Cameron Lees facts for kids
James Cameron Lees (1835–1913) was an important Church of Scotland minister and writer. He lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was also honored by the King with a special award called the Royal Victorian Order.
Early Life and Education
James Cameron Lees was born in London, England, on July 24, 1834. His father, James Lees, was a gun-maker from Perth, Scotland, who had moved to London. Later, his father became a minister and moved to Stornoway, Scotland.
James Cameron Lees went to school in London. He then studied to become a minister at Glasgow University and later at Aberdeen University. In November 1855, he was officially allowed to preach by the Church of Scotland.
Becoming a Minister
In November 1856, James Cameron Lees became the minister of a church in Carnach, Rossshire. A few years later, in 1859, he moved to Paisley Abbey. He became the main minister there in 1865.
In 1877, he moved to St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. This was a very important church in Scotland. He served there for many years.
Royal Appointments and Honors
James Cameron Lees held several important positions. From 1887 to 1910, he was the Dean of the Thistle and the Dean of the Chapel Royal. These were special roles connected to the Scottish royal family.
He was also an Honorary Chaplain to the Queen from 1881 to 1901. Later, he became a Chaplain-in-Ordinary in Scotland for King Edward VII in 1901. This meant he was a personal chaplain to the King.
He received several honorary degrees from universities. These included Doctor of Divinity (DD) from Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh Universities. He also received an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from St Andrews University.
In 1906, he was given the title of Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). This is an award given by the British monarch for personal service. In 1909, he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order (KCVO). This meant he could use the title "Sir."
James Cameron Lees retired from St Giles' Cathedral in May 1909. In 1910, he became a Chaplain in Scotland to King George V. He passed away on June 26, 1913, in Kingussie. He is buried in the Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh.
Family Life
In 1872, James Cameron Lees married Rhoda Rainsford Hannay. She was the daughter of Major Rainsford Hannay. They had four children together:
- Constance (1873-1902)
- Mary Isabel Cameron Lees (1876-1893)
- John Cameron Lees (1880-1909)
- Arthur Stanley Lees (born 1882)
