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It would be obviously out
of the question to sketch the biographies of even a tithe of the
clergymen who boast of Scottish origin, especially those who have
distinguished themselves in the Presbyterian Church. The only
practicable plan is that adopted here, to take a few prominent men from
all the various denominations as illustrative instances, beginning with
that head of the Church Catholic which is peculiarly Scottish.
The Rev. Alexander
Mathieson, D.D., is the name of a clergyman of the Scotch Church in
Canada, who will long be remembered with affection in Montreal, where
for forty-five years he laboured as minister of St. Andrew’s Church.
He was born at Renton, Dumbartonshire, on the 1st of October,
1795. That village is situated on the banks of the Leven, which the
genius of Smollett has made one of the classic streams of Scotland.
After a preliminary training, he matriculated at Glasgow University, and
obtained his Master’s degree when only twenty. In 1823 he was licensed
to preach, and three years later ordained by the Presbytery of Dumbarton
to St. Andrew’s Church, Montreal. He arrived at that city on the 24th
of December, and at once began the work in which he was to spend his
life. Dr. Mathieson’s early life is an apt illustration of the zeal of
Scottish parents for education of their children. His father was the son
of a farmer in Sutherlandshire, and, desiring to see the world, enlisted
as a soldier. Of a garrison life he soon tired, and left the army to
learn the mysteries of the printing art. He married, and the couple, who
were happy in more than the conventional sense, never possessed much of
this world’s wealth. Nevertheless they strained every nerve on behalf
of their son, and had the satisfaction of living to see him occupying a
prominent position. [Portraits of British America, Part II, p.
82.] His father died at the age of eighty-two, and the mother at
ninety-four. During his undergraduate course, young Mathieson, like most
poor Scottish students, engaged in teaching, and was a private tutor
even after his admission to the Ministry.
Dr. Mathieson early took
a deep interest in the Clergy Reserve agitation, not, however, as a
secularizer, but as a claimant to a share of the funds for his Church.
In this movement he succeeded. In 1837, during a visit to Glasgow, he
received the degree of Doctor of Divinity. At the time of Dr. Mathieson’s
arrival there were only three Scottish churches in Lower Canada, and
only five in the upper Province. An incident of these early times, which
reflects great credit on the liberality of the Roman Catholic clergy of
Montreal is related. While the Presbyterian Church was being erected,
the congregation were tendered and accepted the use of the Church of the
"Recollets," and when the new edifice was completed, the
ministers of the temporary place of worship, not only refused any
payment for the use of the building, but expressed their regret at the
removal. Dr. Mathieson was a member of the first Synod in 1831, and
Moderator, first in 1832, and secondly in 1860, during the visit of the
Prince of Wales. At this period a slight trouble arose which proved the
Doctor’s sturdy attachment to his Church. The Anglican address was
presented in a formal way, but that intrusted with Dr. Mathieson was
only to be sent in. The Scottish clergyman was loyal to the core and a
strong Church and State man, but he could not brook what he regarded as
a slight. Finally he made his way to Kingston and, as the Prince did not
land there, was received on board the steamer, and permitted to read the
Address in proper form.
In 1860 a great effort
was made towards the union of the various Presbyterian bodies, by means
of a compromise. Dr. Mathieson delivered a sermon against the scheme
which, for the time, fell through. It is not difficult to understand his
attitude. Intensely devoted to his native land and to the Church of his
fathers, any movement which threatened to sever his connection with the
latter was necessarily repugnant to him. This love for Church, Scotland
and Canada absorbed all his deepest feelings. He was a man of
unflinching firmness and courage – one of the old martyr stock. As a
preacher, Dr. Mathieson was eloquent and impressive, and his sermons
always bore traces of deep earnestness. They came from the heart, and
appealed to the heart. His life was uneventful, for it was entirely
passed in pastoral work. He was the most warm-hearted and genial of men,
the truest and staunchest of friends, and when he died in 1870, he left
behind him a multitude of mourning friends throughout the city of
Montreal. [For many of these particulars we are indebted to the Rev. Mr.
Dobie, who still adheres to the remnant of the old Church.]
