Wallace Williamson facts for kids
Andrew Wallace Williamson (born December 29, 1856 – died July 10, 1926) was an important leader in the Church of Scotland. He was a minister who held high positions, including being the Dean of the Thistle. In 1913, he became the Moderator of the General Assembly, which is the top leadership role in the Scottish church. He also received a special honor from the King, known as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).
His Life and Work
Andrew Wallace Williamson was born in Thornhill, Scotland, on December 29, 1856. He was the youngest son of James and Margaret Williamson.
He went to Morton School and Wallace Hall for his early education. Later, he studied to become a minister at the University of Edinburgh, finishing his studies in 1878. In 1881, he was officially allowed to preach as a minister in the Church of Scotland.
His first job was helping out at North Leith Parish Church in Edinburgh. In 1882, he became a full minister there. The next year, in 1883, he moved to St Cuthbert's Church in central Edinburgh. He worked there alongside another minister, Rev James MacGregor.
While at St Cuthbert's, he also taught at the University of Edinburgh. He taught about how ministers care for people and their communities. In 1900, he received a special award called a Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of St Andrews for his excellent work.
In 1910, he became the first minister at St Giles' Cathedral, a very famous church. The next year, he was given two more important titles: Dean of the Thistle and Dean of the Chapel Royal. These roles meant he was a special religious advisor to the King in Scotland. In 1913, he reached the highest position in the Scottish church when he was chosen as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Andrew Wallace Williamson played a big part in a large building project at St Cuthbert's Church. The church was rebuilt between 1892 and 1894 by the architect Hippolyte Blanc. Part of the money for this project came from the minister who was there before him, Rev James Veitch. As part of the rebuilding, a plaque was placed on the outside of the church to remember his work.
He lived in a nice part of Edinburgh at 44 Palmerston Place.
Andrew Wallace Williamson passed away on July 10, 1926. He is buried in Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh. After he left St Cuthbert's, William Lyall Wilson took over his role.
He was involved in some other important events too. He led the funeral service for Sir Hector MacDonald. He also served on the committee that designed and built the Scottish National War Memorial, a place that remembers Scottish soldiers who died in wars.
His Family
Andrew Wallace Williamson married Agnes Blackstock in 1883. She passed away in 1885, and they did not have any children.
In 1888, he married Elizabeth Mary Phoebe Croall. She was born in 1860 and died in 1946. They had two daughters and one son:
- Agnes Honor Margaret Williamson (1889–1892), who died when she was very young.
- Robert Howard Wallace Williamson (1892–1962), who is buried in Warriston Cemetery.
- Verona Maud Williamson (1896–1980), who is buried in Dean Cemetery.
