The life and friendships of a remarkable but forgotten evangelist and philanthropistThe year, 2025, is the 200th anniversaryof John ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor’sbirth. He was one of the most active Christians of the Victorian era, yet he has been completely forgotten.He came from a Scottish family of officers and was rescued as a baby in adramatic sea rescue. He was the founder of the Open-Air Mission and several other Christian organizations, such as the Protestant Alliance, whichcontinue to this day. He was a lawyer,author, illustrator, lecturer, educator, legislator, volunteer soldier, marksman, draftsman, canoeist, mountaineer, and explorer. An obituary said of him, ‘Three men seemed to have struggled within his breast — the devout Christian, the earnest philanthropist, the enthusiastic athlete.’ He associated with leading evangelicals and contemporary politicians, particularly Lord Shaftesbury. It is humbling to study the life of such an enterprising and energetic man. May his memory stir us to greater love for God and those around us. ‘It is hard to describe briefly this excellent biography—it has to be read to be enjoyed and appreciated. A superb mix of Victorian social deprivation and evangelical charity wrapped in the story of the incredible adventures of a remarkable Christian man; so enticingly written that the reader will soon be online to purchase a copy of A thousand miles in the Rob Roy Canoe! A good read, an education and a challenge to comprehensive Christianityall in one. John ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor became a legend in his day, with ‘Christian’ at the heart of everything he did. Unquestionably one of the great Victorian explorers and reformers. Why has he been lost for so long?’ Brian Edwards, author, lecturer and preacher, retired pastor, ‘Few people will have heard of him, his faith, his escapades or his impact upon a broad spectrum of society – high and low. Here was someone who believed the gospel and longed that others come to a knowledge of the truth. Norman has helpfully summarized his varied life and drawn some practical implications for Christians today. Read it, be encouraged, be surprised as to how many were touched by his life and service forthe Lord. But most of all, give thanks for the legacy of this servant of God.’ J. P. Earnest, Field Operations Manager, The Open-Air Mission. Norman Hopkins is a ‘Man of Kent’, now retired from full-time ministry. He and his wife, Julia, both come from the village of Egerton. They have been married for fifty years and have four children and five grandchildren. Norman left school at seventeen, was converted in his teens, and was called to preach in his late twenties and ultimately to pastoral ministry. His great interest is Christian history; his library holds books by Lollards, Martyrs, Separatists, Huguenots, Puritans, and Baptists, all from Kent. He has been giving lectures on these subjects to secular societies and churches for over twenty-five years.
