Frederick James Jobson
Encyclopedia
Rev. Frederick James Jobson D.D. (6 July 1812 – 4 Jan 1881) - commonly styled F. J. Jobson - painter, architect and Wesleyan Methodist minister, became President of the Methodist Conference in the late 1860s, and Treasurer of the "Wesleyan Methodist Foreign Mission Society" 1869–1882. Alongside his important role in encouraging Methodist architecture, he was the author of devotional, architectural, biographical and travel books - which, combined with his role superintending The Methodist Magazine
for over a decade and related duties - led to a great expansion of Methodist publishing. His topographical paintings provide a further legacy.
), was born in 1812, three years before the end of the war, while his father was serving in the North Lincoln Militia and his parents were stationed at Essex and elsewhere in England. Brought up in Lincoln, on leaving school he served an apprenticeship to Edward James Willson
(1787–1854), architect, antiquary and politician of Lincoln
. However, an enthusiasm for the Wesleyan Methodist ministry, led him to retrain, and in 1834 he entered the Wesleyan Methodist
ministry as pastor at Patrington
, East Yorkshire
. A year later he moved to a chapel in Manchester for a brief period (1835-7) whereupon he was invited to the Isle of Man to give the first Sunday address in the newly opened chapel at Douglas
, then on to the City Road Chapel
, London, as an assistant minister with circuit work, serving three terms, each of three years at City Road Chapel
.
Much of what is known of F. J. Jobson's early life, his brothers and sisters, relatives and parentage results from a detailed biographical account of the life and upbringing of his mother, who was major influence on his life. This, he published in 1855, under the title A Mother's Portrait. It provides a first-hand account of early Methodism in Lincoln
, in the early nineteenth century. Frederick Jobson recalled, in the book, that it should be remembered that it required some degree of moral heroism to become a Methodist, at the time father and Mother joined the Society. I well recollect that when a child at school I was taunted with the name on their account.
Conference at Indianapolis
in the USA. While there, he was awarded the honorary degree of D.D.
After his return to Britain, he was sent abroad, by the English Wesleyan Conference - this time to the Australian Wesleyan Conference at Sydney (January 1861), and was accompanied by his wife. During this visit his host was the Hon. Alexander McArthur. As a keen observer of the places through which this journey took him, he kept a travel diary. On his return to England in 1862, he published this account of his journey under the title, Australia, with Notes by the way of Egypt, Ceylon, Bombay, and the Holy Land. In this he described how, on 18 February, he crossed the Harbour of the North Shore... to view from the highest elevation on that side of the water... turning our backs upon this vision of the wilderness... we had, perhaps the grandest panorama of Sydney that can be obtained from any point of view. His painting of this view became one of several topographical scenes he completed on his trip; a chromolithograph of this view was used with some variations in his book.
In 1866, the death at sea of friends he had met while in Australia - Rev. Daniel James Draper (1810–1866) and his wife - he led him to published an account of their lives and tragedy.
In this book he maintained that chapels are not meant to be designed to look like concert halls. He regarded Neo-Gothic with a degree of praise, and adapted its medieval designs to the traditions and needs of nineteenth-century Independent or Nonconformist chapels. Externally, a greater use of brick and design elements not generally acceptable in Anglican Neo-Gothic, could be promoted in the Neo-Gothic of Nonconformist chapels. In this, the Dissenting Gothic
style, the central isle (a key feature of Anglican churches) was ruled out; as was the choir and apse
. These and other modifications contributed to simplicity of interior design and internally, the most important focal point was the pulpit as required by dissenting congregations. Due to the presence of women preachers in some Nonconformist chapels (entirely absent from Anglican churches), panels called 'modesty boards' were sometimes introduced into Dissenting Gothic
pulpit designs. Seating arrangements took several forms, including sometimes being raised.
F. J. Jobson's knowledge of architecture proved particularly useful to him in his relations with the Wesleyans' commissioning around 1850 of a Normal Training College
at Westminster (which later became Southlands College
); their opening in 1851 of new premises for Wesley's
Kingswood School
in Bath, Somerset, originally founded in 1748; and also the Wesleyan Theological Institution, Richmond that opened in 1843 when students transferred from Abney House
. All of these constructions, he took an active interest.
for twelve years. During this period, he was elected President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference (in the late 1860s); and was also appointed Treasurer of the Wesleyan Methodist Foreign Missions Society 1869–1882. He also took a keen role in the Wesleyan Society for Securing the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts which supported Josephine Butler's
crusading work for women.
