Thomas Secker
Thomas Secker was an Archbishop of Canterbury from 1758 until his death in 1768. Educated in dissenting academies, he later pursued medicine before entering the Church of England, holding various rectories and bishoprics before his elevation to the highest ecclesiastical office. Secker was known for his advocacy of an American episcopate.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Sibthorpe, Nottinghamshire, Secker received early education in both dissenting academies and later pursued medical studies.
- ›He entered the Church of England in 1722 and held positions including rector of Houghton-le-Spring and Holy Cross Church, Ryton.
- ›Secker served as Bishop of Bristol (1735-1737), Bishop of Oxford (1737-1758), and Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, London (1750-1758).
- ›He became Archbishop of Canterbury on 21 April 1758.
- ›Secker was a notable advocate for the establishment of an American episcopate.
- ›His principal published work was 'Lectures on the Catechism of the Church of England'.
- Advocacy of An American Episcopate
- Publication of 'Lectures On the Catechism of the Church of England'
About Thomas Secker
Thomas Secker: Archbishop of Canterbury
Thomas Secker (1693–1768) served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1758 until his death. His life and career spanned a period of significant change within the Church of England and the British Empire.
Early Life and Education
Born in Sibthorpe, Nottinghamshire, Secker's early education began at Richard Brown's free school in Chesterfield. He later attended Timothy Jollie's dissenting academy at Attercliffe in Sheffield, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the teaching quality. Following this, he moved to London in 1710, where he engaged in further studies in subjects such as geometry, algebra, and philosophy, notably John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding." He also attended Samuel Jones's dissenting academy in Gloucester, where he improved his language skills and studied Hebrew, Chaldee, and Syriac. Secker briefly pursued medical studies in London and Paris, earning an MD from Leiden University in 1721.
Ordination and Ecclesiastical Career
Upon returning to England, Secker entered Exeter College, Oxford, and was ordained in 1722. His ecclesiastical career progressed through various appointments: he became rector of Houghton-le-Spring in 1724, and in 1727, he was appointed to the rectory of Holy Cross Church, Ryton, and a canonry of Durham. He later served as rector of St James's Westminster from 1733. Secker was consecrated Bishop of Bristol in 1735, subsequently becoming Bishop of Oxford in 1737 and Dean of St Paul's Cathedral, London, in 1750.
Archbishop of Canterbury and Advocacy
On April 21, 1758, a month after the death of his predecessor, Thomas Secker was enthroned as the Archbishop of Canterbury. In this high office, he became a prominent advocate for the establishment of an American episcopate, a cause that generated considerable opposition in both England and America. He authored "Answer to Jonathan Mayhew's Observations on the Charter and Conduct of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts" in relation to this advocacy.
Death and Legacy
Thomas Secker died at the age of 74 on August 3, 1768, at Lambeth Palace. His will included a substantial bequest, though a portion intended for charity was later redirected by a court decision. His principal published work, "Lectures on the Catechism of the Church of England," was published posthumously in 1769 and saw numerous subsequent editions. Secker's papers are held at Lambeth Palace Library.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Thomas Secker born and when did he die?
Thomas Secker was born on September 21, 1693, and died on August 3, 1768.
Where was Thomas Secker born and where did he die?
Thomas Secker was born in Sibthorpe, Nottinghamshire, England. He died at Lambeth Palace.
What was Thomas Secker's most significant role in the Church of England?
Thomas Secker's most significant role was serving as the Archbishop of Canterbury, a position he held from April 21, 1758, until his death.
What were some of Thomas Secker's notable contributions or advocacy?
Secker was a notable advocate for the establishment of an American episcopate. He also authored 'Lectures on the Catechism of the Church of England', which was a principal work.
What was Thomas Secker's educational background before entering the Church?
Secker received his early education in dissenting academies, studying Greek and Latin. He later studied medicine in London and Paris before receiving an MD from Leiden University.
Related Archbishops
John Tillotson
John Tillotson served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1691 to 1694. A prominent figure in late 17th-century theology, he was known for his practical, reason-infused preaching style, which sought to integrate reason into Protestant theology. Tillotson was also a latitudinarian, advocating for tolerance and engaging in significant theological debates of his time.
William Wake
William Wake served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1716 until his death in 1737, playing a significant role in Church of England affairs. He was known for his extensive writings, particularly his defense of Anglican Orders, and for his tolerant approach to Nonconformism, even suggesting revisions to the Book of Common Prayer. Wake also engaged in diplomatic efforts to unite the Gallican and English churches.
John Dolben
John Dolben (1625-1686) was an English priest and bishop who rose to become Archbishop of York. A Royalist during the English Civil War, he later held significant positions within the Church of England, including Dean of Westminster and Bishop of Rochester, before his final appointment as Archbishop. He is noted for reforming cathedral discipline and for his eloquence, as recognized by John Dryden.