Thomas Hardy (minister) facts for kids
Thomas Hardy (sometimes spelled Thomas Hardie) was an important Scottish minister, born in 1748. He became a professor at Edinburgh University, teaching about the history of the Christian church. He was also a special chaplain to the King and led the Church of Scotland as its Moderator in 1793.
Thomas Hardy was well-known for his involvement in politics and society. He was a very popular speaker and preacher. People often applauded his university lectures. He strongly supported the British Government during the time of the French Revolution. This was natural because a powerful politician named Henry Dundas had helped his career.
Even though he was a professor of Church History, he didn't publish books on that topic. However, some of his sermons and writings still exist. These include pamphlets about supporting the established church, speaking out against the slave trade, and arguing for better pay for ministers. He also wrote against the ideas of a radical writer named Thomas Paine.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Hardy was born in 1748 at Navitie House in Ballingry, Fife, Scotland. His father, Henry Hardy, was also a minister. His mother was Ann Halkerston.
He studied at Edinburgh University. After finishing his studies, he was allowed to preach in 1772. He became the minister for the Ballingry area in 1774. Edinburgh University gave him an honorary doctorate degree in 1778. This is a special award for his achievements.
Important Roles and Work
In 1784, Thomas Hardy moved to Edinburgh. He became a minister at the famous St Giles Cathedral. Then, in 1786, he moved to another parish within St Giles, called New (West) St Giles. He lived outside the city at Lauriston Castle, near Cramond.
A powerful person, Henry Dundas, helped him become a Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Edinburgh University. He held this teaching job at the same time as being a minister. In 1788, the university gave him another special degree, a Doctor of Divinity.
In 1793, he was chosen to be the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This is a very high position, like being the leader of the Church of Scotland for a year. During his time as Moderator, the Church sent a letter to the King. The letter showed their strong support for the country and the King. They promised to teach people to be loyal to the King and respect the British laws. They also asked for God's help for the King's army.
In the same year, he became a special Chaplain in Ordinary to the King. He also became the Dean of the Chapel Royal. This meant he had important roles in the King's religious household. He also helped start a group called the Society for the Benefit of the Sons of the Clergy of the Church of Scotland. This group helped the children of ministers.
In 1795, he became a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group for important scientists and thinkers.
When his father passed away, Thomas Hardy inherited land in Fife and Livingston. In 1795, a house was built on his Charlesfield estate. This house and land later went to his two sons. In Edinburgh, he lived at Richmond Place.
He passed away on November 21, 1798. He is buried with his wife and children in the Canongate Kirkyard in Edinburgh. His grandchildren, including Henry Hardy, are buried nearby.
Family Life
In June 1780, Thomas Hardy married Agnes Young. She was the daughter of another minister. They had five sons and four daughters. Sadly, many of their children died young. The children who lived went on to have careers in the church, law, medicine, and the military.
Some of their children included:
- Captain William Hardy (1785-1824)
- Rev Charles Wilkie Hardy, who became a minister
- Thomas Hardy (1794-1836), who was a surgeon
See also
| Church of Scotland titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Andrew Hunter |
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 1793 |
Succeeded by Robert Arnot |