Besides several devotional works, and published sermons, Frederick Jobson was author of:
, London, on 9 February, and he was buried in Highgate Cemetery
on 8 January. One biographer described him as a large hearted and catholic-spirited man, and is the acknowledged friend of prominent men in the Established Church and of non-conformist ministers. A number of his sermons were published in Life of F. J. Jobson by Rev Benjamin Gregory (London: 1884). Further background about his life was published in Recollections of Seventy Years (1888) by the African-American Methodist minister Daniel Alexander Payne D.D. LL.D; and by his brother-in-law, the Chartist radical and writer Thomas Cooper
in his autobiography (dedicated to Frederick Jobson), published in 1857.
Wesleyan Methodist Magazine
The Wesleyan Methodist Magazine was a monthly Methodist magazine published between 1778 and 1969. Founded by John Wesley as the Arminian Magazine, it was retitled the Methodist Magazine in 1798 and as the Wesleyan Methodist Magazine in 1822.-References:*Jon Topham, 'The Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine...
for over a decade and related duties - led to a great expansion of Methodist publishing. His topographical paintings provide a further legacy.
Early life
F. J. Jobson, son of John Jobson and Elizabeth Caborn (b. 20 Nov 1786, BeverleyBeverley
Beverley is a market town, civil parish and the county town of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, located between the River Hull and the Westwood. The town is noted for Beverley Minster and architecturally-significant religious buildings along New Walk and other areas, as well as the Beverley...
), was born in 1812, three years before the end of the war, while his father was serving in the North Lincoln Militia and his parents were stationed at Essex and elsewhere in England. Brought up in Lincoln, on leaving school he served an apprenticeship to Edward James Willson
Edward James Willson
Edward James Willson, F.S.A., , was an English architect, antiquary and politician of Lincoln. He trained Frederick James Jobson as an architect before the Jobson embarked on a career in the ministry...
(1787–1854), architect, antiquary and politician of Lincoln
Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Lincoln is a cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England.The non-metropolitan district of Lincoln has a population of 85,595; the 2001 census gave the entire area of Lincoln a population of 120,779....
. However, an enthusiasm for the Wesleyan Methodist ministry, led him to retrain, and in 1834 he entered the Wesleyan Methodist
Methodist Church of Great Britain
The Methodist Church of Great Britain is the largest Wesleyan Methodist body in the United Kingdom, with congregations across Great Britain . It is the United Kingdom's fourth largest Christian denomination, with around 300,000 members and 6,000 churches...
ministry as pastor at Patrington
Patrington
Patrington is a village and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England in an area known as Holderness. It is situated approximately south east of Hedon and south west of Withernsea on the A1033 road...
, East Yorkshire
East Yorkshire
East Yorkshire could be:*East Yorkshire Motor Services*An alternative name for the East Riding of Yorkshire*East Yorkshire , a former district of Humberside*East Yorkshire...
. A year later he moved to a chapel in Manchester for a brief period (1835-7) whereupon he was invited to the Isle of Man to give the first Sunday address in the newly opened chapel at Douglas
Douglas, Isle of Man
right|thumb|250px|Douglas Promenade, which runs nearly the entire length of beachfront in Douglasright|thumb|250px|Sea terminal in DouglasDouglas is the capital and largest town of the Isle of Man, with a population of 26,218 people . It is located at the mouth of the River Douglas, and a sweeping...
, then on to the City Road Chapel
Wesley's Chapel
Wesley's Chapel is a chapel in London which was built by the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. The site also is now both a place of worship and a visitor attraction, incorporating the Museum of Methodism and John Wesley's House...
, London, as an assistant minister with circuit work, serving three terms, each of three years at City Road Chapel
Wesley's Chapel
Wesley's Chapel is a chapel in London which was built by the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. The site also is now both a place of worship and a visitor attraction, incorporating the Museum of Methodism and John Wesley's House...
.
