Newman, John Henry

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

John Henry (1801-1890), an English clergyman. He was born in London and died near Birmingham. He was graduated at Oxford in 1820 and was granted a fellowship, the income of which made him independent for a number of years. In 1824 he became a curate of the parish of St. Clement, Oxford. He remained a clergyman of the Church of England for nineteen years. During this period he traveled and wrote. He was noted as a man of devout spirit and highmindedness. It was during this time that he wrote the noted hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light." Later, religious doubts overtook him. He began to question the rightfulness of the English Reformation, and concluded by leaving the English Church for the Church of Rome. Although he was not followed by many persons his conversion to Catholicism was considered a severe blow to the Church of England, "the greatest triumph of the Catholic Church in England during 300 years." In 1846 he went to Rome where he was ordained a priest. He then returned to England and took up his residence at Birmingham where he established a religious house known as "The Oratory." From 1854 to 1858 he was rector of the Catholic University at Dublin. In 1879 he was created a cardinal deacon of the Catholic church. Among his friends, who did not, however, share his religious views, may be reckoned Matthew Arnold, Gladstone, and Charles Kingsley. Though a prominent figure in English politics, the subject of much controversy, and a prose writer of repute, it is probable that a thousand years from now, he will be known chiefly as the author of the hymn mentioned above.