Henry Grew
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Henry Grew (1781-1862) was a Christian teacher and writer whose studies of the Bible led him to conclusions which were at odds with doctrines accepted by many of the mainstream churches of his time. Among other things, he rejected the Trinity, immortality of the soul, and a hellfire of literal eternal torment.
[edit] Biography
Henry Grew was born in Birmingham, England, but at the age of 13, moved with his parents to the United States, where he originally lived in Boston, before subsequently relocating to Providence, Pawtucket, Hartford, and Philadelphia.[1]
At the age of 23 he became a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Providence. In 1811, after being pastor for four years at the First Baptist Church in Hartford, his position there was terminated in consequence of his adoption of views regarded as heretical.
When an invitation was received for the World Anti-Slavery Convention on 12 June 1840 in London, he decided to go. Grew departed on the ship Roscoe on 7 May 1840. Other delegates aboard the ship besides his daughter, Mary, were James and Lucretia Mott, Emily Winslow and her father Isaac, Abby South and Elizabeth Neall. Mary was reported to be "very intimate" with Bradburn, whilst Henry Grew was thought very religious, particularly on Sundays.[2] After they arrived, Bradburn was able to see some of England and visited various locations including Liverpool and particularly Birmingham, as Mary wanted to see her father's birthplace.[2] There was a debate before and during the conference as to whether female delegates should be allowed. Henry sided with the British organisers and spoke in favour of the men's rights despite his daughter being one of the delegates excluded.[3]
A similar public debate took place in 1854 when he and Mary were present at the fifth annual National Women's Rights Convention in Philadelphia. This time he debated with Lucretia Mott, where he proposed the supremacy and authority of men.[3]
He continued throughout the remainder of his life preaching with a small group of people who shared his beliefs.
He died in Philadelphia on 8 August 1862, after an illness. He was 80 years of age.[1]
The writings of Henry Grew influenced George Storrs, and later, Charles Taze Russell.
Henry Grew and George Storrs are both mentioned in the October 15, 2000 issue of the The Watchtower magazine, published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
[edit] References
- ^ a b http://www.harvestherald.com/grewindex.htm Writings by Henry Grew - The Harvest Herald, accessed 21 July 2008
- ^ a b c Mary Grew, Abolitionist and Feminist, 1813-1896, accessed 19 July 2008
- ^ a b Reforming Men and Women: Gender in the Antebellum City, Bruce Dorsey, p.179, 2002, ISBN:0801438977 accessed 21 July 2008
[edit] External links
- http://www.harvestherald.com/grewindex.htm Writings by Henry Grew - The Harvest Herald