Much of what is known of F. J. Jobson's early life, his brothers and sisters, relatives and parentage results from a detailed biographical account of the life and upbringing of his mother, who was major influence on his life. This, he published in 1855, under the title A Mother's Portrait. It provides a first-hand account of early Methodism in Lincoln
Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Lincoln is a cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England.The non-metropolitan district of Lincoln has a population of 85,595; the 2001 census gave the entire area of Lincoln a population of 120,779....
, in the early nineteenth century. Frederick Jobson recalled, in the book, that it should be remembered that it required some degree of moral heroism to become a Methodist, at the time father and Mother joined the Society. I well recollect that when a child at school I was taunted with the name on their account.
Travels abroad
After about twenty years -in May 1856, in conjunction with Dr. John Hannah - he was sent as one of the representatives of the British Wesleyan Conference, to the Methodist EpiscopalMethodist Episcopal Church
The Methodist Episcopal Church, sometimes referred to as the M.E. Church, was a development of the first expression of Methodism in the United States. It officially began at the Baltimore Christmas Conference in 1784, with Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke as the first bishops. Through a series of...
Conference at Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
in the USA. While there, he was awarded the honorary degree of D.D.
After his return to Britain, he was sent abroad, by the English Wesleyan Conference - this time to the Australian Wesleyan Conference at Sydney (January 1861), and was accompanied by his wife. During this visit his host was the Hon. Alexander McArthur. As a keen observer of the places through which this journey took him, he kept a travel diary. On his return to England in 1862, he published this account of his journey under the title, Australia, with Notes by the way of Egypt, Ceylon, Bombay, and the Holy Land. In this he described how, on 18 February, he crossed the Harbour of the North Shore... to view from the highest elevation on that side of the water... turning our backs upon this vision of the wilderness... we had, perhaps the grandest panorama of Sydney that can be obtained from any point of view. His painting of this view became one of several topographical scenes he completed on his trip; a chromolithograph of this view was used with some variations in his book.
In 1866, the death at sea of friends he had met while in Australia - Rev. Daniel James Draper (1810–1866) and his wife - he led him to published an account of their lives and tragedy.
Architectural interests
Prior to Frederick Jobson's travels to America and Australia, he had become a recognised author, and an authority on Nonconformist, and in particular Wesleyan, chapel design. This recognition had been secured following publication of his best-known book, Chapel and School Architecture as Appropriate to the Buildings of Nonconformists Particularly to Those of the Wesleyan Methodists: With Practical Directions for the Erection of Chapels and School-Houses (1850).In this book he maintained that chapels are not meant to be designed to look like concert halls. He regarded Neo-Gothic with a degree of praise, and adapted its medieval designs to the traditions and needs of nineteenth-century Independent or Nonconformist chapels. Externally, a greater use of brick and design elements not generally acceptable in Anglican Neo-Gothic, could be promoted in the Neo-Gothic of Nonconformist chapels. In this, the Dissenting Gothic
Dissenting Gothic
Dissenting Gothic is a distinctive style of neo-Gothic architecture in its own right that emerged primarily in Britain, its colonies and North America, during the nineteenth century "Gothic Revival"..-The style:...
style, the central isle (a key feature of Anglican churches) was ruled out; as was the choir and apse
Apse
In architecture, the apse is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome...
. These and other modifications contributed to simplicity of interior design and internally, the most important focal point was the pulpit as required by dissenting congregations. Due to the presence of women preachers in some Nonconformist chapels (entirely absent from Anglican churches), panels called 'modesty boards' were sometimes introduced into Dissenting Gothic
Dissenting Gothic
Dissenting Gothic is a distinctive style of neo-Gothic architecture in its own right that emerged primarily in Britain, its colonies and North America, during the nineteenth century "Gothic Revival"..-The style:...
pulpit designs. Seating arrangements took several forms, including sometimes being raised.
F. J. Jobson's knowledge of architecture proved particularly useful to him in his relations with the Wesleyans' commissioning around 1850 of a Normal Training College
Normal school
A normal school is a school created to train high school graduates to be teachers. Its purpose is to establish teaching standards or norms, hence its name...
at Westminster (which later became Southlands College
Southlands College
Southlands College may refer to:Higher education:Southlands College, founded by the Methodist Church in 1872, is one of the four constituent colleges of Roehampton University, London, England.Primary/secondary education:...
