Peter Bulkley, English and later American Puritan (d. 1659)

Peter Bulkley (also spelled Bulkeley; born January 31, 1583, died March 9, 1659) was a profoundly influential early Puritan minister and a pivotal figure in the Great Migration to colonial America. His journey from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony was driven by an unwavering pursuit of greater religious freedom, a common motivation among nonconformists of his era.

Early Life and Ministry in England

Born in Odell, Bedfordshire, England, Peter Bulkley hailed from a family deeply rooted in the Anglican clergy; his father, Edward Bulkley, was a respected Doctor of Divinity. Peter followed in his footsteps, receiving a distinguished education at St. John's College, Cambridge University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. Upon ordination, he succeeded his father as rector of Odell, serving for 21 years. However, his strong Puritan convictions, emphasizing a simpler, more reformed worship and church governance, increasingly brought him into conflict with the strict Anglican hierarchy, particularly during Archbishop William Laud's fervent suppression of nonconformity. This growing persecution ultimately led to his suspension from the ministry in England, compelling him to seek a new beginning where his conscience could be freely exercised.

Journey to the New World and Founding of Concord

In 1635, driven by the desire to establish a society founded on Puritan principles, Peter Bulkley embarked on the arduous transatlantic voyage to New England, arriving in the burgeoning Massachusetts Bay Colony. Here, he quickly became instrumental in the establishment of new settlements. Alongside Major Simon Willard, Bulkley played a foundational role in the incorporation of Concord in 1635, making it the first inland town to be officially recognized by the Massachusetts General Court. Bulkley envisioned Concord not merely as a new town but as a beacon of Puritan ideals, a place where the "Gospel-Covenant" could be fully lived out without external interference. His leadership was crucial in the early years, providing spiritual guidance and contributing significantly to the civil organization of the nascent community.

Enduring Legacy and Literary Connection

Peter Bulkley's legacy extends beyond his pioneering role as a town founder. He was a prolific writer and theologian whose most significant work, "The Gospel-Covenant; or, The Covenant of Grace Opened," published in London in 1646, stands as a seminal text in Puritan theology. This influential book explored the core tenets of the Puritan understanding of God's covenant with humanity, deeply shaping theological thought in early America. His profound impact was recognized centuries later by his direct descendant, the renowned Transcendentalist poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson, whose grandfather's mother was a Bulkley, commemorated his ancestor and the spirit of Concord in his evocative poem "Hamatreya." This poem, published in 1847, reflects on the transient nature of human ownership and the enduring spirit of the land, subtly echoing the foundational ideals Bulkley helped to plant in the Concord soil. Thus, Peter Bulkley remains a key figure in both early American religious history and its literary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Bulkley

Who was Peter Bulkley?

Peter Bulkley was a prominent early Puritan minister (1583-1659) who left England due to religious persecution and became a co-founder of Concord, Massachusetts, establishing one of the first inland settlements in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Why did Peter Bulkley leave England?

He left England in 1635 to escape religious persecution and the suppression of nonconformity by the Anglican Church, particularly under Archbishop William Laud. He sought a place in the American colonies where he could freely practice and preach Puritan theology.

What was Peter Bulkley's role in the founding of Concord, Massachusetts?

Peter Bulkley was a pivotal co-founder of Concord, Massachusetts, in 1635, alongside Major Simon Willard. He was instrumental in establishing the town as a center for Puritan ideals and provided essential spiritual and civil leadership in its early development.

What is "The Gospel-Covenant" by Peter Bulkley?

"The Gospel-Covenant; or, The Covenant of Grace Opened" is Peter Bulkley's most significant theological work, published in 1646. It is a foundational text in Puritan theology, detailing the Puritan understanding of God's covenant with humanity and influencing religious thought in early America.

How is Peter Bulkley connected to Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Peter Bulkley was a direct ancestor of the renowned American Transcendentalist poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson acknowledged this familial and historical link by naming Bulkley in his 1847 poem "Hamatreya," which reflects on the history and spirit of the land in Concord.