James Drummond (chaplain) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Drummond
The Conventicle by William Strang
Church	Church of Scotland
Personal details
Birth name	James Drummond
Died	29 September 1699 Kilconquhar, Fife
Denomination	Presbyterian

James Drummond was a Scottish preacher who lived in the 1600s. He was part of a group called the Covenanters. These were people who supported the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. Because of his strong beliefs and his preaching, he faced some difficult times. He was even sent to prison on a famous island called Bass Rock for about nine months. At the time, he worked as a chaplain for Margaret, Marchioness of Argyll.

Facing Challenges for His Faith

James Drummond first faced legal trouble in 1674. He was arrested and put in the tolbooth prison in Edinburgh. This happened because he was preaching at "conventicles." These were religious gatherings held in homes or fields without official permission.

He didn't stay in prison for long that first time. He promised the authorities he would stop holding these gatherings. So, he was let go on July 21, 1674, with a warning.

Imprisoned on Bass Rock

However, Drummond was arrested again in Glasgow. He was called to appear before a special committee in Edinburgh. This time, he refused to promise he would stop holding conventicles. Because of this, he was sent to prison on Bass Rock.

He was held there from January 28, 1677, until October 5, 1677. After his release, he was allowed to go to Kilmarnock and later to Kintyre. He continued his religious work. In 1687, he attended a big meeting of Presbyterian ministers. The next year, in 1688, it was reported that he was preaching in a barn near Stow.

Life After the Revolution

Ruins of the old Kilconquhar parish kirk

After a big change in government called the Glorious Revolution, James Drummond started preaching in Kilconquhar, Fife. This was in March 1691. On June 25, 1691, he was officially asked to be the minister there. He continued serving the church until he passed away on September 29, 1699.

During his last year, Drummond's health made it hard for him to do his work. Sometimes, there was only one sermon on Sundays because he wasn't feeling well. In 1698, he told church leaders that his duties felt very heavy. He felt he didn't have the strength or desire to do his job as he wished. They told him they couldn't make his work lighter. They encouraged him to find strength from God.

His Family Life

James Drummond was married to Mary Montgomery. She lived longer than he did. They had children, including a daughter named Mary, and others.