John Strachan
John Strachan
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Strachan was a Scottish-Canadian minister, educator, and writer who is widely recognized as the "Father of Methodist Episcopacy" in Canada. He is also known for his advocacy of education and his role in shaping the country's denominational landscape.
Birth and Death Dates
Strachan was born on 17 March 1778 in Long Melford, Suffolk, England. He passed away on 1 October 1867 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Strachan held dual nationality as a British subject and a Canadian citizen. His primary profession was that of an Anglican cleric, although he played a significant role in the development of Methodism in Canada. Throughout his life, Strachan also pursued careers in education and writing.
Early Life and Background
Strachan's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education. He attended the local grammar school in Long Melford before proceeding to St John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated with honors in 1802. It was during his time at Cambridge that Strachan became acquainted with the teachings of Methodism, which had a profound impact on his spiritual development.
Major Accomplishments
Strachan is best remembered for his role in establishing the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada. In 1820, he founded Upper Canada Academy (now Victoria College), which was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the country. Strachan's commitment to education led him to establish several other schools and colleges throughout Ontario.
Notable Works or Actions
Strachan's literary contributions are not as well-documented as his ecclesiastical achievements, although he wrote numerous articles for various periodicals during his lifetime. His most notable work is the _Treatise on Church Policy_, which advocated for a more episcopalian form of church governance.
Impact and Legacy
Strachan's influence on Canadian society extends far beyond his individual accomplishments. He played a pivotal role in shaping the country's denominational landscape, with his advocacy of Methodism contributing to its widespread adoption across Canada. Strachan's commitment to education helped establish Ontario as a hub for learning and intellectual inquiry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Strachan is widely quoted or remembered due to his role in shaping the spiritual and educational fabric of Canadian society. His contributions to Methodism, education, and church governance have had a lasting impact on the country's denominational landscape. As the "Father of Methodist Episcopacy" in Canada, Strachan's legacy continues to be felt by scholars, theologians, and educators across the nation.
Throughout his life, Strachan demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and spiritual growth. His emphasis on episcopal governance helped establish a more formalized structure for the church, which continues to influence Canadian Methodism today. As a writer, educator, and advocate, Strachan's impact on Canadian society remains unparalleled, with his legacy serving as a testament to his enduring contributions to the country's spiritual and intellectual landscape.
Quotes by John Strachan
St. Peter announced the glad tidings of the Gospel to the people on the day of Pentecost, and converted, by the first Christian sermon, ever preached, three thousand – which formed the primitive Church.
The Legislature of Lower Canada, consisting chiefly of Roman Catholics, could hardly be expected to support a church which they were taught to consider heretical, and in Upper Canada the scanty means at the disposal of the Government, precluded all hope.
The nations were awakened from the sleep of death, as the words of eternal life flowed from the Apostles' lips, - the temples of superstition were shut or destroyed, and churches were planted in every part of the civilized world.
In this Epistle, the Apostle seeks, with great earnestness, to confirm the Christian converts in the belief of that Gospel, which he had so faithfully preached.
In vain shall Great Britain confer upon her colonies the free government and liberal principles of legislation, for which she is distinguished, if she do not carry with her the revelations of God.
St. Peter announced the glad tidings of the Gospel to the people on the day of Pentecost, and converted, by the first Christian sermon, ever preached, three thousand - which formed the primitive Church.
With the requests of some he complied, and has published a discourse, delivered before the Society for recovering drowned persons, which may be justly pronounced one of the most beautiful and interesting sermons in the English language.
At an expense trifling indeed, compared to what she frequently spends upon unprofitable contests, she might place the moral world on a new foundation, and to rise the pinnacle of moral glory.