James Wood (university principal) facts for kids

James Wood was an important figure in the Church of Scotland. He was a Covenanter, which means he supported a special agreement to protect the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. He became a minister and later a professor.

James Wood was chosen to be a Professor of Divinity and the head of the Old College at St. Andrews. This happened during the time when Oliver Cromwell's government ruled England and Scotland. However, after King Charles II returned to power in 1660, things changed. The King wanted a different church system, called Prelacy, which had bishops. James Wood believed strongly in the Presbyterian system, where ministers and elders lead the church. Because of his beliefs, he was removed from his position in 1663, influenced by Archbishop Sharp. He passed away in 1664.

Early Life and Education

James Wood was born to a merchant family. He went to the University of St Andrews for his education. After finishing his studies, he became a "Regent" at the Old College there. A Regent was like a teacher or administrator. In 1640, he was ordained as a minister in the church.

In 1641, James Wood married Catherine Carstares. This made him the brother-in-law of John Carstares.

Church and University Roles

James Wood became the minister of Dunino in 1641. A few years later, in 1644, he was chosen to be a Professor of Divinity at Marischal College and a minister in Aberdeen. However, he did not take up these roles.

Instead, in July 1645, he moved to become a professor of Ecclesiastical History. This was at St Mary's or New College in St Andrews. Samuel Rutherford was the head of that college at the time.

In 1650, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland sent James Wood to meet with King Charles II. This meeting took place in Breda, a city in the Netherlands. They discussed the Treaty of Breda, which the King signed that year.

Leadership at St Andrews

In 1657, James Wood became the Provost of St Salvator's College at the University of St Andrews. Both Wood and Samuel Rutherford had agreed to be professors only if they could also continue preaching. They worked closely with Robert Blair and Andrew Honeyman in the ministry of St. Andrews.

They worked very hard. During the time of the Commonwealth (when Cromwell's government was in charge), ministers were expected to preach three times a week. They also had to give lectures and teach the Catechism once a week.

James Wood's appointment as Principal of the Old College was supported by Cromwell's government. They even sent a letter to the ministers and university masters in St Andrews. The letter asked them to accept Wood as Principal right away. A writer named Baillie said he was glad Wood got the job. He called Wood "the most serviceable man our church now has."

Challenges and Final Years

After King Charles II returned to power, the church system changed. Archbishop Sharp tried to convince James Wood to accept the new system with bishops. But Wood refused to change his strong Presbyterian beliefs.

Because of this, Sharp worked to have Wood removed from his position. In July 1663, Wood was called before the Privy Council. This was a group of royal advisors. His position was declared empty, and he was told to stay within the city of Edinburgh. Later, he was allowed to return to St Andrews to visit his sick father.

James Wood died around the beginning of 1664. Archbishop Sharp visited him on his deathbed. Sharp later spread a rumor that Wood had said he didn't care about church government anymore. Wood was very upset when he heard this. So, he dictated a statement before witnesses. In this statement, he clearly said that he believed Presbyterian government was God's plan for the church.

Death

James Wood passed away on 15 March 1664. He was about 55 years old.

Family Life

James Wood was married twice:

• (1) He first married Catherine Carstairs, who died in 1658 at age 38. They had several children, including:
  • William
  • John, who also became a minister in St Andrews
  • Katherine (who married John Lentran)
  • Agnes (who married William Fairfowl)
• (2) On 30 June 1659, he married Anna Napier or Lepar. She was the second daughter of John Napier, who was the provost of St Andrews.