The congregation grew to many 100s in only a few years. As David’s ministry progressed he became involved in missionary enterprises throughout the world. He became a high profile advocate of reconciliation and ecumenism in Northern Ireland. He was one of the first people to welcome John Wimber, the leader of Vineyard to the UK in 1980. He became a regular contributor to* Renewal* magazine, a publication of the interdenominational charismatic movement which had started in the 1960s. He left St. Michael le Belfrey for London in 1982. In his book Fear No Evil he records his fight with cancer. David was only 50 when he died on 18th February 1984. A major, sad loss, to the Christian community, around the world. Is it doubtful whether any other English Christian leader has had greater influence on this side of the Atlantic since Second World War John Gunstone one of the best-known clergymen in England J. I. Packer Sources used wikipedia Amazon.co.uk

Zacharias Ursinus (born Zacharias Baer) was a sixteenth century German theologian born in Breslau (now Wroclaw, Poland). He is best known as a professor of theology at the University of Heidleberg and co-author with Caspar Olevianus of the Heidelberg Catechism. Aged 15 he enrolled at Wittenberg University and boarded with Philipp Melanchthon for the next 7 years. . In 1561 Prince Frederick III, elector palatine, appointed him professor in the Colleguim Sapientiae at Heidelberg (1561-76). This was on the recommendation of Peter Martyr, the Italian Reformer. Zacharias supplied the preliminary drafts for the Heidelberg Catechism (HC) and participated in the final revision of the document alongside other theologians, including Caspar Olevianus- the superintendent of the Palatinate church and other church leaders. In 1563 the Heidelberg Catechism was completed. Prince Frederick III hoped the result would form a basis for a reconciliation between the Protestant German churches. It failed to reconcile the Protestant groups in Germany but it was widely accepted and used. It has now been translated into more than 25 languages. (For further info. read H C and Heidelblog) Prince Frederick III died in 1576. The accession of the Lutheran Ludwig IV led to the removal of Zacharias. He then occupied the professorial chair at the Casmirianum, a Reformed academy at Neustadt an der WistraBe ( or Haardt) from 1578 until his death in 1583. He died, aged 48,on 6th May 1583 at Neustadt an der WistraBe. Zacharias’ Works were published between 1587-9. A more complete edition was published by his son and 2 of his pupils, David Pareus and Quirninius Reuter, in 1612. His collected catechical lectures were prominent theological handbooks and popular among seventeen century Reformed Christians in the Netherlands. Ursinus College in Collegeville. Pennsylvania, is a liberal arts college founded in 1869 in his name. Zacharias Ursinus is best known as the principal author and interpreter of the Heidelberg Catechism. Note Caspar Olevianus (1536-87) was formerly asserted as a co-author of HC but this theory has been largely discard by modern scholarship. Sources used Britannica Online Encyclopedia FamilySearch Wiki Wikipedia

