Figure · 1570

John Smyth

John Smyth (c. 1570–1612), an English clergyman ordained in the Church of England who became a Separatist. In exile in Amsterdam in 1609 he baptised himself and then his followers, forming what is often counted as the first Baptist church. He later sought to join the Mennonites, while part of his congregation, led by Thomas Helwys, returned to England. He died in Amsterdam in 1612.