James MacKnight facts for kids
James MacKnight (born 1721, died 1800) was an important Scottish minister and writer. He worked at the Old Kirk of Edinburgh, which is part of St Giles Cathedral. People remember him for his book, Harmony of the Gospels. He was also chosen to lead the Church of Scotland as its Moderator in 1769.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James MacKnight was born on September 17, 1721. His family lived in a manse, which is a house for a minister, in Irvine, Scotland. His father, William Mackneight, was the local minister.
James studied at the University of Glasgow starting in 1735. He received a special scholarship to study theology, which is the study of religious faith. He graduated in 1743. After that, he traveled to Europe to continue his studies at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands. This university was well-known for theology.
Becoming a Minister
Around 1745, James was given permission to preach as a minister. This permission came from the local church group, called the Presbytery of Irvine. He started working as an assistant minister in a small church in the Gorbals area of Glasgow.
A few years later, he helped another minister in Kilwinning Church. Finally, in 1753, he got his own church in Maybole. This town was not far from where he grew up in Irvine.
Moving to Edinburgh
In 1759, the University of Edinburgh gave him an honorary doctorate degree. This was a special award for his achievements. In 1769, he moved from Maybole to a new church in Jedburgh. In the same year, he was chosen to be the Moderator of the Church of Scotland. This meant he was the leader of the entire church for that year.
In November 1771, James moved again to Lady Yester's Kirk in Edinburgh. His final move was in 1778. He became a minister at the Old Kirk of Edinburgh. This church was one of four churches inside the famous St Giles Cathedral. During this time, he became friends with another minister, Robert Henry.
In 1784, he also helped manage a fund for ministers' widows. This fund supported the wives of ministers who had passed away.
Later Life and Legacy
James MacKnight died at his home in Edinburgh on January 13, 1800. St Giles Cathedral does not have a graveyard. So, he was buried in St Cuthbert's Churchyard. This graveyard is located at the west end of Princes Street in Edinburgh.
Family Life
In April 1754, James MacKnight married Elizabeth McCormick. She was the daughter of Samuel McCormick, who worked for the government in Edinburgh.
James and Elizabeth had four sons:
- Samuel MacKnight (1757-1807)
- James MacKnight (1759-1793)
- Thomas MacKnight (1762-1836) who also became a minister. He rose to a very high position in the Church of Scotland. He was chosen as the Moderator in 1820, just like his father. Thomas's son later wrote a book about his life.