Roger was born in London, England. he became am English colonist in New England and was the founder of Rhode Island and a pioneer of religious liberty. His father was a merchant tailor. He was educated at Cambridge. In 1630 he left his post as chaplain to Sir William Masham to pursue his completely Nonconformist religious ideals in New England. 1631 he arrived in Boston. He refused to associate with the Anglican Puritans and in 1632 moved to the Separatist Plymouth Colony. In 1633, after a disagreement , back in Salem. 1634 invited to be pastor at church in Salem but banished from Massachusetts Bay by civil authorities for his dangerous opinions. January 1636 he set out for Narragansett Bay where the Narraganett Indians lived. From the Indian chiefs, Canonicus and Miantonomi he purchased land. The original deed remains in the Archives of the City of Providence. In founding Rhode Island in 1636 he revoked many of society’s norms. He established the separation of church and state by removing religious doctrine from governance of the colony. His beliefs on equality extended to the Native Americans and enslaved people. He purchased Providence and Rhode Island in deeds and goods from the Narragansett Indians. It may have been the first legal deed entered upon in the New World. Many of principles forged on Rhode Island found their way into the US Bill of Rights and the US Constitution. Roger returned twice to England. In June or July 1643 he came to claim a charter for the providence Plantations in Narragansett Bay. In 1651, having sold his trading post, he returned to have the charter confirmed. He then returned to Rhode Island before 1654. He was Governor of the Colony from 1654-8. John Clarke finally got the Royal Charter from King Charles II on 8th July 1663. During the King Philip’s War 1675/6 most of the Province was burnt but he lived to see it rebuilt. He continued to preach and the Colony grew through its acceptance of settlers of different religious persuasions. Roger was the first major figure in colonial America to instill democracy, religious freedom and understanding and inclusion of America’ nature cultures. Through his scholarship in language,theology and law and fearless advocacy for freedom and tolerance, Roger’s life reflected the value of learning and teaching. Roger was a visionary, a revolutionary, a radical and a rebel. His advocacy for religious liberty, equality and a government free from religion forced him to flee persecution from his native England and then cost him exile from colonial Massachusetts. Roger was a vigorous controversialist and a prolific writer. In 1956 Roger Williams Junior College became a 2 year ,degree granting institution. In 1992 it became the Roger Williams University (RWU). 1993 it established the RWU School of Law. Today RWU is a leading education institute serving 5,400 students. Sources used Britannica Online Encyclopedia Family Association Roger William’s University

Arthur Walkington Pink was an English Bible teacher who sparked a renewed interest in the exposition of Calvinism or Reformed Theology. Arthur was born in Nottingham, England. He desired to become a minister but was unwilling to attend a liberal theological college in the UK. He briefly studied at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago in 1910. He took a pastorate of the Congregational church in Silverton, Colorado.He then took on joint pastorates in rural Burkesville and Albany in Kentucky. In 1916 he married a local girl from Kentucky - Vera E. Russell (1893-1962). In 1917 they moved to Spantanburg, South Carolina. He had his first 2 books published in 1917/8. He also published his first edition of The Sovereignty of God (1918). The modified version of the book was republished by* Banner of Truth* in 1961 and by 2004 had sold 177,000 copies. In January 1922 he published the first issue of Studies in the Scriptures. By the end of the first year he about 1,000 subscribers. This ended up as 17 volumes and became the source for dozens of books. IN 1923 he suffered a nervous breakdown. On regaining his health they sailed to Sydney, Australia. He served as both an evangelist and Bible teacher at the Ashfield Tabernacle. Bur his impolitic (rude) preaching Calvinistic doctrine resulted in him not having his position endorsed. He served as pastor of 2 groups of Strict and Particular baptists. He returned to the UK and was invited to preach at a pastorless church in Seaton, Devon. Members thought he would split the church. The couple returned to Kentucky, Vera’s home state. He hoped to become the pastor of the Baptist church in Morton’s gap. His hopes again are dashed. In 1933 his father dies and Arthur receives enough estate so the couple can live a simple life without financial concerns for the rest of his life. The year is 1934 Arthur has reached the point where he believes his ministry is in writing , not preaching and returns to the UK. 1936 they move to Hove, near Brighton. During WW11 (1939-45) Hove is a regular target for German Air raids. They make their last move - Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Arthur governs his time in study and writing with ‘military precision’. In 1951 Vera was aware Arthur was losing weight and in pain. He refused to take any medicine in case it might dull his mind and hinder him from compleing his work. On 15th July 1952 he died. *‘The Scriptures explain themselves’ were his last words. After his death there was a major shift of evangelical opinion toward Calvinist theology. In 1982 Baker Book House published 22 of Arthur’s books and sold 350,000 total copies. 'Sovereignty of God’ did more than any other in redirecting the thinking of a younger generation. (177,000 copies by 2004). Arthur was eventually ‘heard’ through his books not his sermons. Sources used Google search wikipedia

