James Finlayson (minister) facts for kids

James Finlayson (born February 15, 1758 – died January 28, 1808) was an important minister in the Church of Scotland. He even became the leader of the church's main meeting, called the Moderator of the General Assembly, from 1802 to 1803.

A Life of Learning and Leadership

James Finlayson was born on February 15, 1758, on a farm near Kinbuck in Scotland. His family had lived in that area for many years. James was a very bright student. He quickly learned a lot at school in Kinbuck and Dunblane.

When he was just 14 years old, James started studying religion at the University of Glasgow. To help pay for his studies, he worked as a tutor, teaching other students. He also became an assistant to Professor Anderson, who noticed how smart James was.

In 1782, James became a private tutor for the sons of Sir William Murray. When the family moved to Edinburgh for the winter, James continued his studies at the University of Edinburgh. He finished his training and was allowed to preach in 1785.

That same year, the Duke of Atholl offered James a job as a minister in Dunkeld. But James turned it down. Sir William Murray had told him about a chance to become a professor of logic at the University of Edinburgh.

Instead, James accepted a job as a minister in Borthwick, near Edinburgh. He officially became the minister there on April 6, 1787. He had already started teaching logic at the university in the winter of 1786-1787.

In 1787, James was chosen to be a member of the new Royal Society of Edinburgh. This was a group of important scientists and thinkers.

Rising in the Church

James Finlayson was becoming well-known very quickly, even though he was a modest person. Experienced leaders in the church respected his opinions on how the church should be run. He spent a lot of his free time studying the rules and history of the Scottish church.

He started to get involved in the church's political side. He soon became a leader for the "moderate" group in the church's courts. In 1790, the leaders of Edinburgh chose him to be the minister at Lady Yester's Kirk.

In 1794, he took over from the famous historian, Reverend Robertson, as the minister of Old Greyfriars Kirk. In 1799, when there was an opening at the High Church of Edinburgh, the city council chose him for that important role.

Being a minister at the High Church was considered the highest honor in the Church of Scotland. It was even more special because his colleague there was Hugh Blair. James had to preach Blair's funeral sermon just over a year later.

On March 28, 1799, the University of Edinburgh gave James Finlayson an honorary degree called Doctor of Divinity (DD). At this time, he lived at 2 Park Street in Edinburgh.

In 1802, James was chosen to be the Moderator of the General Assembly. This meant he was the leader of the entire Church of Scotland for a year. He was also chosen as the king's almoner (someone who gives money to the poor) that same year, but he resigned from that job almost right away.

These honors showed how much people respected James Finlayson. He became a strong leader because of his wise advice and his deep knowledge of church laws. Even those who disagreed with him in church politics respected his honest character and good intentions. He was a humble person and was shorter than average height.

Later Years and Legacy

James Finlayson wrote a biography (a life story) of Dr. Hugh Blair. A book of his own sermons was published after he passed away.

In 1805, his health started to get worse. In 1807, he had to accept help from one of his oldest friends, Principal George Husband Baird, who taught his class for the rest of the school year.

On January 25, 1808, while talking with Baird, James had a stroke. Among the few words he could say was: "I am about to pass to a better habitation, where all who believe in Jesus shall enter."

While he was on his deathbed, leaders from the university and the city of Edinburgh visited him. They asked him to name someone to take over his teaching job. Following his advice, they offered the job to Principal Baird, the person he had suggested.

James Finlayson died at 4 Park Street in Edinburgh on January 28, 1808. He was given a public funeral in the Dunblane Cathedral.

His students and others built a monument to remember him in Dunblane. A beautiful stained glass window was also placed in Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. This window was put there by his old student, Principal John Lee of the University of Edinburgh.

Writings

James Finlayson published several works during his life:

• Heads of an Argument in support of the Overture respecting Chapels of Ease, 1798
• A Sermon on Preaching, Edinburgh, 1801
• Sermons, Edinburgh, 1809

Images for kids

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  Greyfriars Kirk

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  The grave of Rev James Finlayson, Dunblane Cathedral

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  Memorial window to James Finlayson, Greyfriars Kirk