The Rev. Robert Burns,
D.D., filled a conspicuous place in the Presbyterian Church of Canada
for nearly a quarter of a century, during which period he was one of the
foremost ministers in its ranks, and one of the most indefatigable
workers on its behalf as missionary, pastor, or professor. He was born
about the middle of February, 1789, near the small seaport town of
Borrowstowness, on the Firth of Forth. In an auto-biography, which forms
part of a life of him, written by his son, [The Life and Times of the
Rev. Robert. Burns, D.D. By the Rev. R.F. Burns, D.D. Toronto: James
Campbell & sons. 1872.] Dr. Burns, with pardonable pride, refers
back to his covenanting ancestry. From the days of John Knox downwards,
the family had not only been staunch in their faith, but had too often
been compelled to suffer for conscience’ sake. We have heard that the
Doctor was a "far awa’" cousin of his namesake, the poet,
but are unable to vouch for the truth of the rumour. Doctor Burns’
father had been engaged until 1779 in the manufacture of linen; but in
that year was appointed surveyor of customs. The old gentleman had
witnessed the Battle of Falkirk, in 1746. He died in 1817, at the age of
eighty-seven, having behind him eight sons. After a preliminary
education at the parish schools and under a private tutor, young Robert
entered Edinburgh University in October, 1801. Among the learned
professors whose lectures he attended were Dugald Stewart and Dr. Thomas
Brown. In 1805, Mr. Burns entered the Divinity Hall, after having
graduated in arts, and in 1810 was licensed to preach by the Presbytery
of Edinburgh. His ordination took place in the following year, and he
was appointed to the charge of St. George’s Church, Paisley. There he
remained for thirty-four years, during which time he received (in 1828)
the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of Glasgow. At the
disruption in 1843 he joined the Free Church, and in 1845 left his
congregation and native land for Canada. In the previous year, in
company with Professor Cunningham and others, he had paid a visit to the
United States and Canada to secure aid for the Sustentation Fund of the
Free Church. From 1845 to 1856 he was minister of Knox Church, Toronto.
Early in June, 1847, the old edifice was burned to the ground, and the
congregation temporarily assembled in St. Andrew’s Church, and
subsequently in the Temperance Hall. The new building, with its handsome
spire, was opened on the 3rd of September, 1848. For many years, in
addition to his pastoral labours, Dr. Burns was an indefatigable
labourer in the missionary field. One of his earliest efforts in Toronto
was towards securing to the Free Church soldiers of the 71st Highlanders
the right to worship elsewhere than the established Church, and he had
the satisfaction of seeing three hundred attending his ministry. The
Doctor was an ardent controversialist on various subjects, especially in
vindication of Protestantism and the position occupied by his own branch
of the Presbyterian Church. During the Clergy Reserve controversy, he
took an active part on behalf of secularization, and also published in
the Banner, a religious journal, afterwards merged in the Globe,
a series of letters on the University of Toronto—at that time a
bone of contention between the Church of England and the other
denominations.
Dr. Burns was a man of
almost unbounded charity, and very often imposed upon, it is to be
feared, by unworthy mendicants.[The writer remembers an incident
related of him. He had just purchased a new great coat, which with the
old one was hanging in the hall. A poorly-clad man appeared at the door,
and the Doctor at once thought of his old coat. Being short-sighted, he
mistakenly gave the new one. The mistake was discovered too late, and
the aged pastor’s only remark was: "Poor fellow, I dare say he
needs it more than I do."] Still, he was a shrewd discerner of
character, as was proved in the case of one Lublin, who professed
to be a converted Hungarian Jew, in 1853. The Doctor did not succeed at
the police court, but the ground he took was amply vindicated
subsequently. At the time he was much abused for his supposed want of
Christian charity, but his suspicions were abundantly justified, and he
was presented with a gold medal and an address in 1854. On another
occasion a pretended Roman Catholic priest, who was about to hold a
meeting to relate the story of his conversion, unluckily for himself,
called upon Dr. Burns in the forenoon. After some conversation, the soi-disant
priest presented a diploma in evidence. The Doctor scanned it over,
and then said quietly: "Sir, there are many bad things at Rome, but
there is good Latin. That never came from the Vatican." The
adventurer left the city at once. [Life and Times, &c., p.
242.]
As a preacher, Dr. Burns
belonged to the old school. His sermons were earnest and impressive, but
rather long and "chockful" of doctrine. He was a rigid
Calvinist, and adhered with unwavering tenacity to the Confession of
Faith. Nevertheless he proved an eminently warm-hearted and liberal man
out of the controversial arena. His pastoral visits were always welcome
to the young folk because of his gentle ways, and to some extent also,
because he was not a hard taskmaster. If the youngsters were behind in
their knowledge of Scripture or the catechism, he would not only prompt
them, but if need were, answer his own questions, in a low undertone,
himself. Dr. Burns’ missionary work extended over the whole of
Ontario, and he made frequent tours to the Maritime, Provinces. In two
religious enterprises he took a deep interest. An ardent opponent of
slavery, he was a devoted friend of the fugitive coloured man, and aided
largely in the establishment of the Buxton Mission in the county of
Kent. A similar devotion to Protestantism led him to take an active part
in the French Canadian Missionary Society of Lower Canada.