John Foxe was a Puritan preacher and author of one of the most important and influential books ever printed of the Christian religion after the Bible John Foxe (1516-1587)was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England during the reign of the Tudors. Henry V111 (1509-1547) Edward V! (1547-53) Jane Grey (1553) Mary 1 (1553-8) Elizabeth 1 (1558-1603. During the reign of these monarchs he wrote *Acts and Monuments of Matters Happening in the Church (1563) It was commonly known as ‘* Foxe’s Book of Martyrs’* or Book of the Martyrs *It is hard to over emphasis the impact his Acts and Monuments had the 20 years following its 1563 publication. By the second edition (1570) it was part of the national myth … Foxe provided a history and theology for the triumph of the Reformation. David Loades, historian Lets go back to the beginning. John, aged 16 entered Brasenose College, Oxford. He went onto Magdalen College to earn a BA (1537). He lectured logic in 1540/1. Earned a MA (1543). He wrote several Latin plays on Scriptural subjects. he had become a fellow of Magdalen College in 1539 but resigned in 1545. He had come under suspicion of harbouring Protestant views more extreme than the authorities of his college would allow. He moved to London where he became the tutor to the grand children of the duke of Norfolk. Ordained deacon and worked for the reformation writing several tracts. Began his account of martyrs. Fled overseas when Mary1 became queen- a Roman Catholic. First copy published in Latin (1554), in Strasbourg, France containing his partially completed martyrology. With manuscripts sent to him from England he carried his account of the martyrs up to 1556 (printed) Returned to England with Elizabeth 1 - a Protestant queen now on the throne- to complete his great work. In 1560 ordained Anglican priest.He perused official registers and using memories of eyewitnesses, he enlarged the story. His English translation was printed under the title Acts and Monuments of these Letters and Perillous Dayes (1563) ( For FULL title see The First English Edition). There was a second (1570), third !1576) and fourth edition (!583) The Bible aside, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs stands as one of the most important and influential books ever printed in Christian history. It remains the only exhaustive reference work on the history of Christian Martyrs. Its popularity was immense among the people at the time it was written John Foxe’s monument is his book. He died on 8th April 1587 and was Buried at St. Giles’s Cripplegate. Sources used Britannica Online Encyclopedia Christianity Today English Bible History

Benajah Harvey Carroll known as B. H. Carroll was a Baptist pastor, theologian, teacher and author. and founder of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1908) He was born near Carrollton, in Carroll County, north central Mississippi. he was one of 12 children. His father was a Baptist minister. He served in the Confederate States of America army (1862-4). Aged 21/2 he converted to Christianity following a revival meeting. B.H. pastored multiple churches. He spent 28 years at the First baptist church of Waco. he was instrumental in the formation of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the consolidation of the 2 Texas Baptist colleges into Baylor University. Aged 65, and not in the best of health, he had a vision while on a train journey through the Texas Panhandle. He visualized multitude of of preachers with limited education hungering for a better education. The year was 1905. B.H. wasted no time in seeking to fulfill his vision - by March 4th 1908 the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) was founded. He became its first president. In 1910 it moved from Baylor University in Waco to Fort Worth Hill. (Read the full story SWBTS Legacy: B.H. Carroll) B.H. published 33 volumes of works. The best known is his 17 volume commentary Interpretations of the English Bible. Benajah Harvey Carroll fell into a coma and died on the 11 th November 1914 Lord God, I am glad I am a preacher, that I am a preacher of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. B.H. Carroll J. B Cranfill, who had B.H. for his pastor for 12 years, in Life Sketch of B.H. Carroll (1908) and The Passing of B.H. Carroll (1914 ) gives us further insight into this great Baptist minister which he held in high esteem. We are told he was a great reader -100s of pages a day- he had a great memory, a marvelous preacher, a peerless statesman, a marvelous teacher, an able writer, a great scholar. Above everything he was a heroic Christian and a true and faithful friend. B.H.’ s funeral was in SWBTS chapel. Cranfill said the Eulogy. He spoke about the funeral happening around the silent form of B.H. Carroll in his own monument. This will be his monument and will be his monument through all the years to come. Sources used wikipedia Southwestern Baptist theological Seminary Baptist History Homepage

