Archibald Riddell (minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Archibald Riddell |
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Trinity College Kirk, Riddell's last charge
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| Church | Kippen, First Presbyterian Church, Woodbridge, NJ, Weymss, Kirkcaldy, Trinity College Kirk |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | private at Kippen |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 1708 Edinburgh |
| Denomination | Christian |
| Spouse | died in transit to America |
| Children | four: Janet (m. James Dundas), Walter (naval officer) and John (physician) and Sarah (Mrs John Currie) |
Rev Archibald Riddell (1635–1708) was a Christian minister from Scotland in the 1600s. His name is sometimes spelled Riddel. He was a Presbyterian minister, which is a type of Christian church.
During his time, the government did not allow certain religious meetings. But Archibald Riddell held secret outdoor church services called conventicles. This was seen as a very serious crime against the government. Because of this, he was put in prison on an island called the Bass Rock. Later, he was sent away from Scotland to New Jersey in America.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Archibald Riddell was born in 1635. His father was Sir Walter Riddell, a respected leader in the community. Archibald was the third son in his family.
He went to Edinburgh University and earned a Master of Arts degree in 1656. This meant he had a good education for his time.
Early Career and Challenges
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Around 1670, Archibald Riddell became a minister in a private ceremony at Kippen. He became known for leading outdoor church services, or conventicles. These were often held in secret places like fields or hills.
At one of these meetings, government soldiers attacked the group. Riddell was later caught in September 1680. He was taken to different prisons, including the Edinburgh Tolbooth. In July 1681, he was sentenced to be a prisoner on the Bass Rock. This was a famous island prison off the coast of Scotland.
After some time, a relative helped him. He was released from prison but was told he had to leave Scotland. He was sent to America along with other prisoners.
Journey to America
In 1684, Archibald Riddell began a long journey to America. He sailed on a ship called the Henry & Francis. The trip was very difficult. Many people on the ship died, including Riddell's wife and some of her family members.
When he arrived in America, he was asked to lead churches in three different places. He chose to become the minister at Woodbridge, New Jersey. He preached there for several years.
Return to Scotland
In 1689, a big change happened in Britain called the Glorious Revolution. This made it safer for people like Riddell to return home. So, he decided to sail back to Scotland.
But his journey home was also full of trouble. In August, a French warship captured his ship. Archibald and his ten-year-old son were taken as prisoners to France. They were held in French prisons for about two years.
Finally, they were set free as part of a prisoner exchange. They were traded for two French priests who had been prisoners in Scotland.
Later Career in Scotland
After returning to Scotland, Archibald Riddell continued his work as a minister.
- In 1691, he became the minister of Wemyss, Fife.
- In 1697, he moved to Kirkcaldy.
- His last church was Trinity College Kirk in Edinburgh in 1702. This church was later taken down to make way for Waverley Station.
Archibald Riddell died in Edinburgh on February 17, 1708. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, a famous cemetery in Edinburgh.
Family Life
Archibald Riddell was married twice.
His first wife was Helen Aitkenhead. They had two sons, Walter and John, and a daughter named Sarah. Sarah later married a minister named John Currie.
His second wife was Jean Ker. They married in 1694.
Images for kids
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Trinity College Kirk, Riddell's last charge
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Crags and scree in the Corrie of Balglass, near Fintry. A conventicle was held here.
