William Bell (clergyman) facts for kids

William Bell (born May 28, 1780 – died August 16, 1857) was an important religious leader. He was a Presbyterian minister. He was born in Scotland and later moved to a new land called Upper Canada. This area is now part of Ontario, Canada.

William Bell: A Pioneer Minister

William Bell and his family arrived in Perth, Upper Canada, in 1817. He played a big part in spreading the Presbyterian faith. He helped many settlers in his area.

Helping Churches Grow

Bell helped start new church groups. These groups were called congregations. He helped create them in places like Beckwith Township and Lanark. He also helped churches in Smiths Falls and Richmond.

His Important Writings

William Bell kept detailed diaries. He also wrote other important texts. These writings help us understand the history of churches in Upper Canada. They show how different Presbyterian groups worked together. These groups included the United Synod of Upper Canada and the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada. In 1835, Bell changed from one group to the other. By 1839, the first group joined the second. Bell stayed with the Presbyterian Church of Canada.

His Family's Legacy

William Bell had two sons who became well-known. His son William Bell was a businessman. He was also a military officer. He is remembered in Canadian history. Another son, Robert Bell, was an important politician. He served in Lanark County.

See also

• List of Canadian writers
• List of diarists
• List of people from Ontario
• List of Scottish writers