Charles Ferm facts for kids

Charles Ferm (around 1566–1617) was an important Presbyterian minister in the Church of Scotland. He was also the head, or Principal, of Fraserburgh University in Scotland. His name was spelled in many ways, like Ferme, Farholme, or Fairholm.

Early Life and Schooling

Charles Ferm was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Not much is known about his parents. He grew up in the home of Alexander Guthrie, who was a town clerk in Edinburgh.

Ferm went to the University of Edinburgh in 1584. He earned his master's degree (M.A.) in 1588. After that, he became a "regent" in 1590. A regent was like a professor or teacher at the university. He taught many students, and some of them became famous scholars themselves.

Church Work and University Role

In the late 1590s, Charles Ferm was asked to work at a church in Haddington. However, he chose to stay at the university.

Later, he moved to a place called Philorth in Aberdeenshire. This area later became known as Fraserburgh. The plan was for Ferm to lead a new university that Sir Alexander Fraser wanted to build there. Sir Alexander Fraser got permission from the king in 1592 to start this university. A large building was put up for it in Fraserburgh.

In 1597, the Scottish Parliament and the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (a big meeting of church leaders) agreed to make Ferm the Principal of this new university. He was also expected to be the minister for the local church.

Trouble with the King

Charles Ferm was a strong supporter of Presbyterianism. This meant he believed the church should be run by ministers and elders, not by bishops appointed by the king. This belief caused him trouble with King James VI.

In 1600, a bishop was appointed in Aberdeen. Ferm spoke out against this. In 1605, he was called before the Privy Council (a group of the king's advisors). He and another minister, John Forbes, had to explain why they had punished a powerful noble, the Earl of Huntly, through the church.

Ferm also attended a General Assembly meeting in Aberdeen in July 1605. The king had told them not to hold this meeting. Because of this, Ferm and about 20 other ministers were arrested. Some apologized and were let go. But 13 ministers, including Ferm, were sent to different castles as prisoners. Ferm was held at Doune Castle in Perthshire.

He was called to appear before the Privy Council again. But Ferm believed the council had no power over church matters. He managed to escape twice! After his second escape from Edinburgh, it's not clear if he was ever caught again. Some records suggest he was supposed to be sent to the Isle of Bute, but it seems he was not there for long, if at all. Church records show he was mostly in Fraserburgh between 1607 and 1610.

Later Life and Death

After 1609, Charles Ferm was able to return to his church work in Fraserburgh. In 1615, he was considered for the job of Principal at Marischal College in Aberdeen, but someone else got the position.

Charles Ferm died on September 24, 1617, when he was 51 years old. His gravestone can still be seen today at Kirkton Cemetery in Fraserburgh.

Family Life

Charles Ferm was married, but we don't know his wife's name or when they got married. They had a daughter named Agnes, who was born in November 1606. She was christened at St Nicholas Church in Aberdeen.

After Ferm died, his wife and daughter likely moved to Tain. Agnes later married a merchant named Andrew McCulloch. He became a member of the Scottish Parliament. Agnes and Andrew had two sons. Agnes probably died around 1651, as her husband married again that year.

His Writings

Charles Ferm did not publish any books during his lifetime. However, after he died, two of his handwritten works were given to John Adamson, a former student. Adamson wanted to publish them both.

One of the works, called 'Commentaries on the Book of Esther,' was never published and is now lost. The only work that remains is 'Logical Analysis of the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.' This book was published in Edinburgh in 1651. A translated version was also published in 1850.