Clinch - The Pillar of Trinity

In 1775 John Clinch, a young surgeon/ missionary, left the relative comforts of England for the New-found-land in pursuit of adventure and a life of service.

Over twenty years later, after years of scientific research in England, Edward Jenner developed the first effective method of preventing smallpox, the dreaded disease that for centuries maimed, blinded, and killed untold millions. Soon after his discovery Edward Jenner had his smallpox vaccine sent across the vast Atlantic to John Clinch, Jenner’s schoolmate, fellow surgeon-apprentice, lifelong friend and confidant. History credits John Clinch for administering the first smallpox vaccinations in North America to more than seven hundred people in Trinity, Newfoundland.

For his work Jenner would be forever counted with the great medical pioneers of all time. In stark contrast to his friend’s fame, John Clinch served the people of Trinity in relative obscurity for forty-five years as a surgeon, Anglican priest, customs officer, justice of the peace, and magistrate. Yet, in many ways his life was more extraordinary than Jenner’s. Driven to succeed, Clinch was torn between his work, family, faith, beliefs, conflicting desires, and a secret he would take to his grave.

This compelling story of the life and work of a man, making such a difference in the lives of everyone he encountered over three hundred years ago, has been virtually overlooked……until now!