Communities of Faith
Pastor of Pilgrims
John Robinson was a pivotal figure in the life of the Pilgrims, guiding their spiritual journey from England to the New World. Born in 1576, Robinson's early ministry was marked by his dedication to religious reform, which eventually led him to join the Separatist movement. The Pilgrims' story began in the small village of Scrooby, England, where Robinson and his followers sought to practice their faith free from persecution. In 1608, to escape the oppressive laws of the English Church, the group fled to Amsterdam. However, the bustling port city's distractions soon prompted another move, this time to Leiden, a quieter town in the Netherlands. Here, Robinson's leadership flourished. He was known for his wise counsel and deep theological insights, which he shared both in sermons and writings. During their 12 years in Leiden, the Pilgrims built a close-knit community, but economic hardships and the threat of losing their English identity pushed them to seek a new life across the Atlantic.
In 1620, a portion of Robinson's congregation sailed on the Mayflower, leaving Leiden's safety behind for the uncertain promise of Plymouth. Robinson remained in Leiden to continue leading the remaining congregation, offering spiritual support from afar. Under his guidance and the steadfast faith of the Pilgrim settlers, Plymouth Colony gradually took root, despite immense hardships. Robinson's influence extended across the ocean, as his teachings continued to inspire the colony's leaders and shape their governance. His vision of a community grounded in faith, cooperation, and self-governance became the cornerstone of Pilgrim society. John Robinson's legacy endures as a testament to his enduring faith and the indomitable spirit of the Pilgrims.
Scrooby, Amsterdam, and Leiden
The Separatist congregation gathered at Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, England between 1604-1606 called Richard Clyfton to serve as pastor and John Robinson as their teacher – essentially an assistant pastor. When the Scrooby congregation fled to Amsterdam in 1607 and 1608, Robinson went with them. He was ordained pastor when the congregation moved from Amsterdam to Leiden in 1609, and Clyfton remained behind with the Ancient Brethren, one of Amsterdam’s oldest Reformed Christian English churches. When life in Holland proved untenable, Robinson had hopes of leading his church to America, but parties within the congregation could not or would not leave Leiden and demanded that their minister stay with them until a successful settlement could be established. While not officially the pastor of the Plymouth church, Robinson was an influential spiritual adviser who longed to join the halves of his congregation in New England.