James Haldane Stewart facts for kids
James Haldane Stewart (born December 22, 1778 – died October 22, 1854) was an important church leader. He served as a rector, which is like a head minister, in a town called Limpsfield, Surrey, in England. He is buried there.
Early Life and Education
James Haldane Stewart was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States. His father, Duncan Stewart, was a leader of a Scottish family group called Clan Appin. His mother, Anne Erving, came from a well-known family in Boston. Her father was a governor in the American colonies.
James went to school in England at Dr. Valpy’s school and Eton College. He then studied law at Lincoln's Inn. However, in 1802, he had a deep religious experience. This changed his path from law to becoming a clergyman. He was inspired by other religious leaders like William Marsh.
Becoming a Minister
In 1803, James went to Exeter College, Oxford University. He earned his first degree in 1806 and a master's degree in 1811. He became a deacon in the church in 1806 and a priest in 1807.
His first church job was as a curate in Basildon and Ashampstead in 1809. From 1812 to 1828, he led services at Percy Chapel in London. He even traveled to Europe in 1817 to recover from an illness.
Later, on December 29, 1830, he became the first minister of St Bride's Church, Liverpool. He even named a street there, Percy Street, after the chapel he had served in London.
Important Church Work
James Haldane Stewart was very active in helping different church groups. He strongly supported the London Society for Promoting Christianity Amongst the Jews. This group, now called the Church's Ministry Among Jewish People (CMJ), helps Jewish people learn about Christianity. He also supported the Church Missionary Society and the Protestant Reformation Society.
He built his own church in Liverpool and worked there from 1830 to 1846. After 1820, he became a strong believer in praying for the Holy Spirit to guide people. In his final years, he served as the rector of Limpsfield in Surrey.
Family Life
James Haldane Stewart married Mary Dale on August 15, 1816, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
His older son, also named James Haldane Stewart, followed in his father's footsteps. He was born on October 18, 1820. He also became a curate in Limpsfield. In 1866, he married Emily Katherine Leveson-Gower. He later became the rector of Millbrook, Hampshire, and then Brightwell-cum-Sotwell in Berkshire.
James Jr. and Emily had six daughters:
- Mary Emily Haldane Stewart (1869–1948)
- Pamella Frances Haldane Stewart (1870–1949)
- Anne Cecelia Diana Stewart (1872–1951)
- Lilian Leveson Gower Stewart (1873–1889)
- Caroline Sophia Campbell Stewart (1875–1965), who married a bishop named Ernest Blackie
- Katherine Maria Gresham Stewart (1877–1886)