In 1856, Dr. Burns
resigned the pastorate of Knox Church, and accepted the Professorship,
at Knox College, of Church History and Apologetics. This was not the
Doctor’s first connection with the College, for he had been
instrumental in its foundation during 1845, and served in it until the
arrival of the Rev. Dr. Willis as Principal. On his second appointment,
Dr. Burns made a collecting tour through the western peninsula, and
succeeded in considerably augmenting the College Fund. During this
period he also ministered to the Gould Street Congregation as the Rev
Dr. Taylor had done before in connection with his professorial duties.
The aged Doctor was untiring likewise in his efforts for the preliminary
training of theological students, and in the cause of female education.
The Montreal College occupied his last thoughts, after advancing years
and infirmities had compelled him to resign his Professorship in 1866.
The subject of Apologetics was one which specially attracted him, and,
as his son writes, he was careful to keep himself abreast of the times.
["He was generous in his treatment of honest and sincere doubters,
but with the sophistical lucubrations of pretentious sciolists he had no
patience." – Life, &c., p. 257.] It may well be
believed that, in earnestly contending for the faith his controversial
zeal was often at war with the nobler generosity of his heart. In
August, 1869, Dr. Burns returned from his last visit to Scotland; and on
the 7th preached his last sermon in Gould Street Church. On the 19th of
the month, he quietly breathed his last, at the patriarchal age of
eighty years and six months. He was a sturdy soldier of the cross, and
had well earned the rest into which he entered, for he had spent an
unusually long life of labour and usefulness in his Divine Master’s
service.
The Rev. John Jennings,
D. D., was born at Glasgow in October, 1814, the son of a manufacturer
of that city. After receiving his earlier education under his uncle, the
Rev. Mr. Tindale, in Fifeshire, young Jennings entered upon his
theological studies at St. Andrew’s, and completed them at Edinburgh
University. As he had determined to labour in a Canadian field, he
further equipped himself by attending a complete course in medicine. In
1838 he was appointed missionary of the United Presbyterian Church to
Canada, and at Toronto duly inducted as pastor of the first U. P.
Church. The city was then a small one, and Mr. Jennings’ early
congregation was simply insignificant. It consisted of seven members and
twenty-one adherents, and worshipped in a carpenter’s shop on Newgate
(now Adelaide) street. Under Mr. Jennings, however, the little flock
grew, and when the Baptist Church vacated their Stanley Street edifice,
it was rented by the United Presbyterians. As the membership increased,
the congregation removed from place to place until it finally settled in
the Bay Street Church, now used by the Medical Board. For many years
after his arrival in Toronto, the pastor also laboured in the country,
riding on horseback many weary leagues. In company with the Rev Dr.
Fraser, who was associated with him in pioneer work, he penetrated
beyond Lake Simcoe, undergoing many toils and hardships. Of these
itinerant labours, Mr. Jennings kept a record, and from it may be
learned the fact that in one year he rode 3,050 miles. Physically he was
fully equal to the task, and his knowledge of medicine was eminently
acceptable to the scattered settlers, to whom he broke the bread of
life. In 1851, in acknowledgment of his labours and of several
works on university subjects, the University of New York conferred upon
Mr. Jennings the degree of Doctor of Divinity,—the first given by that
body to any Canadian minister.
Dr. Jennings remained
pastor of the church at Toronto for nearly thirty-six years, and also
found time to make himself abundantly useful in connection with the
educational system of the Province. He was for many years a member of
the University corporation, the Upper Canada College Board, and the
Council of Public Instruction. During the public discussions on the
subject of the Clergy Reserves, Dr. Jennings frequently appeared upon
the public platform up to the time of their secularization in 1854. The
Doctor entered heartily into both schemes of Union, and after that of
1861 which brought together his own and the Free Church, he was an
ardent supporter of the larger project. Before it was consummated,
however, ill-health had begun to tell upon him, and in 1874, he was constrained
to resign his charge. The congregation consented reluctantly to break
the tie which had so long united pastor and people, and manifested their
attachment by settling upon him a liberal retiring allowance. In
1875, Dr. Jennings began to fail rapidly, and towards the end of that
year he was struck by paralysis. He survived until the 25th of
February, when he died with his family around him, in the full
possession of his faculties. Apart from his ministerial duties proper,
Dr. Jennings was conspicuous for his efforts amongst the poor and the
suffering, and was universally popular with his fellow-citizens of every
denomination. He left to mourn him his widow, three sons and four
daughters. [The writer is indebted to Mrs. Jennings for the facts in the
above sketch.]
