Alexander Gerard facts for kids
Alexander Gerard (1728 – 1795) was an important Scottish church leader, a university professor, and a writer. He was known for his deep thinking and his work in education. In 1764, he became the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which meant he was a very important leader of the Scottish church.
Contents
Who Was Alexander Gerard?
Early Life and Education
_Kirk,_Broad_Street,_Aberdeen.jpg)
Alexander Gerard was born on February 22, 1728. His father, Gilbert Gerard, was also a church leader. Alexander grew up in a place called Garioch in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
He went to school at Foveran Parish School and then to Aberdeen Grammar School. After that, he studied at the University of Aberdeen, where he earned his first university degree in 1744. He then went to the University of Edinburgh to study "divinity," which is the study of religion and God. He was allowed to preach in churches starting in 1748.
A Career in Academia and the Church
In 1750, Alexander Gerard returned to the University of Aberdeen. He began teaching "moral philosophy," which is about studying right and wrong and how people should live. By 1752, he became a full professor at Marischal College, which was part of the university.
From 1760 to 1769, he was also a minister at Greyfriars Church in Aberdeen. In 1769, he was chosen to be a Professor of Divinity at Marischal College. Later, in 1771, he moved to King's College, another part of the University of Aberdeen. As a professor, he helped make many improvements to the way things were taught.
Important Contributions
Alexander Gerard was a member of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society. This was a group of smart people who met to discuss important ideas and share their thoughts.
In 1783, he helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a very famous group for important thinkers and scientists in Scotland. Being a part of this group, and helping to create it, showed how respected and influential he was.
Alexander Gerard passed away on January 22, 1795. He was buried in the churchyard of St Machar's Cathedral in Old Aberdeen. His grave is located near the southeast corner of the church's eastern area.
His Family
In June 1757, Alexander Gerard married Jane Wight. They had several children together. One of their sons, named Gilbert Gerard, also became a well-known writer and theological scholar, following in his father's footsteps.