John Gresham Machen was an American Presbyterian theologian and fundamentalist leader. John was the founder of the Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS) (1929) in Philadelphia. He was also one of the founders of theOrthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) (1936). John was born into a prominent family in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Some time in his youth he came to a personal faith in Christ but there was no dramatic conversion experience. On 4 th January 1896 he publicly professed his faith and became a member off the Flanklin Street Presbyterian Church… He studied at John Hopkins University, Princeton Theological Seminary and the universities at Marburg and Gottingen in Germany. John taught at Princeton Seminary from 1906 until he left in 1929. In his book Christianity and Liberalism (1923) he had criticized liberal Protestantism as being unbiblical and unhistorical and struggled to preserve the conservative character of the Princeton Theological Seminary. He left Princeton after the school was reorganized and adopted a more accepting attitude towards liberal Protestantism. His fight for Christianity cost him a great deal. Not only did he lose his position at Princeton, but his church also declared him guilty of insubordination and stripped him of his credentials as a minister. ( History WTS) 1929 John founded a new school - Westminster Theological Seminary. He took with him senior faculty members of Princeton and some bright scholars. WTS soon became, and still is, one of the most highly regarded Christian reformed institutes in the world, with commitment to the Word of God. (Read last paragraph of ‘History’) The Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) was founded on 11th June 1936. It was originally called Presbyterian Church of America but following a threat of a lawsuit it had to change its name in 1939. OPC has slowly grown to over 30,000 members with over 300 churches. John was one of its founders and was its first Moderator John Gresham Machen, who died from pneumonia on New Year’s Day 1937, was a major theological voice in support of conservative Christianity. Machen left the prestige of Princeton to stand for the truth of the Bible. He knew that theological compromise would harm the spiritual power of the church. (History WTS) Sources Banner of the Truth UK Britannica Online Encyclopedia History Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS) Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Dr.John Gill was an English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar and theologian who held firm to the Calvinistic doctrine of salvation. John was the first major writing Baptist theologian. His church at Goat Yard Chapel would in the future become The Metropolitan Tabernacle… He was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire and attended the grammar school there. He mastered the Latin classics and learned Greek by the age of 11. At the age of 12 he heard a sermon on the text And the Lord God called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? Genesis ch.3 v 9. This stayed with but it was not until he was 18 that he made a public profession. At the age of 21 he began his first pastoral work as an intern for John Davis at Higham Ferrers. Aged just 22 he began his 51 year pastorate at the Strict Baptist church at Goat Yard Chapel, Horsleydown, Southwark. His congregation needed a larger premises so they moved to Carter Lane, St. Olave’s Street, Southwark. This would later become the New Park Street Chapel and then The Metropolitan Tabernacle - which today has the largest Baptist congregation in the U.K… John was a profound scholar and a prolific author. He was one of the greatest biblical scholars of his time. His Bible commentaries remain in print to this day. Works of John Gill a veritable cornucopia of Biblical knowledge Amazon (See list of Various works) He continued self-study in everything from logic to Hebrew. His love of Hebrew remained throughout his life. John supported George Whitefield at Kennington Gardens. In 1739 the earliest sermons on the ’ Great Awakening’ brought 1000s to experience new birth. ( see ‘Great Awakening’ notes) Sources used Amazon History Great Awakening Metropolitan Tabernacle wikipedia