The Rev. Alexander Topp,
D.D., who served for more than twenty years as pastor of Knox Church,
Toronto, was a Scot from the "far awa’ North." He was born
at Sheriffmill, a farm-house near Elgin, Morayshire, in 1815, and early
educated at the Elgin Academy; thereafter entering King’s College,
Aberdeen, when only in his fifteenth year. There he succeeded in
obtaining a scholarship tenable for four years. In 1836, at the age of
twenty-one, he received a license to preach, and became
assistant-minister of an Elgin Church. Here his talents and energy made
him highly popular, and, when the charge became vacant, the congregation
and Town Council petitioned for Mr. Topp’s appointment. The Government
acceded to their request, and the new pastor was formally inducted. The
famous disruption took place in 1843, and Mr. Topp at once cast in his
lot with the opponents of patronage. The greater part of his
congregation went with him. In 1852, he removed to Edinburgh, having
received a call from the Roxburgh Church there. In 1856, he declined a
call from Knox Church, Toronto; but in 1858 accepted a second, and
immediately entered upon his life-work. The congregation had sadly run
down, in consequence of a long interregnum. Mr. Topp found that the
communicants’ roll amounted only to three hundred, yet before his
death it had risen to nearly seven hundred. In 1868, the reverend
gentleman was elected Moderator of the General Assembly by the unanimous
recommendation of all the Presbyteries. In the Church Courts his
services were invaluable, because he was not only a shrewd man of
business, but also, and above all things, a peace-maker. In 1870, Dr.
Topp received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater, the
University of Aberdeen.
During the negotiations
for union with the Presbyterian Church in connection with the Church of
Scotland, Dr. Topp took a leading part; indeed, it may be safely
asserted that he was the chief agent in bringing it about. The union was
consummated in 1875, and in 1876 he was elected Moderator of the General
Assembly. Dr. Topp subsequently attended the Pan-Presbyterian Council at
Edinburgh, in 1877. For some time before his death he had been aware
that he suffered from organic disease of the heart. In 1879 he visited
Scotland, and somewhat imprudently preached in his old pulpit at Elgin,
contrary to medical advice. He returned home and resigned his pastorate,
but before any action could be taken the hand of death was laid upon him
suddenly, while visiting a member of his congregation, on the 6th of
October, 1879. His life had been calm and equable, and so it was
fitting that his death should be peaceful and painless. As a preacher,
Dr. Topp was rather impressive than eloquent; as a pastor, he was deeply
beloved by every member of his congregation. Gifted with a cordial,
winning disposition, his visits to the family circle were at all times
welcome. Beside the sick-bed, in administering consolation, or inspiring
hope in the hearts of the dying, few Christian ministers were to be
compared with him. It may be added that he took a deep interest in all
benevolent schemes, and was the chief instrument in establishing the
Toronto Home for Incurables.
The Rev. Robert Ferrier
Burns, D. D., of Fort Massey Presbyterian Church, Halifax, N. S., is one
of the best-known clergyman of his Church, in the east. He was a son of
late Rev. Dr. Burns, of whom a sketch has already been given, and was
born at Paisley, in December, 1826. When near1y fourteen, he entered the
University of Glasgow, at which he ranked high as a student. During
1844-5 he attended the New College, Edinburgh—a theological
institution set on foot by the Free Church immediately after the
disruption. In 1845 he followed his father to Canada, and completed his
divinity studies at Knox College, Toronto. Mr. Burns was ordained in
July, 1847, and at once accepted the pastorate of Chalmers’ Church,
Kingston, which he filled for eight years. In 1855 he was called to Knox
Church, St. Catharines. There he ministered for twelve years, during
which time he acted upon the Grammar School Board, organized the system
of Sabbath School Conventions, and performed other services outside the
duties of his charge. Having received a call to the Scottish Church at
Chicago, in 1867, he spent three years there, assisting the Evangelist,
Mr. Moody, in his revival work. At the close of this period he received
a call to Cote Street Church, Montreal, where Dr. Donald Fraser, now of
London, England, and Principal McVicar had previously laboured. There he
remained until 1875, when he accepted his present charge at Halifax. In
1866 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon Mr. Burns, by
Clinton College, N.Y.
Dr. Burns’ congregation
is a large and influential one, and his success at Halifax has been
highly encouraging. He is also one of the managers of the Presbyterian
College of the Eastern Provinces, and has for several years past given
lectures to the students. When the College Endowment Scheme was mooted,
he was one of its most energetic promoters: Dr. Burns has been a
voluminous contributor to religious magazines; has published many
sermons and pamphlets, notably on prohibition; and in 1872 issued a
biography of his deceased father, which has passed through several
editions. In addition to these works, he was the joint author with the
Rev. Mr. Norton, of St. Catharines, of "Maple Leaves from Canada
for the grave of Abraham Lincoln." Like his father, the Doctor was,
from the first, a determined enemy of slavery; but, unlike him, lived to
see its entire abolition in the United States. In 1879, the General
Assembly, meeting at Ottawa, appointed Dr. Burns one of eight delegates
to represent the Canadian Church at the General Presbyterian Council at
Philadelphia, and in 1880 he attended the Sunday-school celebration, in
London, England, of the hundredth anniversary of the establishment of
Sunday Schools by Robert Raikes, of Gloucester. Dr. Burns’ predecessor
at Halifax was the Rev. J. K. Smith, now of Galt, Ontario, of whose
career, however, we have, unfortunately, no record.
