Life and study, the preacher Theodorus Antonides.

Life and study, the preacher Theodorus Antonides:

University of Groningen:

On March 30, 1684, Theodorus Antonides enrolled as a student at the Groningen University. The word "gratis" appears after his name in the Album studiosorum Academiae Groninganae (1915). Wumkes (1949) states: "He will therefore have studied at the expense of the province...". Wumkes (1949) adds: "...to find his home in the so-called burse, a boarding school for less affluent students in the Oostergang on the Broerekerkhof."

His academic contacts included Professor Johannes van Marck I and Professor Johannes Braunius II. The latter was apparently his favorite teacher. This is evident from, among other things, the fact that Theodorus Antonides participated in debates with him. He was also influenced by Professor Joh. Mensinga (1636-1698), professor of eloquence and history. More information about the history of the University of Groningen can be found at:

• https://www.rug.nl/museum/history/university-of-groningen/

University of Franeker:

He completed his theological studies in Franeker in 1687. There's a clear reason for this. Franeker University was known for its Cocceian ideas. Theodorus Antonides was clearly drawn to these.

Another note: De Witte (2010) writes: "Franeker University also counted among its founding members a professor in theology called Antonides, but it is not clear whether he is an ancestor or family member of Theodorus Antonides; the genealogy has not (yet) been worked out as preliminary stated in this article. (18)."

More information about the history of the University of Franeker can be found at:

• https://www.titusbrandsmateksten.nl/de-universiteit-van-franeker/

• https://www.academiefraneker.nl/over-ons/geschiedenis-academie/

Pastor in Westerwijtwerd:

After graduating, he became pastor in Westerwijtwerd in 1689. Wumkes (1949) describes Westerwijtwerd as follows:

"Westerwijtwerd was a small, humble parish in the fertile clay fields of Hunsingo, near Middelstum, whose tower of St. Hippolytus Church towered for hours across the surrounding countryside. It was hardly a defined village center. A few houses were scattered along the winding country road, surrounded by a few farmhouses."

At the start of his work as pastor, Theodorus Antonides wrote the following in the church council's minutes:

Pastor in Menkeweer:

In 1692, Antonides also became pastor of neighboring Menkeweer. This caused the congregation to grow slightly. Precise numbers are unknown. Van der Woude (2019) indicates that around 1700 there were approximately 50 communicants. Wumkes (1949) indicates that around 1712 there were 52 members in the entire congregation.

He served in Westerwijtwerd until his death in January 1715. During that time, Theodorus resided in the old parsonage in Westerwijtwerd. The old parsonage was rebuilt in 1863. The current parsonage still stands.

1 Prof. Johannes van Marck (1656-1731), a reformer of Voetianism. He wrote the dogmatic textbooks Compendium Theologiae Christianae (1686) and Medulla (1690). From Wumkes 1949.

2 Prof. Johannes Braunius II (1628-1708). He wrote on priestly vestments and the wisdom of the Hebrews (1680-1681). He initiated Antonides into the language and antiquities of Judaism. His theology was imbued with the ideas of Cocceius. From Wumkes 1949.