William Gadsby

William Gadsby (1773–1844) was an English Baptist pastor.[1] In addition to pastoring, Gadsby planted churches, and was an early leader of the Strict and Particular Baptist movement in England.[1] Although he was not formally educated, Gadsby was regarded by his contemporaries as an excellent preacher and pastor who championed the cause of social justice and opposed the established Elizabethan Church.[2]

William Gadsby
Born3 January 1773 (1773-01-03)
Attleborough, Warwickshire
Died27 January 1844 (1844-01-28) (aged 71)
Manchester, England
NationalityBritish
OccupationPastor, Church planter
Theological work
EraLate 18th Century
Tradition or movementParticular Baptist

In 1805 he became pastor of Black Lane Chapel, Strict Baptist church in Manchester, England, and held that position until he died.[1]

Early life

William was born to John and Martha Gadsby at Attleborough, Warwickshire on or around 3 January 1773. He was born into poverty and only briefly attended Nuneaton church school, starting work as a ribbon weaver at age 13. By age 17 he had forgotten how to read.[3] His conversion to Christianity was also at this age: "But when the Lord was graciously pleased to quicken my soul, being then just 17 years of age, and showed me something of what sin really was, I really feared it then, and a turn in my mind took place of a very different kind... I was then solemnly and blessedly led to believe in God's free mercy and pardon." He joined the Cow Lane Baptist Church in Coventry where he was baptized on 29 December 1793.

See also

References
  1. Garrett, James Leo jr (2009). Baptist Theology: A Four-Century Study. Mercer University Press. p. 198. ISBN 978-0-88146-129-9. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  2. Barton, Marcella (December 2004), "High Calvinists in Action. Calvinism and the City. Manchester and London, c. 1810–1860 by Ian J. Shaw", Church History (review), Cambridge University Press, 73 (4): 868–70, doi:10.1017/s0009640700073327, ISSN 0009-6407, JSTOR 4146775
  3. Todd, John R. (1999). Immortal honours: The Life of William Gadsby. Loughborough: J.R. Todd. p. 3. ISBN 0953536807.


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