Samuel Worcester

Samuel Worcester (1 November 1770, in Hollis, New Hampshire – 7 June 1821, in Brainerd, Tennessee) was a United States clergyman noted for his participation in a controversy over Unitarianism. Biography Against his father's wishes, he decided to educate himself for a profession rather than become a farmer. After attending and then teaching in local schools, he went to New Ipswitch Academy, and then entered Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1795. He was licensed to preach in 1796. From 1797 until 1802, he was pastor of the Congregational Church in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Worcester subscribed to Hopkinsian Calvinism, and his views brought him into conflict with some in his parish who favored Universalism and others of liberal views. He was finally forced to resign from his charge. He became pastor of the Tabernacle Church, Salem, in 1803, which charge he held until his death. He declined the professorship of theology in Dartmouth in 1804, and became corresponding secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in 1810. He became occupied enough with his missionary work, that in 1819 an associate pastor was appointed at the Tabernacle Church.