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John Fawcett (6 January 1739 – 25 July 1817) was a British-born Baptist theologian, pastor and hymn writer.

Early years[edit]

Fawcett was born on 6 January 1739 in Lidget Green, Bradford.^[1] In 1762, Fawcett joined the Methodists, but three years later,^[2] he united with the Baptist Church and became pastor of Wainsgate Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, England.

Tie That Binds[edit]

Fawcett served for seven years, despite a small income and a growing family.^{[citation needed]} When he received a call in 1772 to the large and influential Carter's Lane Baptist Church in London^[2] he planned to accept the call. But at the last minute he changed his mind, and remained at Wainsgate where his salary was £25 a year. To commemorate this event,^[3] in 1782 he wrote the words to his "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" hymn,^[4] his most famous hymn by far.^[5]

Fawcett's grave in the graveyard of Wainsgate Baptist Church

In 1777 a new chapel was built for him at Hebden Bridge, and about the same time he opened a school at Brearley Hall, his place of residence. In 1793 he was invited to become President of the Baptist Academy at Bristol, but declined. In 1811 he received a Doctor of Divinity from America.

1912 plaque commemorating Fawcett, located in the New Testament Church of God in Bradford. According to the plaque, Fawcett was born on 6 January 1739 in Lidget Green, Bradford.

Fawcett died in 1817 at the age of 78.