Robert Norden (c. 1650–1725) was a
Baptist
Baptists form a major branch of Protestantism distinguished by baptizing professing Christian believers only ( believer's baptism), and doing so by complete immersion. Baptist churches also generally subscribe to the doctrines of soul compe ...
preacher influential in the establishment of Baptist churches in the
colony of Virginia prior to the
American War of Independence.
[Robert Norden]
accessed 30 December 2014
The oldest Baptist church in the southern United States,
First Baptist Church of
Charleston, South Carolina, was organised in 1682 under the leadership of
William Screven. and a Baptist church was formed in Virginia in 1715 through the influence of Norden's preaching.
He was born in
Warbleton
Warbleton is a village and civil parish in the Wealden district of East Sussex, England. Within its bounds are three other settlements. It is located south-east of Heathfield on the slopes of the Weald.
Etymology
The place-name Warbleton, der ...
,
East Sussex, England about 1650.
In 1714, English Baptists appointed Norden, along with Thomas White, as “messengers” sent to a group of Baptists who had settled along the south side of the
James River in Virginia; however, White died at sea. Norden died in 1725.
[Anderson, F.]
This Month in History: In Search of Robert Norden
Baptist General Association of Virginia, accessed 1 January 2019
References
18th-century Baptist ministers from the United States
People from Warbleton
Year of birth uncertain
1725 deaths
British emigrants to the United States
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