William Tennent

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For other people named William Tennent, see William Tennent (disambiguation).
William Tennent by unknown artist

William Tennent (1673 – May 6, 1746) was an early

educator in British North America.[1]

Early life

Tennent was born in

Warminster
, where he stayed for the remainder of his life.

The Log College

In 1727 Tennent established a religious school in a log cabin that became famous as the Log College. He filled his pupils with evangelical zeal, and a number became revivalist preachers in the First Great Awakening. The educational influence of the Log College was of importance since many of its graduates founded schools along the frontier. Princeton University is regarded as the successor to the Log College.[2]

The name Log College had a negative connotation at the time, as it was a derisive nickname attached to the school by ministers educated in Europe. They chided Tennent for trying to educate poor farm boys considered by some to be unsuitable for the ministry.

Tennent's sons

William Tennent the Third.[3]

Old Tennent Church

The current edifice of the Old Tennent Church in Tennent, New Jersey, completed 1751–53, was named in memory of pastors William Tennent and his brother John Tennent.

Death

Tennent died in Warminster in 1746, and his gravesite can still be found today in the church cemetery of the Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church. Tennent's last

will
and testament is on record at the Bucks County Court House. It indicates that by the time he died he was still a humble servant of God, leaving what little he had to his wife Catherine (née Kennedy) Tennent. It is alleged that Tennent was also a slave owner, although the historical record is inconclusive.

Legacy

At least one school,

Warminster, PA
.

Inspired by the model of theological education began by Tennent and beginning in 2020, the William Tennent School of Theology[4] was launched in Woodland Park, Colorado. The school currently offers three postgraduate degree programs, a M.A.T.S., a M.Litt., and a M.Div.

Archival collections

The Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a collection of Rev. Tennent's original sermons and notes.

References

  1. ^ "August 11: William Tennent the Third". This Day in Presbyterian History. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  2. ^ "Who Founded Princeton University and When?", Princeton University website.
  3. ^ "August 11: William Tennent the Third". This Day in Presbyterian History. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  4. ^ "William Tennent School of Theology". William Tennent School of Theology. Retrieved 2021-12-11.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Tennent&oldid=1192710713"