Isaac was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England. His father was in prison at the time because of his nonconformist sympathies - he was eventually released. Young Isaac showed genius early. He was learning Latin by the age of 4, Greek at 9, French by 11 and Hebrew by 13. The fact that his father was a nonconformist meant that his bright child could not go to either Oxford or Cambridge university. At 16 he went to study at the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington, London (1690- 4). After graduation he spent the next 2 years at home. During this time the bulk of the Hymns and Spiritual Songs ( eventually published in 1707-9) were written and sung from manuscripts in the Southampton chapel. He spent the next 6 years as tutor to the son of Sir John Hartopp. During this time he began to accumulate theological and philosophical materials which he published subsequently. Isaac preached his first sermon when he was 24. In 1699 Isaac was appointed assistant minister of London’s Mark Lane Independent chapel - then one of the city’s most influential independent churches. In March 1702 he became full pastor. Apparently he was an inspiring preacher. His first collection of hymns and sacred lyrics was *Horae Lyricae *(1706). In 1703 he began to suffer from a psychiatric illness which would plague him for the rest of his life. 1712 a fever chattered his constitution. His illness and unsightly appearance took its toll. His 5 foot, pale, skinny frame was topped by a disproportionately over sized head. He had to pass off more and more of his work to Mr Samuel Price, his assistant. He resigned in 1712. He accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney at Abney Park- intending to stay a week . At Sir Thomas’ request it became his home for the rest of his life. He preached whenever his delicate health would permit and he continued to write. Besides using Psalms and writing hymns he wrote religious songs especially for children Divine Songs for the Use of Children (1719). He also wrote educational books on geography, astronomy, grammar and philosophy which were widely used throughout the 18th century. The hymns he wrote include When I Survey the Wondrous Cross , Our God, Our Help in Ages Past, Jesus Shall Reign It is as a writer of psalms and hymns that he is known everywhere. Some of his hymns were written to be sung after his sermon, giving expression to the meaning of the text upon which he had preached. Isaac died on 25th November 1748. he was buried in the Puritan resting place at Bunhill Fields, BUT a monument was erected to him in Westminster Abbey. Montgomery calls Isaac the greatest name among hymn writers and the honour can hardly be disputed. His published hymns number more than 800. Sources used Britannia Online Encyclopedia Chritianity Today Hymnary.org

Rev. Dr. John Rippon was an English Baptist Minister. In 1787 he published an important hymnal A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors, Intended to Be an Appendix toDr. Watts’ Psalms and Hymns - commonly known as * Rippon’s Selection* He was pastor to the Tabernacle Fellowship, which now meets at The Metropolitan Tabernacle, for 63 years. John Rippon was born at Tiverton, Devonshire, England. Aged about 16 he was called by divine grace to follow Jesus. Aged 17 he attended Bristol baptist College. At the close of his preparatory course he was invited to supply the pulpit of the particular baptist Church, Carter Lane, Tooley Street London left vacant after the death of eminent and venerable pastor the Rev. Dr. John Gill. John had neither the talents nor the learning of his predecessor but he was bold, witty and ready in speech. His preaching was lively, affectionate and impressive Having preached for a year on trial he was ordained pastor of the church on 11th November 1773. He stayed for the next 63 years. His congregation was the Tabernacle Fellowship which in his time there became the largest Baptist congregation in the land. Today it is the famous The Metropolitan Tabernacle. (See ‘Brief History’) Rippon’s Selection was very successful- reprinted 27 times in over 200,000 copies. He was considered to be the foremost authority on the hymns of Isaac Watts. He wrote several other guides about Watts - 1773, 1774, 1801 and 1816. He also published a considerable number of sermons, discourses and addresses. For 12 years he edited the Baptist Annual Register. (1790-1802)- this gave the brethren in Europe and American an organ through which they might address each other. John finished his long and useful life on the 17th December 1836. At the time of his death he was working on a book commemorating those buried in London’s Dissenter cemetery, Bunhill Fields , where he himself was buried. Sources used Baptist Quarterly Hymnology Archive How Firm a Foundation The Reformed Reader 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

