Alexander Petrie (minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexander Petrie |
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Alexander Petrie - minister at the Scots Kirk, Rotterdam
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| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Alexander Petrie |
| Born | 1594? |
| Died | 1662 Rotterdam |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Denomination | Presbyterian |
Alexander Petrie was a Scottish minister and writer. He was born around 1594. He is best known for his important book, A Compendious History of the Catholick Church. This book saved many historical records that were later lost in a fire.
Contents
Life and Work
Early Life and Education
Alexander Petrie was born in Montrose, Scotland. His father was a merchant. Alexander studied at the University of St. Andrews. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1615.
From 1620 to 1630, he worked as a teacher. He was the master of the grammar school in Montrose.
Becoming a Minister
In 1632, Alexander Petrie became a minister. He was assigned to the parish of Rhynd in Perthshire. He joined the Covenanters, a group of Scots who wanted to protect their church's independence. In 1638, he was part of an important meeting in Glasgow. This meeting changed how the church was run in Scotland.
Serving in Rotterdam
In 1642, a Scottish church was started in Rotterdam, a city in the Netherlands. This church was for Scottish merchants, soldiers, and sailors living there. Alexander Petrie was chosen to be its first minister. He moved to Rotterdam in 1643.
The church's funding came from the Dutch government. It was part of the Dutch church system. However, it was allowed to keep Scottish church practices. Petrie helped solve problems when new ways of worship were introduced. Many members preferred the older Scottish traditions.
Important Writings
In 1644, Petrie published a pamphlet called Chiliasto Mastix. This book argued against certain religious ideas that were spreading among his church members.
He spent many years writing his most famous work. It was called A Compendious History of the Catholic Church from the year 600 until the year 1600. This large book was published in 1662. It is very important because it contains many details from old church records. These records were later destroyed in a fire in Edinburgh in 1701. Thanks to Petrie's book, we still know what was in them.
Later Years
Alexander Petrie died in September 1662. He was highly respected by the people of Rotterdam. His church grew a lot during his time as minister.
Works
- Chiliasto-mastix, or the Prophecies in the Old and New Testaments vindicated from the Misinterpretations of the Millenaries (Rotterdam, 1644)
- A Compendious History of the Catholick Church, from 600 until 1600 (Hague, 1662)
Family
Alexander Petrie was married and had several children:
- Alexander, who also became a minister in Delft.
- George, an apothecary in Rotterdam.
- Christian, who married Andrew Snype.
- Isabel, who married William Wallace and later Robert Allan.
- Elspeth, who married George Murray.
See also
- Richard Cameron
- Brown of Wamphray
- Colonel Wallace
- Sir Robert Hamilton
- Robert Fleming
- Robert M'Ward
- John Brown of Wamphray
Images for kids
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National Scottish Church Rotterdam
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Rotterdam in 1649 by Joan Blaeu
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Rotterdam Stairs in 1652
