Robert Cunningham (minister) facts for kids

Robert Cunningham was an important Scottish minister who moved to Ulster (a region in Northern Ireland) in the 1600s. He was the very first Presbyterian minister in a town called Holywood. He was also someone who wrote letters to Samuel Rutherford, another famous minister. Robert Cunningham lost his job because he strongly believed in Presbyterian rules and ways of worship.

Life as a Minister

Robert Cunningham, sometimes spelled Cunninghame, started his career as a preacher for a Scottish army group in Holland. After that, he became a minister in Holywood, which is in the northern part of Ireland.

Moving to Ulster

Robert Cunningham was invited to Ulster by James Hamilton. Other ministers, like John Livingstone and Robert Blair, also came to Ulster with Hamilton. John Livingstone came after Robert Cunningham encouraged him to join them. Cunningham was one of the first Scottish ministers to settle in County Down.

Starting His Ministry

He arrived in Ireland around 1615. On November 9, 1615, he was officially allowed to be a minister by Robert Echlin, who was the Bishop of Down and Connor. In 1622, records showed him as the minister (or "curate") for Holywood and Craigavad. He received money for his work from Sir James Hamilton, who was also known as Lord Claneboy.

Losing His Position

In August 1636, Robert Cunningham and other Presbyterian ministers were removed from their jobs. This happened after the death of Hugh Montgomery earlier that spring. They were removed because they continued to follow Presbyterian beliefs and practices, which were different from the official church at the time.

Family Life

Robert Cunningham married Isabel Montgomerie, who was one of the daughters of Sir Hugh Montgomery. He also married Janet Kennedy. Robert and Janet had three sons named James, John, and Robert.

He also had a daughter named Isabella, who lived to be 70 years old and passed away on November 8, 1703. Isabella married a minister named John Law. They had a son named William, who became a professor at the University of Edinburgh. William started the Law family line in Elvingston, East Lothian.

Death and Later Events

Robert Cunningham passed away on March 29, 1637, in Irvine.

Fines After Death

A few weeks after Robert Cunningham died, he was called to appear in court. Since he had already passed away, he couldn't show up. Because of this, he was fined money. To pay this fine, his widow (his wife) and his eight children had their belongings taken away.