Dr Paul is an Indian evangelical preacher, Chancellor of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Science (deemed to be University) -which he owns and an operator of the Jesus Calls ministry He operates Rainbow TV an evangelical channel. In 2003 he established Samiti for Education Education Environment Social and health Action (SEESHA). Evangeline, his wife, ministers by his side powerfully with grace and compassion for the millions. Dr. Paul received his B.Sc. degree at Loyola College. From Madras University he received a MBA and a Ph.D, degree in marketing. His journey of faith began when he accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal saviour when he was 18. He dedicated his life to serve people. His mission has touched millions positively. He heads The Jesus Calls Ministry where he along with his family and team conduct Prayer Festivals across India, having the profound impact of gathering up to 500,000 during each service. 126 Prayer Towers, under his leadership, have been established across the world where nearly 500,000 call for prayer each month. Nearly 20,000 prayer intercessors , from 12 countries have been trained personally by Paul. The Jesus Calls telecasts 400 programmes a month in 10 languages across the globe.He and his family bring hope and encouragement to 10 million people social media alone. At the Karunya Institute of Technology, ranked in the top 50 institutes in India, 8,000 students are studying.(27,000 have graduated). In 2003 he established SEESHA. In the lst 17 years it has brought hope and care to 3.5 million individuals - it is a humanitarian outreach mission. It works in 42 of the poorest communities in remote tribal, rural and urban slum areas to improve people’s standard of living and quality of life. (Read in full the SEESHA information) He conducts special prayer meetings to seek the Lord’s blessing for the Government in each State of India. God is using Dr. Paul mightily in His service. Many thirsty souls are being drawn close to God because of Dr. Paul’s Prayer and Ministry. Sources used Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Jesus Calls Ministries

Saint Frances of Rome was an Italian saint who was a wife, mother (six children), organizer of charitable services and a Benedictine oblate (a person dedicated to a monastic or religious life). As an 11 year old she had wanted to be a nun but within a year she was forced to marry Lorenzo Ponziani, a commander of the papal troops in Rome. They were happily married for 40 years- he was frequently at war, she spent her time visiting the poor and taking care of the sick. Twice she turn her home/castle into a hospital. She lost two children because of the plague. With Lorenzo’s approval she founded on August 15th, 1425 the Oblates of Mary. In March 1433 she founded a monastery at Tor de’ Specchi in Campidoglio. For a number of years she looked after Lorenzo after he had been seriously wounded. After his death in 1436 she moved into the monastery and she became the superior. She died in 1440 and was buried in Santa Maria Nova. On May 9th, 1608 she was canonised by Pope Paul V in recognition of her life’s work. In 1925 Pope Pius XI declared her the patron saint of automobile drivers because of a legend that an angel used to light the road before her with a lantern when she traveled keeping her safe from hazards.

