Reverend Robert Robinson: Faith And Influence

Table of Contents

Key Facts

Category	Details
Early Life	Born on September 27, 1735, in Swaffham, Norfolk; father passed away when he was five; educated in Scarning; apprenticed as a hairdresser at 14; converted to Christianity in 1752.
Career	Began as a Calvinistic Methodist, later became a prominent Baptist minister; served at Cambridge from 1759 and authored works on baptism; wrote hymns such as “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Net Worth	No exact figures; supplemented income through farming; owned over 250 acres by 1782; financial concerns persisted throughout his life.
Family Members	Married Ellen Payne in 1759; fathered twelve children; no famous descendants noted.

Early Life

Robert Robinson’s early life was molded by both hardship and opportunity. Robinson’s father, Michael Robinson, died when he was five, leaving his mother, Mary Wilkin, to raise him in terrible financial conditions. Robinson’s maternal grandfather, Robert Wilkin, a wealthy man, sponsored his education despite this.

Robinson apprenticed to a London hairdresser at 14, allowing him to pursue his intellectual interests. His conversion to Christianity came from George Whitefield’s evangelical preaching. Robinson’s conversion to Christianity in 1755 established the stage for his theology and preaching career.

Event	Details
Birth	September 27, 1735, Swaffham, Norfolk, England
Father’s Death	Father died when Robinson was five
Apprenticeship	Hairdresser in London at age 14
Conversion	Converted to Christianity in 1752

Career

Preaching and scholarship characterized Robert Robinson’s career. His early Calvinistic Methodist activity led to his 1759 appointment to Cambridge’s Stone-Yard Baptist Chapel. After becoming the church’s pastor in 1762, he served until his death in 1790.

Robinson’s theological contributions were significant. He wrote extensively on the history of baptism, and his works, such as History of Baptism and Baptists, continue to be influential. Additionally, Robinson’s hymn writing remains well-known, particularly his iconic hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” written when he was just 22 years old. His ability to blend scholarly research with religious devotion made him a well-respected figure in the Baptist community.

Event	Details
Career Beginnings	Calvinistic Methodist, then Baptist minister in Cambridge
Ministerial Position	Pastor at Stone-Yard Baptist Chapel (1762-1790)
Major Works	History of Baptism and Baptists, hymns like “Come Thou Fount”

Net Worth

Historical records suggest Robert Robinson’s net worth was modest but consistent. Starting at £15 per year, his ministerial pay never exceeded £90. Robinson farmed about 250 acres by 1782 to supplement his income. This farming endeavor gave him financial independence, although he worried about money throughout his life. Robinson handed much of the farming activity to his son-in-law Curtis by 1785 to shift focus while retaining financial stability.

Financial Milestone	Details
Ministerial Salary	Initially £15, later rising to £90
Farming Ventures	Owned over 250 acres of land by 1782
Financial Strategy	Transferred farming to son-in-law in 1785

Family Members

Personal life, especially his marriage to Ellen Payne, was very significant. Robinson’s family grew with his ministry after their 1759 marriage and twelve children. Robinson remained religious and dedicated to his career despite their huge family. Robinson and his family suffered when his daughter Julia died early at 17.

Robinson had more children than most, but none of them became famous. His hymns and theological writings seem to be his legacy, not his family.

Family Event	Details
Marriage	Married Ellen Payne in 1759
Children	Fathered twelve children
Notable Family Loss	Daughter Julia died at 17 in 1787

FAQ

Who was Robert Robinson?

English Baptist clergyman and theologian Robert Robinson was famous for his song “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and his publications on baptism and Christian theology.

Early life of Robert Robinson?

Robinson struggled financially in Norfolk, England, after his father’s early death. His uncle taught him and he apprenticed to a London hairdresser.

What was Robinson’s career like?

Robinson pastored Stone-Yard Baptist Chapel in Cambridge from 1759 to 1790. He wrote famous songs and theological works and was a Baptist leader.

Was Robert Robinson wealthy?

Robinson’s total value is unknown, however he farmed approximately 250 acres by 1782. He secured his family’s financial future despite financial issues.