William Sinclair (priest) facts for kids

William Sinclair (born September 4, 1804 – died July 8, 1878) was a Scottish writer and a church leader called a rector. He led churches in Leeds and Pulborough, England.

William Sinclair's Early Life and Education

William Sinclair was the fifth son of Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster. His mother was Diana, the only daughter of Alexander Macdonald, 1st Baron Macdonald. He had several brothers and sisters, including Catherine Sinclair, George Sinclair, and John Sinclair.

William went to Winchester College, a famous school. When he was sixteen, he joined the Madras cavalry, which was part of the British army in India. He showed great bravery during a battle at Kittoor in 1824. He led a dangerous charge called a "forlorn hope" during the siege.

University Years and Leadership

After his time in the army, Sinclair returned to England. He started studying at St Mary's Hall, Oxford, in 1832. He earned his first degree in 1835 and a master's degree in 1837.

While at Oxford, he became the president of the Oxford Union. This was a well-known debating society for students. Many future leaders were members of the Union at that time. A friend, Thomas Jackson, even wrote a funny poem about the debates, and Sinclair helped write some of the lines.

A Life of Service in the Church

In 1837, William Sinclair became a priest. He took on the role of rector at St George's Church in Leeds. He worked there for twenty years with great energy. He was known as a "liberal evangelical," which meant he had strong religious beliefs but also supported new ideas and helping people.

During his time in Leeds, he helped build eight new churches. He also started schools and homes for church leaders. From 1845 to 1850, he was the president of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, a group that discussed science and literature.

In 1856, because of his health, he moved to Pulborough, Sussex, to lead another church. There, he rebuilt the church and the rector's house. He also started new schools and small chapels in different parts of the area. In 1874, he received a special honor at Chichester Cathedral.

Family Life

In 1837, William Sinclair married Helen Ellice. She was the daughter of William Ellice, who had been a Member of Parliament. They had two children together. Sadly, Helen passed away in 1842.

In 1846, Sinclair married Sophia Tripp. They had five more children. One of their sons, William Macdonald Sinclair, later became an important church leader in London.

William Sinclair's Published Works

William Sinclair was also an author. He wrote several books, including:

• The Dying Soldier: a Tale founded on Facts (1838)
• A Manual of Family and Occasional Prayers (1854)
• The Sepoy Mutinies: their Origin and Cure (1857)

He also helped publish a collection of speeches given by his brother, John Sinclair, called Thirty-two years of the Church of England, 1842-1874.