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

The Incredible Disappearing Evangelist was the newspaper headlines in May 1926. She was already a phenomenon before she went missing. Aimee was born in 1890, in Ingersoll, Ontario,Canada, into a religious Methodist family. Her mother was for the ’ tambourine thumping Salvation Army’. She rebelled by reading novels and attending movies. Aimee Semple McPherson (nee Aimee Elizabeth Kennedy) married twice. Aged 17 she married an Irish Pentecostal missionary evangelist Robert J. Semple. They went to China as evangelists. They both caught malaria and Robert died in Hong Kong. A month later she gave birth to Roberta Star. In 1912, while working with her mother and the Salvation Army, she met and married accountant Harold Steward McPherson. After having given birth to Rolf McPherson she felt a sudden calling to preach the Gospel. In 1915 she ran out on him taking the children with her. 1915 was when Aimee gave her first official sermon. it happened at Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada. Right from the start she worked in spiritual healing and encourages speaking in tongues. Under her mother’s management she travelled through the USA and other countries. In 1918 she made her headquarters in Los Angeles. For almost 20 years she preached to large audiences in the Angelus Temple built for her by her followers at a cost of $1.5 million. In 1923 she founded there the The Foursquare Church (Jesus Christ, the saviour, baptizer, Healer, Coming King), seating 5,300 people in Echo Park. She also built what is now known as Life Pacific University close by. She was a flamboyant celebrity in her day, participating in publicity events, such as weekly Sunday parades through the streets of Los Angeles, along with the mayor and movie stars, directly to Angelus Temple. Aimee preached every night at the temple and Sunday services were attended by 1000s of worshipers who were spell bound throughout by extravaganzas that included patriotic and quasi- religious music played by a 50 piece band, prayers and singing all climaxed by a dramatic sermon. Her style was light hearted and whimsical at times, yet she spoke and sang with power and passion. In 1922, In San Diego, more than 30,000 turned up for one of her events. The temple radio station broadcast her services. She published magazines… In May 1926 she disappeared for 5 weeks. The newspapers had a field month putting forward theories and rumors. When she reappeared in Agua Prieta, Sonora, a Mexican town she claimed she had been kidnapped. A judge thought there was enough to charge her but the trial , scheduled for January 1927 never happened.The kidnapping was never solved. In the Service of the King: The Story of my Life is her account of the event She was mocked in the media for my years but the scandal did not diminish her popularity. In 1944 she died of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. Rolf, her son, took over the reins. Sources Foursquare church Brtitannica wikipedia

Jack Leo Van Impe was an American televangelist know for his 30 minute weekly series Jack Van Impe Presents , an eschatological commentary on the news of the week through an interpretation of the Bible. The program was aired both religious broadcasters and the purchasing of paid programming time on commercial television stations. jack was know as the Walking Bible having memorized most of the king James version of the Bible. His wife, Rexella, was co-host on the television ministry. His parents were Belgium immigrants who had moved to Troy. Michigan in 1929 two years before he was born on 9th February 1931. Jack and his father Oscar played the accordion at night clubs. They enjoyed drinking alcoholic beverages together - a European tradition. When Jack was 12, in 1943, both his father and mother, Marie Louise, experienced a conversion experience. A week later Jack walked to the front of church to profess his own faith. Father and son smashed all their bottles of alcoholic beverages. He never drank alcohol again. Oscar became a missionary with a very strong faith and Jack decided to be an evangelist. Together they played their accordions across Michigan and other states. In 1948 Jack graduated from school and entered Detroit Bible institute. He earned his diploma in 1952 and began his career as a preacher, evangelist and extensive recording career. He worked with the Billy Graham crusades. At a Youth for Christ rally with Chuck Ohman he met his future wife, Rexella Mae Shelton. They married on 21st August 1954. In the 1950s he released dozens of Gospel and spoken word recordings. His first album Presenting the Van Impes featured jack on the accordion and Rexelle on the organ. ( He later used an accorgan -a type of electronic accordion.) Together in 1970 they started Jack Van Impe Crusades Inc… They travelled the USA together, performing music and preaching in 130 cities in 10 years, For over 30 years Jack and Rexelle hosted Jack Van Impe Presents - a non profit organization. They offered eschatological (end times) commentary on current affairs he would recall Scripture on his show as he explained his apocalyptic theology before ending each episode with a call for viewers to prepare for the end by accepting Christ as their Lord and Saviour The television ministry, started in 1980, ran into financial trouble in 1984. It was relaunched in 1988 on TBN. In the new show Rexelle performed a piece of music, chatted with her husband, then Jack would bring up contemporary headlines and explain their prophetic significance. In the mid 1990s it was aired in about 25,000 cities in the USA, Canada and 150 other countries. In January 2017 Jack broke his hip. On 27th May 2017, taking doctor’s advice, the couple ended their TV ministries. Jack, a popular televangelist and one of the world’s best known end times preacher, died at the age of 88 on 18th January this year 2020. Sources Home - JVIM The New York Times wikipedia

