John Macgowan

John Macgowan (26 October 1726 – 25 November 1780) was a Scottish Baptist minister and author.

Life Macgowan was born in Edinburgh, received an education, and was apprenticed to a weaver. He subsequently settled in Bridge Street, Warrington, as a baker. He had early become a Wesleyan; he now joined the Methodist movement as a preacher. At a later period he was attracted by the Independents, but finally joined the Particular Baptists. He ministered at the old baptist chapel at Hill Cliff, near Warrington, and then at Bridgnorth.

In September 1766 Macgowan became pastor of the old Baptist meeting-house in Devonshire Square, Bishopsgate, London, opened by William Kiffin in 1687. Here he remained until his death. His preaching, despite its Calvinistic tone, became popular.

In failing health, Macgowan administered the sacrament for the last time on 12 November 1780, and died 25 November. He was buried in Bunhill Fields. He left a widow and children. This work relates to the Calvinist controversy within Methodism, the title referring to the Windmill Hill Foundry, a Wesleyan headquarters. It has been called "flippant and abusive". Discourses on the Book of Ruth, and other Important Subjects, edited and prefaced by the Rev. J. Reynolds, 1781.

A collected edition, consisting of Infernal Conferences and four other of Macgowan's works, with portrait and illustrations, was published soon after his death, London, no date. Another, containing nine of the above, was published in 2 vols. London, 1825. Church and King, a thanksgiving sermon for 29 May, by Pasquin Shaveblock, London, 1795, although attributed to Macgowan, seems unlikely to be his.

Macgowan also edited, with notes, Night, a Satire upon the Manners of the Rich and Great, by Charles Churchill, probably about 1768.