William Symington (minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William Symington |
|
|---|---|
from A Kirk and a College in the Craigs of Stirling
|
|
| Church | Paisley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 June 1795 |
| Died | 28 January 1862 |
William Symington was an important religious leader in Scotland. He was a Presbyterian minister who cared deeply about spreading the Bible. He also worked hard to support missions, which are efforts to share religious beliefs with people in different places. This included both missions at home and in other countries.
Contents
William Symington's Early Life and Education
William Symington was born in Paisley, Scotland, on June 2, 1795. He had a brother named Andrew Symington, who also became a minister. As a young boy, William went to a private school. He also attended Paisley Academy, which was a well-known school.
Studying at University
In 1810, William started taking classes at Glasgow University. This was a big step in his education. Later, from 1814 to 1817, he studied at the Hall in Stirling. This was a place where people trained to become ministers. On June 30, 1818, he was officially allowed to preach.
Becoming a Minister
In 1819, William Symington received two invitations to become a minister. One was from Airdrie and the other from Stranraer. He chose to accept the invitation from Stranraer. On August 18, 1819, he was officially ordained as a minister there.
Moving to Glasgow
After serving in Stranraer, William was chosen to lead a church in Glasgow. This church was on Great Hamilton Street. He was inducted, meaning he officially started his new role, on July 11, 1839. This move was important for his career.
Symington's Influence and Writings
In 1839, William Symington published a book called "Messiah, the Prince." This book was very well-received. The University of Edinburgh recognized his work by giving him a special degree called a D.D. (Doctor of Divinity). This was a great honor.
Symington was known as a powerful speaker. His sermons at the Great Hamilton Street Church attracted many people. He was also a friend of Thomas Chalmers, another famous Scottish minister.
The Disruption of 1843
In 1843, a major event happened in the Scottish church called the Disruption. Many ministers left the main church to form the Free Church of Scotland. William Symington supported this movement. He even joined a historic march with other ministers. When people asked why he didn't join the new Free Church, he famously said, "With a great sum they purchased their freedom, but I was free-born." This meant his church already had the freedom they were seeking.
Growth of the Congregation
Under Symington's leadership, the church on Great Hamilton Street grew a lot. The number of members reached almost 1,000 people. One of the missionaries who worked with him in Glasgow was John G. Paton. Paton later became a very famous missionary in the New Hebrides islands.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1853, after his brother passed away, William Symington was chosen for an important teaching role. He became a Professor of Systematic Theology. This meant he taught future ministers about religious beliefs.
As he got older, Symington needed help with his church duties. In 1859, his son, William, became a minister at the same church. William Symington passed away on January 28, 1862. He was buried in the Glasgow Necropolis, a famous cemetery.
William Symington's Family Life
In 1820, William Symington married Anne Spiers. They had several children together. Two of their sons, William and Alexander, followed in their father's footsteps and became ministers. One of their daughters married William Henry Goold, who was also a minister.
Children of William and Agnes Symington
William and Agnes Symington had several children. Here are some of them:
- Margaret Spiers: She married W. H. Goold, a minister in Edinburgh.
- William: He became a minister in Glasgow.
- Robert: Born in 1825, he sadly passed away at a young age in 1833.
- Marion: She married Matthew Clark from Glasgow.
- Andrew: He lived in Glasgow and married Felicia Colquhoun.
- Alex. Macleod: He became a minister in Dumfries.
- Agnes Anne: She married William McCormick from Dumfries.
