Уильям Гэдсби: Англиялық пастор, ән жазушы және әлеуметтік әділет жолындағы күрескер

British pastor and hymnwriter

William Gadsby (1773–1844) was an English Strict Baptist pastor, hymn writer and church planter Although he was not formally educated, Gadsby was regarded by his contemporaries as an excellent preacher and pastor who championed the cause of social justice and opposed the established Elizabethan Church. Originally pastoring in Leicestershire, in 1805 he left to become pastor of Black Lane Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel in Manchester, England, and held that position until he died. Due to reconstructions and changes in street names, that same congregation was variously known as St George's Road Baptist Chapel, and Rochdale Road Particular Baptist Chapel.

Gadsby originally had no intention of moving to Manchester, however after leaning that there was a chapel called "Back Lane Particular Baptist Chapel" that was without a pastor, he requested that he be allowed to preach there for a month as he attended to "business". He did not initially state it out of embarrassment but he did not have any business in Manchester but he had heard the people of Manchester were very charitable and so he sought to beg for money as his funds for Hinckley Chapel were dangerously low. He often enraged upper class circles for bringing his socialist ideas into his sermons, however he was often praised by his working class congregations. On one occasion, he claimed the mantra of landlordism was "the labouring, the industrious people of England shall not partake of the fruit of the earth, if we can help it, for we are determined to keep the greatest part for ourselves". When he attempted to continue, he was drowned out by the cheers of the crowd. When he apologised for detaining them for so long there were cries of "go on".