Adam Gib facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adam Gib |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 April 1714 Scotland |
| Died | 14 June 1788 (aged 74) |
| Denomination | (1) Secession Church (2) Anti-Burgher |
Adam Gib (April 15, 1714 – June 14, 1788) was an important Scottish religious leader. He became the head of the Antiburgher group within the Scottish Secession Church. People said he once wrote a promise to God using his own blood. Gib was born in a place called Muckhart in Perthshire on April 15, 1714.
He studied literature and theology (the study of religious faith) at the University of Edinburgh. He also studied in Perth. In 1740, he was allowed to become a preacher. His older brother had made some poor choices, so Adam was supposed to inherit his family's property. But when his brother promised to change, Adam burned the will.
Contents
Adam Gib's Early Life and Ministry
Adam Gib was the ninth son of John Gib. He was born at Cowden Castle, his family's home, in Muckhart, Perthshire. His mother's name was Helen Bogie.
Joining the Secession Church
Adam went to the University of Edinburgh. He was deeply affected by a public event he saw in the Grassmarket. While he was a student, there was a big argument in the church. This argument led to the creation of the Secession Church by Ebenezer Erskine and others. Gib felt that the people who left the church were treated unfairly. Because of this, he decided to join them.
His father was very upset at first. But later, they made up. Since his oldest brother was not responsible, Adam was set to inherit the family estate. However, when the will was read, Adam asked his brother if he would improve. When his brother promised to do so, Adam burned the will.
Becoming a Minister
Gib joined the 'Associate Presbytery,' which was started by Erskine and others in 1735. He was given permission to preach in Stirling on March 5, 1740. In 1741, he became the minister of the large Secession congregation in Bristo Street, Edinburgh.
Courage During the Rebellion
In 1745, when Bonnie Prince Charlie's troops took over Edinburgh, Gib showed great bravery. Most of the other ministers had left the city. But Gib and his followers only moved to the suburbs. For five Sundays, at a place called Dreghorn, he continued to preach. He spoke strongly against the "popish pretender" (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and his cause. He prayed for King George II and for the rebellion to end. These services were held outdoors, and sometimes even some of the rebel soldiers listened.
The Antiburgher Split
In 1747, a disagreement happened among the Seceders. It was about whether an oath, called the Burgess Oath, was lawful for people becoming citizens (burghers) of a town. Gib believed the oath was wrong. He became the leader of the group that thought the oath was unlawful. This group became known as the Antiburghers.
Forming the Antiburgher Synod
The Antiburgher Synod (a church council) was officially formed in Gib's house in Edinburgh on April 10, 1747. Because of this, Gib and his congregation faced legal problems over the Bristo Street church building. Even though court decisions went against him, Gib stayed in the building for years.
It was mainly because of Gib that the Antiburghers decided to call their Burgher friends to account. They even removed and excommunicated them (formally excluded them from the church) for not obeying.
Later Ministry and Nickname
In 1765, Gib responded to the main Church of Scotland assembly. This assembly had said that the Secession Church was a threat to the country's peace. From 1753 until shortly before he died, Gib preached regularly at Nicolson Street Church. This church was always full, with about two thousand people attending.
Because he was so firm and brave in his beliefs and arguments, he earned the nickname Pope Gib.
Death and Burial
Adam Gib died on June 14, 1788. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh on June 18. His grave is located on the south-facing part of the western wall in the old graveyard. He is buried with his wife, Emilia MacGeorge, and his daughters.
Memorials
A special plaque from the Nicolson Street Church is now on display at the National Museum of Scotland.
