John Geddes (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Geddes |
|
|---|---|
| Coadjutor Vicar Apostolic Emeritus of the Lowland District | |
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Appointed | 30 September 1779 |
| Reign ended | 26 October 1797 |
| Other posts | Titular Bishop of Morocco o Marruecos |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 18 March 1759 |
| Consecration | 30 November 1780 by Francisco Antonio de Lorenzana |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 September 1735 Mains of Corridoun, Enzie, Banffshire, Scotland |
| Died | 11 February 1799 (aged 63) Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Buried | Snow Kirk, Aberdeen |
| Previous post | Rector of the Royal Scots College (1770-1780) Rector of Scalan (1762-1767) |
| Alma mater | Pontifical Scots College |
John Geddes (born September 9, 1735 – died February 11, 1799) was an important Scottish Roman Catholic bishop. He served as the leader (rector) of the Royal Scots College in Spain from 1771 to 1780. He also helped lead the Catholic Church in the Lowland District of Scotland from 1779 to 1797.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Geddes was born in Mains of Corridoun, Enzie, Banffshire, Scotland, on September 9, 1735. When he was about 14 years old, he joined the Scots College, Rome in Italy. This was a special school for Scottish students studying to become priests.
He took an important oath there in 1750. Over the next few years, he received different church orders. He became a priest on March 18, 1759. Soon after, he returned to Scotland to work in the church. From 1762 to 1767, he was the leader (Rector) of Scalan College.
Leading the Royal Scots College
In 1771, Father Geddes played a key role in reopening the Royal Scots College. This college, located near Valladolid in Spain, had been closed since 1734. Father Geddes brought 15 students with him to restart the college.
Some of these students even spoke Scottish Gaelic language, a traditional Scottish language. John Geddes became the first leader (Rector) of the college after it reopened. Many people believe he was responsible for the college continuing to exist.
Becoming a Bishop
On September 13, 1779, John Geddes was chosen to become a Coadjutor Vicar Apostolic for the Lowland District of Scotland. This decision was approved by Pope Pius VI. A Coadjutor Bishop helps the main bishop and is expected to take over when the main bishop leaves.
He was officially made a bishop in Madrid, Spain, on November 30, 1779. This day is also St. Andrew's Day, a special day in Scotland.
Bishop Geddes and the Scottish Enlightenment
After becoming a bishop, John Geddes became a well-known person in Edinburgh. This was during a time called the Scottish Enlightenment. This was a period when many new ideas in science, philosophy, and art were developing in Scotland.
Bishop Geddes even met and became friends with Robert Burns, Scotland's famous national poet. They met in Edinburgh during the winter of 1786–1787. Burns later gave Bishop Geddes a special book of his poems. Robert Burns once wrote that Bishop John Geddes was "the finest cleric character I ever saw."
Later Life and Death
Bishop Geddes stepped down from his role as Coadjutor Bishop on October 26, 1797. He passed away in Aberdeen, Scotland, on February 11, 1799, at the age of 63.
He is buried in the same grave as another bishop, Bishop James Grant. Their grave is in the old Snow Kirk in Old Aberdeen.
