Norman Macleod (minister, born 1812) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Very Reverend
Norman Macleod
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| Born | 3 June 1812 Campbeltown, Scotland
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| Died | 16 June 1872 (aged 60) Glasgow, Scotland
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Norman Macleod (born June 3, 1812 – died June 16, 1872) was a Scottish minister and writer. He was a very important leader in the Church of Scotland, even becoming its Moderator in 1869. This role is like being the head of the church for a year. He was known for his writing and his efforts to help people.
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Norman Macleod's Early Life
Norman Macleod was born in Campbeltown, Scotland. His father, also named Norman Macleod, was a minister too. His family had a long history of serving the church.
Norman's father was very connected to the Highlanders of Scotland. He wrote books in Scottish Gaelic and helped set up schools in the Highlands and Islands. This showed Norman the importance of helping his community.
In 1827, Norman Macleod started studying at the University of Glasgow. Later, in 1831, he went to Edinburgh to study to become a minister. On March 18, 1838, he became the minister for the parish of Loudoun in Ayrshire.
Norman Macleod's Career and Influence
During Norman Macleod's time, there were many changes happening in the Church of Scotland. He believed the church should be free to do its work. He also strongly supported the idea of a national church. Because of this, he stayed with the official church during the Disruption of 1843. This was a time when many ministers left to form a new church.
Macleod wanted to make the church stronger. In 1847, he helped start the Evangelical Alliance. From 1849, he edited a magazine called Christian Instructor. In 1851, he moved to the Barony church in Glasgow. He spent the rest of his life there.
Helping the Community in Glasgow
In Glasgow, Norman Macleod became known for his modern ideas about faith. He showed people how faith could help improve their lives. He started many projects to help the poor. For example, he opened places where people could get non-alcoholic drinks. He also set up a savings bank where people could save small amounts of money. He held special church services for those in need.
He also had strong opinions about popular entertainment. In 1857, he spoke against an opera called La Traviata. He felt it was not suitable for everyone to watch.
Editor of Good Words Magazine
In 1860, Norman Macleod became the editor of a new monthly magazine called Good Words. This magazine was very popular and often had religious stories, travel articles, and poems. Many of his own writings first appeared in Good Words. His book, Reminiscences of a Highland Parish (1867), was one of his most famous works.
His work with Good Words made him well-known. He also became friends with Queen Victoria and the royal family. This made him even more respected across the country.
He also wrote a book called "Eastward, Travels in Egypt, Palestine, and Syria." This book was about a trip he took in 1864. It included photographs by James Graham.
Standing Up for His Beliefs
In 1865, Macleod faced a challenge regarding Sunday activities. The church leaders in Glasgow spoke out against Sunday trains and other activities on the Christian Sabbath. Macleod disagreed with their reasons. For a short time, some people in Scotland did not trust him. However, just four years later, the Church of Scotland chose him as the Moderator of its general assembly. This showed how much respect he had gained.
Norman Macleod's Later Years
In 1867, Norman Macleod traveled to India with another minister, Archibald Watson. They went to check on the church's missions there. He made this journey even though his health was not good. He never fully recovered from the trip. When he returned, he wanted to spend the rest of his life encouraging the church to do more for foreign missions.
Norman Macleod is buried at Campsie. His grave was designed by a Glasgow architect named William Leiper. About 3,000 people attended his funeral.
His church in Glasgow was later named the Macleod Parish Church in his honor. The Macleod Missionary Institute was also built by the Barony church in Glasgow. Queen Victoria even gave two special windows to Crathie church to remember his important work.
Norman Macleod's Family
In August 1851, Norman Macleod married Catherine Ann Mackintosh.
His daughter, Ann Campbell Macleod, later married Sir James Wilson. She wrote two books about her experiences in India.
His grandson, George MacLeod, also became a Moderator of the Church of Scotland. He founded a special religious community called the Iona Community.