Christine Caine and her husband Nick are best known for founding The A21 Campaign in 2008 - the global anti-trafficking organization. In 2015 they founded the Propel Women organization designed to honour the calling of every woman, enpower her to lead, equip her for success and develop a sense of God given purpose. EMPOWER, EQUIP, MOBILIZE Christine is an Australian born , Greek blooded, lover of Jesus, author and international speaker. She was adopted at birth by Greek Orthodox Immigrants who raised her in a public commission housing in Lalor Park, New South Wales. She has a degree in English from the University of Sydney and she attended and graduated from Hillsong College in1992. Her passion is to fulfill Christ’s command of going into the world to save others. On leaving college she volunteered as a youth worker and help establish Hills District Youth Service. She went onto become the director of a nationwide youth ministry. Christine and her husband Nick have a passion for justice and together they founded the A21 campaign in 2008. A21 is a non-profit, non-government organization which fights to** abolish slavery everywhere , for ever,** Christine apparently is a lover of words - she speaks too fast, talks too much and also writes them down (See list of works) She is active in speaking about her passion for God. She speaks in churches, conferences and other events across the world. Nick, who she married in 1996, is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of A21 and pastor of Zoe Churches. A21 has now 10 or 12 offices in 11 countries. He is also the pastor and director of Equip & Empower Ministries He assists in church plants, trains leaders and helps the lost come to Christ. Together they are a powerful couple striving to eradicate slavery, give women equal rights and bring non-Christians to know Jesus.

William Samuel Winston. also known as Dr. Bill Winston or Bill Winston is an American televangelist, preacher, author and entrepreneur. He is the founder and senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center, a non-denominational church in Forest park, Illinois with over 20,000 members. He is also the founder of Bill Winston Ministries (BWM), Faith Ministries Alliance (FMA), Bible Training Center,Joseph Business School and The Joseph Center. Bill was born on 6th May 1943 and raised in Tuskegee. He says he was inspired by the Tuckegee airmen and other local aviators. In 1967 he graduated from the Tuskee Institute and enlisted in the US Air Force (1967-73). He served as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after he piloted an F-4E Phantom that struck anti-aircraft batteries deep within North Vietnamese territory in March 1971. In 1973 he joined IBM Corporation. He soon became Regional marketing manager in the Midwest region (1973-85). While at IBM he met and married Veronica Irene Brown in 1982. He was also ‘born again’ while at IBM and felt a call into full time ministry and left to attend Logos Bible School. (Briefly attended Oral Roberts University in 1996) In 1988, while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, they started a small ministry. They travelled to Chicago every week-end to sponsor a 2 day crusade- attendance less than 20. They moved to Chicago in December. He began a Bible training school at the local Quality Inn Hotel. 1989 the school was called Living Word Church of Chicago. 1990 renamed Living Word Christian Center. Bill and Veronica were both preachers and authors. She was also a teacher and intercessor. 1994-7 they rented a space at a banquet hall in Forest park, Illinois The ministry grew (exploded) and they then purchased the Forest Park Mall - a 33 acre shopping mall. New Year’s Eve of 1997 they had their first worship service. The church today has now expanded into a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art worship center with over 20,000 members. 20 to 20,000 that’s an explosion. Bill’s teachings, writings, weekly television and radio programs are circulated through his ministry outreach - Bill Winston Ministries - a partnership based global outreach. They are aired by hisBeliever’s Walk of Faith television and radio programs on the God TV and the Impact Network. His audience, worldwide is millions. His sermons are aired on several radio networks within the USA. He has written, authored and self published 15 books and other material. Veronica, his wife, is a leader of the Living World Christian Center. They have 3 children and 8 grand children. He has 882 inter/national churches and ministries through FMA under his spiritual covering. His ministry owns 2 shopping malls. He is founder and CEO of Golden Eagle Aviation based in Tuskegee. Together they have built up a wonderful, Holy Spirit led, ministry. Sources used Bill Winston Ministries Wikipedia