The Rev. William Reid,
D.D., whose name is perhaps as widely known as that of any minister in
the Presbyterian Church in Canada, was born in Aberdeenshire, in the
year 1816. Unfortunately, for biographical purposes, his active arid
useful career affords few incidents that can be seized upon by the
chronicler. Dr. Reid’s work has throughout been of that invaluable,
yet unobtrusive kind which eludes the pencil of the limner. He studied
at King’s College, Aberdeen, and received his degree of M.A. in 1833.
Entering the Divinity Hall, in that ancient seat of learning, he passed
through the usual courses of theology, and was licensed to preach in
1839. In August of that year he was selected as a missionary to Canada,
and having received a call from the congregation of Grafton and Colborne,
was ordained on the 30th of January, 1840.
In 1844, the
ecclesiastical upheaval, which had wrought so potent an effect in
Scotland the year before, was felt in Canada. Mr. Reid cast in his lot
with the cause of the Free Church, and was one of the founders of the
Presbyterian Church of Canada,—the old title modified by omitting the
words, "in connection with the Church of Scotland."
In 1849, the Rev.
gentleman was translated to Pictou, and, about the same time, became
Clerk of the Synod. His zeal in the interests of the church, and his
exceptional aptitude for the business of organization were soon
recognized. Some years after he found himself not only Synod Clerk, but
General Agent of all the schemes of the Church, and editor of the Ecclesiastical
and Missionary Record. Dr. Reid has held the same position ever
since, both before and since the unions of 1861 and 1875. In the latter
year The Record was removed from Toronto to Montreal. In 1876,
Dr. Reid received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Queen’s
University, Kingston. The honoured place he fills in the estimation of
his brethren may be partly understood by a reference to the high
positions he has occupied on three successive occasions, Dr. Reid has
been elected Moderator of the Supreme Court of the Church: first, of the
Presbyterian Church of Canada, in 1851; secondly, of the Canada
Presbyterian Church, in 1873; and thirdly, of the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church in Canada, in 1879.
The Rev. Robert Ure, D.D.,
Minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada at Goderich, Ont., was
born in Lanarkshire in the month of January, 1823, where his father was
a manufacturer in iron. When nineteen years of age, Robert emigrated to
Canada and settled at Hamilton. Having resolved to adopt the clerical
profession, Mr. Ure studied privately with the Rev. Mr. Gale, and then
entered Knox College. Having completed his theological course in 1850,
and received ordination, the rev. gentleman accepted a call from
Streetsville where he remained for twelve years. In 1862 he removed to
Goderich where he still labours; but as there are two country stations
attached, Mr. Ure has the advantage of an assistant. Mr. Ure’s
scholastic attainments are of a high order, and in recognition of them
Queen’s University, Kingston, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor
of Divinity in May, 1876. He lectured for two years on Apologetics at
Knox College, and also on Homiletics at Queen’s. Dr. Ure, took a
conspicuous part in bringing about the Presbyterian union, first with
the United Presbyterian Church, and secondly with that connected with
the Church of Scotland. During the negotiations for the former union,
Dr. Ure was Convener of one Committee, and Dr. Taylor of Montreal of the
other. When the scheme had been consummated, Dr. Taylor, being the
senior, was chosen first Moderator, Dr. Ure subsequently to him. In the
subject of education the Doctor takes the deepest interest, and for a
long period served as Grammar School trustee. His sermons are remarkable
for their earnestness and originality, and he is much esteemed by his
flock.
The Rev. William Cochrane,
D.D., of Brantford, was born at Paisley, in February, 1832. His family,
originally from Ayrshire, is sprung of the same stock as the renowned
seaman, Lord Dundonald. After receiving the usual parochial school
education, William was placed in a bookseller’s shop, where he
remained for more than ten years. He was a youth of indomitable energy
and devoted all his leisure hours to study. Starting at five
o’clock in the morning, he used to walk from Paisley to Glasgow
University to recite. When twenty-two years of age, his persevering
efforts attracted the attention of two American gentlemen named Brown,
from Cincinatti. They offered him an academic education, if he would go
to the United States. He cordially embraced the offer, and entered
Hanover College, Indiana, at which he graduated as Bachelor of Arts in
1857. After two years spent in the study of theology at Princeton, N.
J., Mr. Cochrane was licensed by the Presbytery of Madison, Indiana, and
called to the pastorate of the Scottish Church, Jersey City, in 1859.
