Subject

Church, J. (John), approximately 1780-approximately 1825 -- Trials, litigation, etc. Books

Best books

Anonymous

The Infamous Life of John Church, the St. George's Fields Preacher
 From His Infancy Up to His Trial and Conviction, With His Confession, Sent in a Letter to the Rev. Mr. L--, Two Days After His Attack on Adam Foreman, at Vauxhall, With Clerical Remarks by the Same Gentleman; to Which Is Added, His Love Epistles to E**** B****. Together With Various Other Letters, Particularly One to Cook, of Vere-Street Notoriety.

"The Infamous Life of John Church, the St. George's Fields Preacher" by Anonymous is a historical account likely written in the early 19th century. This book chronicles the notorious life of John Church, who rose from humble beginnings to become a preacher surrounded by scandal and criminal accusations. It dives into themes of hypocrisy and moral corruption, documenting Church's questionable practices as a self-proclaimed minister of the Gospel. The narrative begins with Church's origins as an abandoned infant found near a church, progressing through his apprenticeships and eventual ascension to the position of preacher. However, his religious career is plagued by numerous allegations of misconduct, including inappropriate behavior with young men and questionable relationships within the community. The book details various testimonies about his depraved actions, highlighting the stark contrast between his sermons and personal conduct. Ultimately, Church's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and the moral failures that can lurk behind the facade of piety.

Anonymous

The Devil and Parson Church; or, Birds of a feather

"The Devil and Parson Church; or, Birds of a Feather" by Anonymous is a whimsical and satirical poem likely written in the early 19th century. The book serves as a poetic commentary on the moral failures of a preacher, particularly the Rev. John Church, who is depicted as engaging in scandalous and immoral activities despite his role as a religious leader. The work combines elements of social critique and humor to explore themes of hypocrisy and vice. The poem follows the character of old Lucifer, who is searching for a wayward soul to ensnare, eventually leading him to the Reverend Church. As the tale unfolds, Church is portrayed in a comically compromising situation in which he willingly participates in immoral exploits with the devil himself. The narrative humorously illustrates the preacher's downfall, showcasing his moral depravity alongside his duplicitous nature, ultimately leading to legal troubles and disgrace. The piece serves to entertain while critiquing the integrity of those who hold positions of religious authority, highlighting the contrast between their public persona and private actions.

Robert Bell

Religion & Morality Vindicated, Against Hypocrisy and Pollution
 Or, an Account of the Life and Character of John Church the Obelisk Preacher, Who Was Formerly a Frequenter of Vere-street, and Who Has Been Charged With Unnatural Practices in Various Places. To Which Is Annexed, a Fac-simile of a Letter, Written by Him to James Cook, Who Kept the Infamous House in Vere-street.

"Religion & Morality Vindicated, Against Hypocrisy and Pollution" by Robert Bell is a critical publication written in the early 19th century. This book serves as an exposé on the life and character of John Church, a preacher accused of numerous immoral and unnatural practices. It explores themes surrounding the integrity of religious leadership and the moral implications of hypocrisy within religious contexts. The book delves into the sordid details of Church's life, focusing on allegations of his corrupt behavior and the attempts made by the public and authorities to hold him accountable. Bell documents firsthand accounts, testimonies, and directs accusations against Church, illustrating the profound impact of his actions on vulnerable young men and undermining the values of the community. The narrative is both a dramatic account of scandal and a moral discourse meant to protect the sanctity of religion, posing critical questions about the societal accountability of religious figures and the importance of public moral standards.

Joseph Augustus Dowling

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.

Anonymous

The Trial and Conviction of That Infamous Hypocrite John Church
 The Surrey Tabernacle Preacher, Borough-road, St. George's Fields, for an Abominable Offence; Including the Whole of the Evidence; Tried Before Lord Ellenborough, at the Surrey Assizes, Croydon, Saturday, August 16, 1817. To Which Is Added, His Life, Confessions, Notes of One of His Sermons, the Whole of the Love-letters, &c. &c.

"The Trial and Conviction of That Infamous Hypocrite John Church" by Anonymous is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work presents a controversial and shocking case surrounding John Church, a preacher accused of a serious moral crime, detailing the trial and the evidence presented against him. The narrative addresses themes of hypocrisy and moral vigilance, with John Church serving as the focal character, whose actions are scrutinized in a legal context. The opening of the book introduces the trial of John Church, who is indicted for assaulting a young apprentice named Adam Foreman in a manner described as despicable and contrary to Christian values. The prosecution presents witnesses who recount the events of the evening in question, establishing a timeline and outlining the indecent behavior attributed to Church. As the court proceedings unfold, it becomes evident that Church's case is complicated by his status as a preacher, sparking debates within the jury and raising questions about moral integrity in positions of religious authority.

