Brown, John (11)

an English Wesleyan minister, father of Reverend John Brown, who began his ministry in 1822, commenced his long career in the sacred office in 1807. He preached in England until 1816, when he mid James Catts were sent to commence a Wesleyan mission in Hayti, W.I., being the first Protestant missionaries to enter the French-speaking part of St. Domingo. After two years' effort they were compelled to leave Port au Prince in consequence of the riotous opposition of the natives, stimulated by the Roman Catholic priesthood, the feeble republican government being unable to afford them protection (this mission was re-established in 1834 by John Tindall). Resuming his labors at home, he was appointed to several of the most important circuits, until, through failing strength, he retired from the activities of the travelling ministry, and settled in Chelsea, London. He died August 11, 1867, in his eighty-second year. Mr. Brown's habits were retiring, his spirit peaceful and benevolent, his pastorate vigilant and kind, his sermons instructive and serious. He was a sound theologian, an upright man, beloved by his brethren. A few of his sermons were published, and he translated a memoir from the French. See Minutes of the British Conference, 1868, page 10.