Joseph Stevens Buckminster
Joseph Stevens Buckminster was an influential figure in early 19th century America, recognized as a precursor to the New England Transcendentalists. Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the 18th century, he was the son of a minister and entered Harvard University at the young age of thirteen. After graduating in 1800, he became a teaching assistant at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he taught notable students such as Daniel Webster. Buckminster began his ministerial career in 1804 at the Battle Street Church in Boston, where his liberal theological views and scholarly approach to biblical texts distinguished him in the field of religious studies.
He is especially noted for his contributions to the higher criticism of the Bible in America, which laid a foundation for modern biblical scholarship. In addition to his preaching, Buckminster was involved in literary endeavors as an associate editor for the Monthly Anthology and the Boston Review, two significant early American periodicals. His scholarly impact was recognized with the establishment of the Dexter Lectureship on Biblical Criticism at Harvard, although he passed away before he could take on this role. Buckminster's legacy continued posthumously through a biography published by his sister, highlighting his life and contributions to theology and literature.
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Joseph Stevens Buckminster
- Born: May 26, 1784
- Birthplace: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Died: June 9, 1812
- Place of death: Boston, Massachusetts
Biography
Joseph Stevens Buckminster, an eighteenth century forerunner of the New England Transcendentalists, was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. His father was Joseph Buckminster, a minister. In 1797, at age thirteen, Joseph Stevens Buckminster entered Harvard University, where he studied theology and general literature. In 1800, he graduated from Harvard University and became a teaching assistant at the Phillips Exeter Academy. One of his most famous pupils was Daniel Webster.
In 1804, Joseph Stevens Buckminster delivered his first sermon in Boston, Massachusetts. Soon afterward, he received an invitation to become minister of the Battle Street Church, a Unitarian church in Boston. This ministerial position launched a legendary career in biblical scholarship and literary production. Buckminster was best known for his liberal view and scholarly investigation of the Bible. He was credited with laying the foundation of higher criticism of the Bible in America.
While preaching at the Battle Street Church in Boston, Buckminster became an associate editor of both the Monthly Anthology and the Boston Review. These periodicals were among the first literary productions in America. In 1811, Buckminster was appointed, by the president and fellows at Harvard University, to the newly created position of Dexter Lectureship on Biblical Criticism. This position was the first American appointment made in biblical criticism. However, Buckminster died before he could assume this teaching post. In 1849, Buckminster’s sister, Eliza Buckminster, published a biography of his life: Memoir of Dr. Joseph Buckminster and His Son, Reverend Joseph Stevens Buckminster.