Remembering Dr Henry Cooke, Part two - His battle for a truly 'Christian', 'Bible based' education system (Second Part)

Dr Henry Cooke also battled for a thoroughly Christian, Bible based education for the children of Protestants during his ministry.

In 1824 Sir Robert Peel instigated the setting up of a Royal Commission on Education, and the subsequent Select Committees of the Lords and Commons to: inquire into the nature and extent of the instruction afforded by the several institutions established for the purposes of education, and to report as to the measures which can be adopted for extending generally to all classes of the people the benefits of education.

Henry Cooke and the Synod of Ulster opposed the recommendations which came from the Royal Commission. His opposition centred around the exclusion of the Bible from the system of education being proposed.

Remembering Dr Henry Cooke's battle for a Bible-based Education System & Protestant Unionism

Remembering Dr Henry Cooke, Part two - His battle for a truly 'Christian', 'Bible based' education system

Not so well known but nevertheless as important, is Dr Henry Cooke's battle for a thoroughly Christian, Bible based education for the children of Protestants.

Again, as in the battle for Trinitarianism Henry Cooke stepped forward and led from the front. He believed in the righteousness of his cause and would not accept anything less than that which honoured the Lord, His truth and that which would adequately safeguard the spiritual wellbeing of Protestant children.

Dr Henry Cooke’s Contending for a 'Bible based' education system

In 1824 when Henry Cooke was moderator of the Synod Sir Robert Peel instigated the setting up of a Royal Commission on Education, and the subsequent Select Committees of the Lords and Commons to: inquire into the nature and extent of the instruction afforded by the several institutions established for the purposes of education, and to report as to the measures which can be adopted for extending generally to all classes of the people the benefits of education.

Sermon - Remembering Dr Henry Cooke's battle for Trinitarianism against Arianism

Remembering Dr Henry Cooke, Part one - His Battle for Trinitarianism against Arianism

The day following the death of Dr Henry Cooke the Belfast Newsletter announced that ‘A Prince of the church had fallen’ and carried an obituary which extended over four and a half columns. Henry Cooke was indeed a 'prince' in the church of Jesus Christ. He unashamedly was a Protestant, a Presbyterian and a Protagonist.

Dr Henry Cooke's greatest battle for truth and righteousness was fought on the issue of the person of Jesus Christ. There can never be a more important issue which relates to the Gospel than the person of Jesus Christ.  

Henry Cooke’s Contending for Trinitarianism 

Henry Cooke is probably best known for the part he played in ridding the Synod of Ulster of the Arians. As a result of his stand for Trinitarianism the Arians were forced to leave and set up an alternative Synod, known as the 'Remonstance Synod' and latter still known as the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Special Meetings in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church

Dr S B Cooke - The Early Years of The Free Presbyterian Church

Former Deputy-moderator of the Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church, Dr S B Cooke, speaks about the early years of the denomination and its stand against apostasy.

This account is particularly important as it explains the need for the Free Presbyterian Church to continue to be true to its founding creed and to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Reformation Commemoration

Special Reformation Commemoration meetings were held in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church where the relevance of the Reformation for today was considered.

Sermon Three: The Need to Continue Contending for Reformation Principles. Preached by Rev Michael Patrick, Retired Minister.

March of Witness & Open Air to commemorate the Reformation

Martin Luther believed in taking the battle for Protestantism into the 'public square'. He battled for truth, and contended with the enemies of the Reformation, publicly and openly. He didn't hide away in Wittenberg University, he boldly and unashamedly bore reproach and stood for God in the 'public square'.

Today, in commemoration of Luther's stand for truth and to mark the 500th anniversary of the commencement of the Reformation, a march of witness left John Knox Memorial Free Presbyterian Church and walked down into Belfast City centre and held an open-air outside the gates of the City Hall. Rev Gordon Dane, Deputy Moderator of the Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church, was the preacher at the Open-air.

There follows some photos of the March of Witness and Open-air