Richard Baxter was born to Beatrice and Richard Baxter in
Rowton, Shropshire on 12 November 1615.
At the age of 23 Richard was appointed as a schoolteacher in
Dudley. At the same time he was Ordained and preached his first
sermon at St Thomas’ Church in the town. In 1639 he moved
to Bridgnorth where he became Curate at St Leonard’s Church.
For 20 years Richard made his home in Kidderminster as
‘preacher’ at St Mary’s Church. He was invited by a group of disgruntled parishioners who
passionately wanted to live every moment of their lives in the presence and to the glory of
God. New galleries had to be installed in St Mary’s Church to accommodate the crowds.
During his years in Kidderminster, Richard wrote some of his most famous books and
hymns including the classic: “The Saints Everlasting Rest” which continues to inspire
and console. His “Reformed Pastor” is still used in the training of clergy. Hymns such
as “Ye Holy Angels Bright” are much loved today.
When King Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, new rules governing church
life and organisation were imposed. Richard was unhappy with these and went into
self-imposed ‘exile’ after preaching his final sermon in Kidderminster.
The last 30 years of Richard’s life were spent in London during which time he married
Margaret Charlton in 1662. He died, aged 76, on 8 December 1691. His legacy is
significant in the history of St Mary’s Church, and of Christian ministry in Kidderminster
On Thursday 12 November at 12.30pm, there will be
a special Eucharist at St Mary and All Saints’ Church,
Kidderminster followed by a number of “Baxter” themed
events over the weekend of 14/15 November.
Please pray for all those involved in celebrating the
anniversary of Richard Baxter’s birth.
Bromsgrove Deanery – Rural Dean: Garth Nathaniel; Lay
Chair: David Hargreaves
Diocese of Venezuela (USA): Bishop Orlando Guerrero
Diocese of Norwich: Bishop Graham James with Bishops Alan
Winton (Thetford) and Jonathan Meyrick (Lynn)
Diocese of Luleå (Sweden): Bishop Hans Stiglund