Anonymous

The Trial and Conviction of John Church
 The Preacher of the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough Road, at the Surrey Assizes, at Croydon, on Saturday, the 16th of August, 1817, for an Assault With Intent to Commit an Unnatural Crime.

"The Trial and Conviction of John Church" by Anonymous is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This text details a significant legal case regarding John Church, a preacher accused of a grievous crime against a young apprentice named Adam Foreman. The book provides a thorough record of the trial proceedings, evidence, and witness testimonies that highlight the disturbing nature of the charges and the social context surrounding them. The opening of the text sets the stage for the trial that took place in August 1817, where John Church faced allegations of assault with intent to commit an unnatural crime. It presents the prosecution's claims, focusing on the account of the young apprentice, who describes a violation that occurred while Church was staying in the same household. The narrative emphasizes the moral outrage of the incident and the motivations behind bringing such charges to light, as well as the critical role of the community in addressing the conduct of a figure claimed to be a spiritual guide. This initial section raises questions about accountability, the complexities of truth in legal matters, and the societal implications of Church’s alleged actions.

T. Latham

The Rod in Pickle; or, An Answer to the Appeal of John Church, the Obelisk Preacher
 Containing an Authentic Narrative of the Cause of His Leaving Banbury, in Oxfordshire: Together With the Charges Exhibited Against Him, the Meeting of His Friends in Consequence of Those Charges, and the Result of That Meeting. To Which Are Added, His Letters, Written to the Managers of the Banbury Meeting-House, Begging Them Not to Let the Cause of His Dismissal Be Known in London.

"The Rod in Pickle; or, An Answer to the Appeal of John Church, the Obelisk Preacher" by Rev. T. Latham is a historical publication written in the early 19th century. This book serves as a critical response to John Church’s claims and addresses the scandal surrounding his departure from Banbury, Oxfordshire. It likely explores themes of morality and accountability, particularly within religious contexts, as it deals with serious allegations against Church, a figure of religious authority. The narrative unfolds as a detailed account of John Church's misconduct while serving as a preacher, which led to his dismissal from the Banbury congregation. Latham presents a collection of letters, testimonies, and the outcomes of congregational meetings that ultimately reveal Church's inappropriate behavior towards boys entrusted to his care. He describes how Church's alleged actions caused public outrage and resulted in his banishment from the community. As Latham examines Church's attempts at self-justification and his pleas for reinstatement, the book critiques the moral implications of Church's behavior, painting a complex picture of a man grappling with the fallout of his indiscretions.

Recently surfaced classics

The Infamous Life of John Church, the St. George's Fields Preacher
 From His Infancy Up to His Trial and Conviction, With His Confession, Sent in a Letter to the Rev. Mr. L--, Two Days After His Attack on Adam Foreman, at Vauxhall, With Clerical Remarks by the Same Gentleman; to Which Is Added, His Love Epistles to E**** B****. Together With Various Other Letters, Particularly One to Cook, of Vere-Street Notoriety.The Devil and Parson Church; or, Birds of a featherReligion & Morality Vindicated, Against Hypocrisy and Pollution
 Or, an Account of the Life and Character of John Church the Obelisk Preacher, Who Was Formerly a Frequenter of Vere-street, and Who Has Been Charged With Unnatural Practices in Various Places. To Which Is Annexed, a Fac-simile of a Letter, Written by Him to James Cook, Who Kept the Infamous House in Vere-street.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 Trial and Conviction of That Infamous Hypocrite John Church
 The Surrey Tabernacle Preacher, Borough-road, St. George's Fields, for an Abominable Offence; Including the Whole of the Evidence; Tried Before Lord Ellenborough, at the Surrey Assizes, Croydon, Saturday, August 16, 1817. To Which Is Added, His Life, Confessions, Notes of One of His Sermons, the Whole of the Love-letters, &c. &c.The Trial and Conviction of John Church
 The Preacher of the Surrey Tabernacle, Borough Road, at the Surrey Assizes, at Croydon, on Saturday, the 16th of August, 1817, for an Assault With Intent to Commit an Unnatural Crime.The Rod in Pickle; or, An Answer to the Appeal of John Church, the Obelisk Preacher
 Containing an Authentic Narrative of the Cause of His Leaving Banbury, in Oxfordshire: Together With the Charges Exhibited Against Him, the Meeting of His Friends in Consequence of Those Charges, and the Result of That Meeting. To Which Are Added, His Letters, Written to the Managers of the Banbury Meeting-House, Begging Them Not to Let the Cause of His Dismissal Be Known in London.