John Marrant was born June 15, 1755, in New York City. He converted to Christianity at age 13. His family disagreed with his new religion, so he left home.

HIS INTRODUCTION TO NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

He wandered to find a place and was rescued by a Native American hunter. The tribe sentenced him to die, but his prayers and sermons reached their hearts, and they spared his life. He lived among the Native Americans, many converted. He was only 14 years old when he began this ministry.

THE START OF MINISTRY LIFE

In 1782 Marrant started training as a Methodist minister and was ordained in 1785. He was sent to Nova Scotia to minister to African Americans who had fled north. Marrant planted a church in Birch Town. Native Americans also attended the church. His purpose was to ignite a fire in Black people to walk in their divine destiny and authority. Marrant preached this message consistently during his three years in Nova Scotia. When Marrant left Nova Scotia, he moved to Boston. He became chaplain of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons (African Masonic Lodge). This was one of the first institutions in Massachusetts to call for the abolition of slavery. Due to this group’s work, Boston abolished the slave trade in 1788.

POLITICAL INSIGHT

He preached about the equality of men in Boston in 1789, one of his few sermons that have been preserved. His stay in Boston and his preaching on the dignity of all men infuriated some people. Marrant faced death threats. 

“So we see here the greatest enemies of Christ’s church frequently make a great profession, and have a name or an office in the church, when at the same time are destitute of the vital power of true godliness; they live by a name themselves, and they want a great many names to be set down in their society books to make a fair shew; but they care nothing about real religion; from such religion as this, good Lord deliver us.” John Marrant

PUBLISHED WORK

Marrant had three published documents.

1. A Narrative of the Lord’s Wonderful Dealings with John Marrant, A Black, 1785. (a popular biographical memoir that printed 17 editions)
2. A sermon preached on the 24th day of June 1789, being the festival of St. John the Baptist, at the request of the Right Worshipful the Grand Master Prince Hall, and the rest of the brethren of the African Lodge of the Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in Boston. (noting the equality of men before God)
3. A Journal of the Rev. John Marrant, from August 18, 1785, to March 16, 1790. (his missionary diary)

Sadly, White writers often transcribed and resold his work with no financial benefit to Marrant.

He died on April 15, 1791, in London.