Neil Campbell (bishop of Argyll) facts for kids

Neil Campbell (also known as Niall Caimbeul in Scottish Gaelic) was a significant Scottish church leader. He was born into the Clan Campbell, a well-known family from Carnassarie. He lived during a time of big changes in the Scottish church.

Becoming a Church Leader

Neil Campbell likely studied at the University of St Andrews, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in 1575. This was an important step for anyone wanting to become a church leader.

Before becoming a bishop, he probably worked as a 'parson' (a type of church minister) in Kilmartin. He also served as a 'precentor' at Lismore Cathedral in 1574. A precentor helps lead the singing and services in a church.

Serving as Bishop of Argyll

In 1580, Neil Campbell became the Bishop of Argyll. A bishop is a senior leader in the church, overseeing many churches and ministers in a specific area called a diocese.

He had important duties beyond just leading church services. For example, in 1588, he helped settle a legal disagreement for the Privy Council. The Privy Council was a group of advisors to the king.

The next year, in 1589, the Privy Council gave him a special job. He was put in charge of a group working against Catholics in the Argyll area. This was a time when the Church of Scotland was becoming the main church, and there were often tensions with Catholics.

Also in 1589, the leader of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Patrick Galloway, chose Neil Campbell to be one of his advisors. The General Assembly is like the main meeting or parliament of the Church of Scotland.

His Family and Legacy

Neil Campbell married Christine Carswell. Her father, John Carswell, was also an important church leader who had been the Bishop of the Isles. Christine's father had also served as the parson of Kilmartin before Neil.

Neil and Christine had several children. Their oldest son, John Campbell, followed in his father's footsteps. He later became the Bishop of Argyll after his father. Another son, Neil, also became a bishop, serving as the Bishop of the Isles.

They had at least four other children: Colin, Alexander, Donald, and a daughter whose name is not known.

Later Life

Neil Campbell decided to step down from his role as Bishop of Argyll between January and June of 1608. He passed on his important church position to his son, John. Neil Campbell died sometime between January 1613 and July 1627.