After remaining there for three years, he accepted a call from Zion
Presbyterian Church, Brantford, and has ministered there for the past
twenty years. During that time Dr. Cochrane has received flattering
invitations from Boston, New York, Chicago and Detroit, but has firmly
resisted the temptation. Since he undertook the Brantford charge, the
congregation has been more than quadrupled in number. For the past
eleven years the rev. gentleman has been clerk of the Synod of Hamilton
and London, and for a longer period he served in a similar capacity for
the Presbytery of Paris. Judging by the number of Presbyteries which
have sent up his name unanimously, he will, in all likelihood, be
selected as Moderator of the General Assembly, in June next. In 1864,
the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by his university, and in
1875 that of Doctor of Divinity. In addition to his Church labours, Dr.
Cochrane has been President of the Brantford Young Ladies’ College
since its inception in 1874, and, for a series of years, President also
of the local Mechanics’ Institute. As a preacher, the Doctor exhibits
great force and earnestness of manner, and exceptional clearness and
fluency. He has published several volumes of sermons, and they admirably
stand the crucial test of closet study. There is nothing sensational in
Dr. Cochrane’s style; he carefully prepares his discourses, generally
writing them out in full; but he uses no MS., and few notes in the
pulpit; indeed they would materially diminish the effect of his forcible
and animated delivery.
The Rev. D. J. Macdonnell,
B. D., minister of St. Andrew’s Church, Toronto, was born in the manse
at Bathurst, N. B., in January, 1843. His father, a native Scot, had
been for many years pastor of the Church of Scotland congregation there.
When his son was about seven years of age, the Rev. George Macdonnell
resigned his charge at St. Luke’s to return to his native land. Thus
the ground-work of young Macdonnell’s education came to he laid in
Scotland, partly at Kilmarnock, partly at Edinburgh. On their return to
Canada, the father settled in then western Province, where he laboured
successively at~ Nelson, Fergus and Milton, dying at the last-named
place in 1871. Meanwhile his son’s education was continued at the Galt
Grammar School under Dr. Tassie. When only twelve years of age he
entered Queen’s College, Kingston, and graduated when only fifteen,
like Cardinal Wolsey, "a boy Bachelor." Mr. Macdonnell would
have at once applied himself to teaching; but his youth was against him.
He, therefore, devoted some time to theological studies, and for three
years thereafter was engaged in tuition. At the end of that period, he
repaired to Glasgow to complete his Divinity course. His pastor there
was Dr. Norman McLeod, and to his influence, as well as the period he
spent in Germany, may no doubt be traced Mr. Macdonnell’s breadth and
liberality of view on theological subjects. Principal Caird,
moreover, was one of his instructors. The summer vacation was spent at
Heidelberg University. He returned to Scotland and completed his course
at Edinburgh, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. During the
summer of 1865, in company with some clerical friends, he made a tour in
Switzerland; and the winter was passed at Berlin University under the
celebrated Professors Dörner and Hengstenberg. At the conclusion of the
session, Mr. Macdonnell had the misfortune to be mistaken for a forger
at Hamburg, and barely escaped arrest—a circumstance not much to the
credit for sagacity of the German police. On his return to Edinburgh Mr.
Macdonnell received ordination from the Presbytery in June, 1866. In a
few months he returned to Canada, and was settled at St. Andrew’s
Church, Peterboro’. The congregation which had been depleted at the
time of the disruption, was still in a backward state; but
notwithstanding all the hindrances in his path, the new pastor had the
satisfaction of leaving it five years after in a more improved
condition. Whilst there, Mr. Macdonnell married, in 1868, a daughter of
the Rev. Mr. Smellie, of Fergus. In 1870 the rev. gentleman received a
call to old St. Andrew’s Church, then on the south-west corner of
Adelaide and Church Streets. The "Old Kirk," as it was
familiarly termed, was built so far back as 1831. Mr. Macdonnell had had
three predecessors, the last of whom, the Rev. Dr. Barclay, who had
ministered there for twenty-eight years, relinquished his charge in
1870.
The advent of Mr.
Macdonnell was the signal for an immediate revival of the condition of
the church. He was young, energetic, and, more than all, earnest and
original in his preaching. Within a few years, it was found that the old
building was inadequate for the purpose, and a new and imposing
structure was commenced at the corner of King and Simcoe Streets. The
church is built of stone in the Norman style, with a massive tower at
the south-west angle. The building cost no less than $80,000, and is
fully equipped with spacious lecture and also class-rooms. Immediately
in the rear is the commodious house occupied by the pastor and his
family. Mr. Macdonnell’s pastorate has not been entirely without a
ripple upon the calm and steady tide of its progress. A sermon preached
to his flock found its way into a city journal, and the preacher was at
once the object of a prosecution before the Church courts for heresy.