); their opening in 1851 of new premises for Wesley's
John Wesley
John Wesley was a Church of England cleric and Christian theologian. Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, as founding the Methodist movement which began when he took to open-air preaching in a similar manner to George Whitefield...
Kingswood School
Kingswood School
Kingswood School, referred to as 'Kingswood', is an independent day and boarding school located in Bath, Somerset, England. The school is coeducational and educates some 950 children aged 3 to 18. It is notable for being founded by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, in 1748...
in Bath, Somerset, originally founded in 1748; and also the Wesleyan Theological Institution, Richmond that opened in 1843 when students transferred from Abney House
Abney Park
The historic grounds of Abney Park are situated in Stoke Newington, London, England. It is a 13ha park dating from just before 1700, named after Lady Mary Abney and associated with Dr Isaac Watts. In the early 18th century, the park was accessed via the frontages and gardens of two large mansions...
. All of these constructions, he took an active interest.
Writing and publications
In Britain by 1864, F. J. Jobson was appointed to take charge of Methodist publications. He became book steward of the Wesleyan Methodist organisation, and under his management the publishing department was greatly developed, and he superintended the Methodist MagazineWesleyan Methodist Magazine
The Wesleyan Methodist Magazine was a monthly Methodist magazine published between 1778 and 1969. Founded by John Wesley as the Arminian Magazine, it was retitled the Methodist Magazine in 1798 and as the Wesleyan Methodist Magazine in 1822.-References:*Jon Topham, 'The Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine...
for twelve years. During this period, he was elected President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference (in the late 1860s); and was also appointed Treasurer of the Wesleyan Methodist Foreign Missions Society 1869–1882. He also took a keen role in the Wesleyan Society for Securing the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts which supported Josephine Butler's
Josephine Butler
Josephine Elizabeth Butler was a Victorian era British feminist who was especially concerned with the welfare of prostitutes...
crusading work for women.
Besides several devotional works, and published sermons, Frederick Jobson was author of:
- Chapel and School Architecture, 1850
- A Mother's Portrait, 1855
- America and American Methodism, 1857
- The Method of Man's Reconciliation With God (with John Hannah), 1857
- The Servant of his Generation... a tribute to Dr BuntingJabez BuntingJabez Bunting , English Wesleyan divine, was born of humble parentage at Manchester. He was educated at Manchester Grammar School, and at the age of nineteen began to preach, being received into full Connexion in 1803...
, 1858 - Australia, with notes by the way on Egypt, Ceylon, Bombay and the Holy Land, 1862
- Perfect Love for Christian Believers, 1864
- Serious Truths for Consideration, 1864
- Visible Union with the Church of Christ, 1864
- The Shipwrecked Minister and His Drowning Charge, 1866
- Verbatim Report of the Speeches of Revs. W. M. Punshon...George Osborn...F. J. Jobson...[and others] at the Meeting Held in...the Cannon Street Hotel, on Friday, 5 March 1875 (Wesleyan Society for Securing the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts), 1875.
Paintings
Frederick Jobson's watercolour paintings of architectural and topographical scenes include the following examples from his Australian studies:Death & legacy
F. J. Jobson died at 21 Highbury Place, Holloway Road, London, on 4 January 1881. His funeral sermon was preached at City Road ChapelWesley's Chapel
Wesley's Chapel is a chapel in London which was built by the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. The site also is now both a place of worship and a visitor attraction, incorporating the Museum of Methodism and John Wesley's House...
, London, on 9 February, and he was buried in Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is a cemetery located in north London, England. It is designated Grade I on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. It is divided into two parts, named the East and West cemetery....
on 8 January. One biographer described him as a large hearted and catholic-spirited man, and is the acknowledged friend of prominent men in the Established Church and of non-conformist ministers. A number of his sermons were published in Life of F. J. Jobson by Rev Benjamin Gregory (London: 1884). Further background about his life was published in Recollections of Seventy Years (1888) by the African-American Methodist minister Daniel Alexander Payne D.D. LL.D; and by his brother-in-law, the Chartist radical and writer Thomas Cooper
Thomas Cooper
Thomas Cooper may refer to:*Thomas Buchecker Cooper U.S. congressman from Pennsylvania*Thomas Cooper, 1st Baron Cooper of Culross , Scottish politician, judge and historian...
in his autobiography (dedicated to Frederick Jobson), published in 1857.