Description
J.G. Pike (John Deodatus Gregory Pike) 1784-1854, was born April 6 at Edmonton. His mother claimed descent from Oliver Cromwell. His father was a deacon in the Anglican Church, but turned Unitarian preacher in 1777. J.G. Pike became a Baptist while at Wymondley College from 1802-1806. Pike was very missionary-minded, and helped found the General Baptist Missionary Society in England. He was its first secretary. In 1819, he undertook a preaching tour in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire to excite a missionary spirit, and undertook the training of young missionaries in his own home. From January 1822 on he was editor of the "Missionary Observer," which was appended to "The General Baptist Repository." Pike died on September 4, 1854, leaving behind four sons (all of whom became Baptist ministers) and two daughters. His wife Sarah preceded him in death by six years.