Gerhard Groot

Groot was born in 1340 and lived in a small town in the Netherlands. He lived during the time of the Black Death and both of his parents died when he was ten. He inherited all of his father’s wealth and while he received an amazing education he ended up as a rich, spoiled, brat. He converted to Christianity by an Augustinian monk. The Black Death hit his town for the second time, now that he converted Christianity he helped some orphaned boys. He gave food and water to them, place to live and kept them busy by instructing them in the Gospel. Set up a neighboring house where orphan girls were cared for in a similar manner. Gerhard began traveling and preaching and because of his wealth he made other schools like the first two. His schools went mostly unnoticed, The Black Death, and The 100 Years War, were bigger events that was happening.

Groot’s schools were named “The Brethren of the Common Life”. In 1384 The Black Death hit his town again and killed him. After his death, his students that graduated they turned around and began teaching the new students. Groots schools lasted 150 years after his death.