The New International Encyclopædia/Gorham, George Cornelius

GOR'HAM, George Cornelius (1787-1857). An English theologian, who became known as the principal figure in the ‘Gorham case.’ He was born at Saint Neots, Huntingdonshire, was educated at Queen's College, Cambridge, received the degree of B.A. in 1808, was elected a fellow of his college in 1810, and held that appointment until 1827. Even before his ordination (1811) there, his views on baptism had caused comment, and particularly his contention that by baptism infants do not become members of Christ and the children of God; but the discussion did not become crucial until the question of his appointment to the vicarage of Brampford Speke came up before Dr. Phillpotts, Bishop of Exeter. (See Gorham Controversy.) Gorham obtained his vicarage in 1851. He was an antiquary of some reputation, and the author of a number of pamphlets.