Rev. Richard Johnson :: essays research papers

Reverend Ric tight JohnsonIn a land mean to be dumping grounds for Britains moral filth, Reverend Richard Johnson hold outed hard at laying the foundations of Christianity in Australia. Born in 1757 at Welton, England, he was educated at Magdalen College, Cambridge. He graduated with a BA in 1783, and was appointed a deacon and priest by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1786. except five months before the First Fleet set sail, Richard Johnson was recommended and approved for the survey of Chaplin, to establish the Church of England in Australia. governor Phillip saw Johnsons hypothesize as a "moral policeman" to the convicts, entirely the chaplain viewed his position as a door of opportunity to preach the Gospel to the "dregs of humanity." His work began even before the ship landed, and his moral nature displayed. Johnson found the ships social club very disrespectful and profane and targeted this in his teaching. On the following sunlight it was noted that fo r days afterwards their behaviour had improved.On Sunday the third of February 1788, Johnson preached his first sermon to a crowd of both soldiers and convicts. Being a result of the Evangelical revival in England, Johnson laboured for their salvation and move to encourage goodness in them. He requested the help of the decree for Promoting Christian Knowledge, who provided him with 4200 books in total for the new colony, including Bibles, Testaments, Prayer Books, Catechisms, Psalters, and religious booklets against park sins. His job was not an easy one as he was meant to conceptualise out many duties placed upon him by the Governor as good as the mission of his own. Johnsons duties included officiating at hangings and performing as magistrate when needed. In the first five years, he conducted 226 baptisms, 220 marriages and 851 funerals. One of Johnsons obstacles was the lack of support he received. He and his wife, Mary, lived in a gip palm hut for the first three years whi le the Governor had two mansions. Many times his family was short of food and in rundown to his regular duties he worked on his farm to provide for his family. Richard Johnson was a gracious man who even took an Aboriginal girl, who had contracted smallpox, into his home for several months. This property made Australia appear as a destination unsuitable for him, but at the same time, he was the best man for the job.