Robert Keith (historian) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Robert Keith A.M. |
|
|---|---|
| Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church | |
| Church | Scottish Episcopal Church |
| Enthroned | 1743 |
| Reign ended | 1757 |
| Predecessor | Thomas Rattray |
| Successor | Robert White |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 16 August 1710 (Deacon), 26 May 1713 (Priest) |
| Consecration | 18 June 1727 (Bishop) by James Gadderar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 February 1681 Uras, Kincardineshire, Scotland |
| Died | 20 January 1757 (aged 75) Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Buried | Canongate Churchyard, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
| Parents | Alexander Keith and Marjory Keith (née Arbuthnot) |
| Spouse | Isobel Cameron |
| Children | Two daughters |
Bishop Robert Keith (1681–1757) was an important leader in the Scottish Episcopal Church. He was a bishop, which is a high-ranking church official. He was also a historian, meaning he studied and wrote about the past.
Contents
Robert Keith's Life Story
Early Years and Education
Robert Keith was born in Uras, a place in Kincardineshire, Scotland, on February 7, 1681. His parents were Alexander and Marjory Keith.
He went to Marischal College in Aberdeen from 1695 to 1699. He earned a degree called a A.M. around 1700.
Becoming a Church Leader
Before becoming a bishop, Robert Keith worked as a teacher, or preceptor, for important families. From 1703 to 1710, he taught George, Lord Keith and his brother, James Keith.
He became a deacon in the church on August 16, 1710. A deacon is the first step in becoming a priest. He then worked as a domestic chaplain (a private priest) for Charles Hay, the Earl of Erroll, and his mother.
On May 26, 1713, he became a priest. On the same day, he started working as a curate (an assistant priest) at a church in Edinburgh. Later, in 1733, he became the main priest, or Incumbent, of that church, and he stayed there until he died.
Facing Challenges
In 1716, Robert Keith and other church leaders in Edinburgh faced a problem. They were taken to court because they did not pray for King George I. This was a big deal at the time because it showed they might not support the king. Because of this, he was stopped from working as a minister for a while and had to pay a fine.
Family Life
In 1719, Robert Keith married Isobel Cameron. They had two daughters. One daughter died before 1757. Their other daughter, Catharine, married a merchant named Stewart Carmichael in 1752.
Rising Through the Church
In 1727, Robert Keith was chosen to be a coadjutor bishop for the Bishop of Edinburgh. This meant he would help the main bishop. He officially became a bishop in a special ceremony called a consecration on June 18, 1727, in Edinburgh. The bishops who consecrated him were Arthur Millar and Thomas Rattray.
He took on more important roles in the church:
- In December 1731, he became the Bishop of Caithness, Orkney, and The Isles.
- From 1733 to 1743, he was also the Bishop of Fife.
- On August 20, 1743, he was elected Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. The Primus is the main leader of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
A Historian and Scholar
Robert Keith was very knowledgeable about old things. He knew a lot about archeology (studying ancient cultures), numismatics (studying coins), and Scottish antiquities (old objects and customs).
He wrote important books, including:
- History of the Affairs of Church and State in Scotland
- An Historical Catalogue of the Bishops of Scotland
His Final Years
Robert Keith passed away in Leith, a town near Edinburgh, on January 20, 1757. He was 75 years old. He is buried in the Canongate Churchyard in Edinburgh, which is located on the famous Royal Mile. His grave is just west of the church building.
See also