Into details it is not our desire to enter; it may suffice to say that
the rev gentleman emerged from the ordeal unscathed. Mr. Macdonnell’s
popularity has steadily increased year by year and he is widely known as
one of the most eloquent and earnest members of the Church; certainly no
congregation could be more sincerely attached to its pastor than that
which worships in the ornate Church of St. Andrew. Mr. Macdonnell was
one of the most cordial supporters of Presbyterian union, and
contributed largely to its consummation, in 1875. In works of charity
also he has taken a prominent part. The Dorset Street Mission, the St.
Andrew’s Penny Savings’ Bank, and other institutions not so
intimately connected with the congregation, have all shared his
attention, and reaped the benefit of his untiring activity. Mr.
Macdonnell occupies a seat in the Senate of the University, having been
appointed as one of its representatives by the Ontario Government. The
rev. gentleman is still on the sunny side of forty, and has, therefore,
the promise of many years of usefulness to come. [The facts given above
are mainly taken from the Weekly Globe of March 31st,
1876.]
The Rev. John Laing, M.
A., pastor of Knox Church, Dundas, is a native Scot, having been born in
Ross and Cromarty in March, 1828. His early education was obtained at
the High School, Edinburgh, where he held a creditable position in his
class. In 1843 the family removed to Canada and young Laing continued
his studies at King’s and Knox Colleges, Toronto. While at the latter
institution, he taught in the Toronto Academy, under a distinguished
scholar, the Rev. Alexander Gale, and the writer is able from personal
experience to bear testimony to his great zeal and ability as a teacher.
In 1854, Mr. Laing was ordained at Scarboro’, and ministered there for
somewhat less than six years. Thereafter for twelve years he was
stationed in Cobourg. In 1872 the rev. gentleman became connected with
the Ladies’ College, at Ottawa, on its establishment; but in 1873 he
ministered to the church at Dundas, where he still labours. Mr. Laing
received his degree of B.A. from Victoria College, Cobourg, in 1871, and
subsequently that of M.A. He is a hard worker and deeply in earnest
about his work. In educational matters his interest has always been
sustained wherever the duties of his sacred calling have led him to cast
his lot. He has largely contributed to various periodicals, and is said
to be the author of an unpublished scripture poem entitled "The
Betrayal." Mr. Laing has been twice married, and had a family of
twelve, four of whom, however, were taken away in early life by
diphtheria.
The Rev. Gavin Lang,
M.A., like the Rev. Dr. Mathieson whom he succeeded as pastor of St.
Andrew’s Church, Montreal, is a warm supporter of connection with the
mother Church, and a strenuous opponent of union. Mr. Lang’s father,
who bore the same Christian name, was for nearly fifty years minister of
Glasford, Lanarkshire. Besides the subject of this sketch, two other
sons are Scottish Church ministers—Dr. Lang who succeeded the
celebrated Dr. Norman McLeod at the old Barony Church, Glasgow, and the
Rev. James Lang who fills a pulpit at Stirling. Mr. Gavin Lang was born
in the manse of Glasford in July, 1835, and was educated, both in arts
and divinity, at the University of Glasgow. In 1864 he was licensed to
preach, and served as assistant minister at a parish church in Glasgow.
When ordained in 1865 he undertook a charge at Fyvie, Aberdeen-shire,
which he retained for five years, and then became, for a brief period,
pastor of his father’s old church at G1asford. In 1870 the Rev. Dr.
Mathieson of St. Andrew’s, Montreal, died, and the Rev. Gavin Lang
having received a call at once accepted it. The church is an exceedingly
imposing structure, of stone, formed on the model of Salisbury
Cathedral, built in a central situation, and boasting an elegant spire.
It is, indeed, popularly called the Scottish Cathedral. There is also a
mission church in the east end. Outside his pastoral work, Mr. Lang has
taken an active part in the Evangelical Alliance of which he has all
along been an honorary secretary.
When the union between
the Canada Presbyterian Church and his own was proposed, the scheme was
vigorously opposed by Mr. Lang, Mr. Dobie, Mr. Burnet, and others.
