Andrew Symington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Andrew Symington |
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from A Kirk and a College in the Craigs of Stirling
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| Church | Paisley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 June 1785 |
| Died | 22 September 1853 (aged 68) |
Andrew Symington (born June 26, 1785 – died September 22, 1853) was an important Scottish minister and teacher. He became a minister in 1809. Later, in 1820, he was chosen to be a professor of theology for the Reformed Presbyterian church.
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Life of Andrew Symington
Andrew Symington was born in Paisley, Scotland, on June 26, 1785. He was the oldest son of a merchant. His family was very religious, and three of his brothers also became ministers.
Early Education and Ministry
Andrew went to Paisley Grammar School for his early education. After that, he studied at the University of Glasgow. He did very well there and earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1803.
He continued his religious studies at a special school in Stirling from 1805 to 1807. In 1807, he was officially allowed to preach. Soon, three different churches asked him to be their minister. He chose to serve in his hometown of Paisley, where he was officially ordained on April 26, 1809.
Becoming a Professor
In 1831, a university in Pennsylvania, USA, gave him an honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree. The University of Glasgow also gave him the same honor in 1840.
From 1811 to 1822, Andrew Symington worked as the Clerk for the Synod. A Synod is like a big meeting or council for a church group.
After his former teacher, John M'Millan, passed away, Andrew Symington was chosen for a very important role. In 1820, he became the Professor of Theology for his church. This meant he taught students who wanted to become ministers. He changed the way theology was taught, focusing on lectures about "Systematic Theology" instead of just explaining old church documents.
Many students came to learn from him, even from Ireland and America. It is said that almost all the ministers and missionaries in his church learned from him.
Writings and Family Life
Andrew Symington did not write many books. However, he did write a popular guide called "Guide for Private Social Prayer" in 1823. This book was printed many times. After he died, another book of his teachings, "Elements of Divine Truth," was published in 1854.
He passed away on September 22, 1853. His death was unexpected, even though he had a small accident a couple of weeks before. He even met with his students just two days before he died.
In 1811, he married Jane Stevenson. They had many children together. One of his sons, also named Andrew, followed in his footsteps and became a minister. George Glazy became his successor as professor in 1854.
Family
Andrew Symington married Jane Stevenson in 1811. She was from Riccarton, Ayrshire. They had fourteen children together. Three sons and three daughters were still alive when he passed away.
One of their sons, Andrew, became a minister in Greenock.
