Helen Alexander facts for kids

Helen Alexander (1654 – March 1729) was a very brave Scottish woman. She was a hero for the Covenanters, a group of people who believed strongly in a certain way of practicing their Christian faith called Presbyterianism. They were fighting against another way of organizing the church, called prelacy, which had bishops. Helen Alexander is still remembered today in parts of Scotland, especially in the countryside of Ayrshire, Galloway, and the Pentlands. Stories about her courage and strong faith are still told.

Helen Alexander's Life

Helen Alexander was born in West Linton in 1654. From a young age, she was a very religious person and a strong supporter of the Presbyterian faith.

Helping Others

Helen bravely helped people who were hiding because of their beliefs. She supported those who had no one to help them in court. She also stayed in prison with others who were suffering for their faith. She died in March 1729, when she was 75 years old.

Her Own Story

Towards the end of her life, Helen told her husband many of her experiences. He wrote them down, and they were later published in a book. This book is called A Short Account of the Lord's Dealing with Helen Alexander. It tells a very honest story of events during a difficult time in Scotland. This period is still known as "The Killing Time".

Meeting Covenanter Leaders

Helen Alexander met many important Covenanter leaders. This was because she was often in and out of prison. She became very close to people like John Welsh, Donald Cargill, David Williamson, Andrew Gullon, and James Renwick.

She wrote about meeting James Renwick:

In 1683, the respected Mr. James Renwick came back from Holland. He was an ordained minister. At first, I wasn't sure about listening to him. Some said he was ordained by people who used an organ in their church music. But after he explained things to me, I listened to him freely. I was very happy with his sermons at Woodhouselee old house. After this, he often visited my home with other good Christians. This was even during the worst times of persecution. I felt it was my duty to attend the church services he led, despite the dangers.

She also wrote about her marriage and Mr. Renwick's death:

In 1687, on November 30, I married James Currie. Mr. James Renwick performed the ceremony. A few months later, Mr. Renwick was captured. I went to see him in prison. When he was executed, I went to the Greyfriars' churchyard. I held him until his clothes were removed. I helped wrap him in his burial clothes and put him into his coffin. This was a very sad and difficult time for me. It was more painful than almost anything I had experienced before.

Helen Alexander's writings give us a clear picture of the struggles faced by Covenanters. They show the bravery of those who were killed for their beliefs in Scotland.