James Montgomery (priest) facts for kids

James Francis Montgomery (born 10 July 1818 – died 21 September 1897) was an Anglican priest who became an important leader, known as the Dean, at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh. People often called him Dean Montgomery. He was also one of the first people to experiment with photography and was a young member of the Edinburgh Calotype Club, which was one of the very first photography groups in the world.

Early Life and Career

James Francis Montgomery was born on 10 July 1818. His parents were Elizabeth Mason and Robert Montgomery. His grandfather was Sir James William Montgomery. As a child, James likely spent a lot of time at his family's home, Stobo Castle.

He first studied law and became a lawyer in Scotland in 1840. During the 1840s, he worked as a lawyer in Edinburgh. He lived at 17 Atholl Crescent in the city's West End with Robert Montgomery.

Becoming a Priest

In the mid-1850s, James decided to change his career path. He went to Durham University to study to become a priest. He earned his degree in 1858. After graduating, he became a priest and worked as a curate (a junior priest) in a place called Puddletown.

In 1858, he moved back to Edinburgh to work at St Paul's church. In 1864, he joined St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh as a junior priest. He was then chosen to be the Dean of Edinburgh in 1873. Later, in 1879, he became the Provost of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. Both Dean and Provost are important leadership roles within the church.

Photography and Recognition

James Francis Montgomery was also interested in photography. Because of his early work with cameras and photos, he was chosen as a fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1868. This was a big honor, and he was proposed by Philip Kelland.

He lived very close to the cathedral at 17 Atholl Crescent. This was a large house in a nice part of Edinburgh.

Later Life and Memorials

James Francis Montgomery passed away at his home on 21 September 1897. He is buried in the Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh. His grave is in the newer part of the cemetery.

There is a special statue of Dean Montgomery inside St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. It shows him lying down and was made by the artist James Pittendrigh Macgillivray in 1902, five years after Montgomery died.

Family Life

James Francis Montgomery married Elizabeth Mary Elphinstone on 17 January 1860. She was known as the Hon. Elizabeth Mary Elphinstone. She lived until 1902. There is a brass plaque (a special metal sign) in her memory inside St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. James and Elizabeth did not have any children who survived.

Images for kids

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  Effigy of Dean Montgomery in St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh

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  Atholl Crescent in Edinburgh, where Dean Montgomery lived

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  Dean Montgomery's grave in Dean Cemetery, Edinburgh