The Sentence and Affidavit of John Church, the Obelisk Preacher
For an Attempt to Commit an Unnatural Crime on Adam Foreman, at Vauxhall. Together With Judge Bayley's Impressive Address to the Prisoner, at Full Length. At the Court of King's Bench, Nov. 24, 1817.
"The Sentence and Affidavit of John Church, the Obelisk Preacher" by Dowling is a historical account detailing a criminal trial and its aftermath, which occurred in the early 19th century. This work focuses on the trial of John Church, a preacher convicted of attempting to commit an unnatural crime. The text provides insight into the courtroom proceedings, the societal reaction, and the implications of Church's actions during this time of strict moral and legal codes. In the book, we see John Church facing judgment after being found guilty of attempting an act of sexual misconduct on a young boy, Adam Foreman. Church submits an affidavit highlighting his character as a married man with children and arguing against the public backlash that followed his alleged offenses. The trial culminates in a lengthy address from Justice Bayley, who expresses both dismay at Church's actions and the necessity of imposing a harsh sentence, reflecting the moral standards of the era. Church is ultimately sentenced to two years in prison and must find sureties for his future behavior, illustrating not only the gravity of his crime but also the public outcry against figures who exploit their influence.