John Welsh of Ayr facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Welsh
John Welsh by Joseph Swan
Personal details
Birth name	John Welsh (also spelled Welch)
Born	c. 1570 Dunscore
Died	2 April 1622 London
Buried	St Botolph, Bishopsgate
Nationality	Scottish
Denomination	Presbyterian

John Welsh (around 1570–1622) was an important Scottish Presbyterian leader. He was born in Dumfriesshire and studied at the University of Edinburgh. In 1588, he earned his Master's degree.

Welsh became a minister in Selkirk. He married Elizabeth Knox, who was the daughter of the famous reformer John Knox. After Selkirk, he served as a minister in Kirkcudbright and then in Ayr for five years. His strong preaching led to him being imprisoned by King James VI of Scotland. In 1606, Welsh was sent away to France, where he continued his work. John Welsh of Ayr was the father of Josias Welsh and the grandfather of John Welsh of Irongray.

Early Life and Ministry

John Welsh was born around 1570 in the parish of Dunscore, Dumfriesshire. His father was a local landowner. When he was young, John ran away from home and joined a group of young men who lived by their wits. He soon realized this life was not for him.

He made up with his father and was sent to the University of Edinburgh. There, he earned his Master's degree in 1588. In 1589, he was chosen by the Privy Council to help maintain the true religion in the Forest and Tweeddale areas. He then became a minister in Selkirk. In 1594, he moved to Kirkcudbright.

Moving to Ayr

In 1599, Welsh moved to the parish of Ayr to help another minister, John Porterfield. When he arrived, Ayr had many arguments and disagreements. Welsh helped to calm these problems and improved public behavior. His sermons were so popular that the town council decided to build a new church in 1603. After Porterfield passed away in 1604, Welsh took over as the main minister.

Conflict with the King

In December 1596, John Welsh preached at St Giles' Cathedral. He spoke strongly against King James VI of Scotland's actions. He suggested that it was right for people to challenge the King if he was acting unfairly. Because he did not explain his words, Welsh was declared a rebel. However, with help from Lord Ochiltree, he was allowed to return to his church.

Trial and Exile

In July 1605, a church meeting was held in Aberdeen. Although Welsh arrived late, he was ordered to be held as a prisoner in Blackness Castle. He and others refused to accept the council's authority in this matter. The King decided to put them on trial for serious disloyalty.

At a trial held in Linlithgow, most of them were found guilty. The usual punishment for this was death. However, King James changed their sentence. On October 23, 1606, they were permanently banned from the King's lands. They were told to board a ship from Leith to Bordeaux in France on November 1.

Life in France

When John Welsh arrived in France, he immediately began to learn French. Within just fourteen weeks, he was able to preach in French. Soon after, he became a pastor for Protestant churches in Nerac, Jonsac, and finally Saint-Jean-d'Angély. He stayed there for sixteen years. Even after he was banished, the town council of Ayr continued to send him his minister's salary for several years.

Meeting King Louis XIII

In 1620, King Louis XIII of France attacked Saint-Jean-d'Angély, a strong town. Welsh encouraged the people to fight back and even helped to operate the cannons on the town walls. After the town surrendered, he continued to preach as usual.

He was then called before the King. The King told him he had broken the law by providing religious services that were not allowed. Welsh replied that if the King knew what he preached, he would come to hear him himself. Welsh said he preached that no one on Earth was above the King, which was something supporters of the Pope would not say. The King was impressed and said, "Very well, father, you shall be my minister." He promised Welsh his protection.

When the town was captured again the next year, the King ordered guards to protect Welsh's house. He also provided horses and wagons to take Welsh, his family, and their belongings safely to Rochelle.

Return to London and Death

John Welsh never returned to his church in France. He went to Zealand and then asked King James for permission to return to Scotland. He was allowed to go to London. An attempt was made to get Welsh to agree with the King's church system, but he refused.

When Welsh's wife went to King James to ask for his forgiveness, the King said he would pardon him if she could convince him to accept the bishops. She famously replied that she would rather receive his head cut off in her lap.

Hearing that Welsh was very ill, the King finally allowed him to preach in London. John Welsh died on April 2, 1622, just two hours after finishing his church services. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of John Knox, and several children. His son Josias became a minister in Ireland. Jane Welsh, the wife of writer Thomas Carlyle, claimed to be a descendant of John Welsh.

Family

John Welsh married Elizabeth Knox (who died in Ayr in 1625). She was the youngest daughter of the famous reformer John Knox. They had several children, including:

• Josias, who became a minister in Ireland.

Works

John Welsh wrote several books and sermons, including:

• Reply against Mr. Gilbert Browne, priest (Edinburgh, 1602)
• Forty-eight Select Sermons (Glasgow, 1771)

See also

• Rev John Munro of Tain