Alexander Forrester (minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexander Forrester |
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Skull and Crossbones from the Forrester Enclosure of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
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| Religion | Christianity |
| School | Presbyterianism |
| Personal | |
| Born | 1611 |
| Died | 26 May 1686 (aged 74–75) |
Alexander Forrester (1611–1686) was an important Scottish minister in the 1600s. He was known for his strong beliefs as a Presbyterian during a time of big changes in Scotland.
Contents
Life of Alexander Forrester
Early Years and Education
Alexander Forrester was born in 1611. His father was Duncan Forrester, and his mother was Margaret Ramsay. His family had a long history, being part of the Forresters of Garden.
He went to St Andrews University. In 1631, he earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. After his studies, he spent some time in Ireland. He also preached in Edinburgh and worked with the army for about two years.
Becoming a Minister
In 1646, Alexander Forrester was considered for a church job in Livingston. However, he eventually became the minister for the parish of St Mungo in Dumfriesshire in 1650.
During this time, there were disagreements about how the church should be run. Some people wanted a system called Episcopacy, which had bishops. Alexander Forrester was a Presbyterian, meaning he believed in a church led by elders.
Challenges and Imprisonment
In 1662, Alexander Forrester refused to accept the Episcopacy system. Because of this, he was told he could not leave his parish. He was later arrested for holding a "conventicle." This was a religious meeting held outside the official church, which was against the rules at the time.
On May 24, 1676, he acted as a secretary for a meeting of Presbyterian ministers in Edinburgh. These ministers were trying to keep their faith strong.
Later that year, he was arrested again while preaching in Fife. He was put in prison in St Andrews. On August 3, 1676, he was sentenced to be sent to the Bass Rock. This was a famous prison island.
Continued Resistance and Final Years
Alexander Forrester was released from the Bass Rock after promising to appear if called. However, a paper found on him showed that 53 ministers had met secretly in Edinburgh. They planned to stay in touch and train new young ministers.
Because he would not say where the meeting was or who was there, he was sent back to prison. This time, he was held in the Edinburgh Tolbooth. He was kept alone and not allowed to have a pen, ink, or paper.
On February 8, 1677, he was questioned by the Privy Council of Scotland. They accused him of "sedition," which meant trying to cause trouble against the government. However, this accusation was found to be completely false. He was still sent back to the Tolbooth prison in Edinburgh.
He was imprisoned on the Bass Rock again on August 3, 1677. After being freed, Alexander Forrester passed away in Edinburgh on May 28, 1686. He was buried in a special vault in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Family Life
Alexander Forrester married Christian Macneil. She was the daughter of Torquil Macneil. Together, they had several children:
- Alexander
- John, who became a medical doctor and later a minister in Stirling from 1696 to 1703.
- James, who was a lawyer and died in 1705.
- William, who worked as a writer for the King's official documents. He died on October 1, 1701.
- Elizabeth
- Barbara, who sadly died at the age of 18.
- Christian, who married George Murray of Murraythwaite on January 12, 1693.
Images for kids
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Skull and Crossbones from the Forrester Enclosure of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