Nevertheless it was consummated in 1875, the dissidents standing aloof
and claiming to remain still the Presbyterian Church of Canada in
connection with the Church of Scotland. The result has been prolonged
litigation which was temporarily closed by a decision of the Judicial
Committee of the Privy Council. The United Church sought corporate
powers from the Legislatures of the Provinces and Acts conferring these
powers were granted. The Rev. Mr. Dobie began a suit against the
trustees of the Temporalities Fund, in order to secure it for the
minority that had remained faithful to the old Kirk. The case came
before the Judicial Committee, Mr. Donald McMaster, M.P.P. being the
Canadian counsel for the plaintiff. The decision left the ownership of
the Fund still in doubt, but it declared the Provincial Act ultra
vires and saddled the trustees personally with the costs. The next
step taken by the United Church was to apply for confirmatory
legislation from the Dominion Parliament. Mr. Lang appeared before the
Private Bills Committee and energetically opposed the measure, It,
however, passed by an overwhelming majority. Notwithstanding the rev.
gent1eman’s strong predilections in favour of the old Church, he, is
eminently catholic in spirit, ever ready to cooperate with his brethren
of other churches in any beneficent work. Mr. Lang is an impressive
preacher, not given to rhetorical display, but above all things earnest
in labouring for the souls committed to his charge. A rumour has lately
prevailed that he intends to return to his native land; should he do so,
his departure would be sincerely regretted not only by the congregation
to which he has ministered for twelve years, but by all his
fellow-citizens.
The Rev. Robert Burnet,
now of Pictou, N.S., was born at Ladykirk, Berwickshire, in June, 1823.
His father, who was a man of independent means, belonged to a family
which had been engaged in the milling business for over four hundred
years. Robert was educated at Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and received
ordination in 1852. He at once emigrated to Canada West as missionary,
and was stationed at Hamilton. Shortly after his arrival he was called
to the pastorate of St. Andrew’s Church there. When he undertook the
charge there were only twenty-four male members on the communicants’
roll. Here he remained for twenty-five years, and then removed to
London, in 1876; he had the satisfaction of leaving behind him a
membership embracing over two hundred and sixty families. Mr. Burnet’s
next charge was St. Stephen’s, London, where he remained for about
three years, when he accepted a call from his present congregation,
which can boast of over three hundred and seventy families. The rev.
gentleman’s preaching, which is entirely "extemporaneous,"
for he disdains even the use of notes, is described as of a high order,
clear, well-arranged, and often eloquent in the highest degree. Mr.
Burnet has also distinguished himself in scientific agriculture and
fruit culture. Whilst in Ontario, he was a member of both the Provincial
and Dominion Boards of Agriculture, of the Entomological Society, and
the Fruit Growers’ Association. Some of his papers on the scientific
subjects in which he takes so deep an interest have been published in
the transactions of the American Pomological Society. Mr. Burnet is a
staunch adherent of the "auld kirk," and, we believe, is still
one of the minority who adhere to the old connection with the Church of
Scotland. At all events, he is a man no ordinary ability, and a faithful
labourer in his Master’s vineyard.
The Right Reverend
Alexander Neil Bethune, D.D., D.C.L., second Bishop of Toronto, was the
fifth son of the Rev. John Bethune, the first Presbyterian minister in
Canada. The family was a large one, consisting of six sons and three
daughters. Of these, Angus, the eldest, will demand notice in connection
with the North-West, and the youngest, Donald Bethune, in a chapter to
be devoted to railways and shipping. For the present, only two of the
sons require notice. The family was of Scottish origin, and settled in
Canada with the devoted band of U. E. Loyalists in 1783. The late Bishop
was born at Williamstown, in the County of Glengarry, towards the end of
August, 1800, and survived all his brothers and sisters. Educated at the
Cornwall Grammar School there, he studied under Dr. Strachan. He was the
youngest and, for some years before he died, the only surviving pupil of
the rev. doctor. The war of 1812 broke up the school, and young Bethune
left Cornwall to join his family in Montreal, where his early training
was continued. At the invitation of General Brock, Dr. Strachan had
removed to York (Toronto), and, so soon as peace was restored, Mr.
Bethune joined him, acting as classical tutor in the school, and also
studying divinity under his old master. In 1823, he was admitted to
deacon’s orders, and in 1824 ordained priest by Bishop Mountain, of
Quebec. After a few years spent at Grimsby, Mr. Bethune was appointed
rector of Cobourg, then called Hamilton, the chief town of the Newcastle
District. At that time the neighbourhood was in course of settlement,
and the young rector’s work was by no means confined within the limits
of St. Peter’s parish. Every minister of the Church was then a
missionary also, with a wide sphere of labour. Mr. Bethune threw all his
energies into the work, and toiled on for forty years there with great
zeal and devotion. In 1847, the rector was appointed Archdeacon of York,
still holding his Cobourg charge. Twenty years after, Bishop Strachan’s
advanced age rendered it necessary to give him episcopal assistance,
and, in 1867, Dr. Bethune was consecrated as co-adjutor Bishop in St.
James’ Cathedral, Toronto, by the Bishops of Toronto, Huron, Ontario,
Michigan, and Western New York. It may be remarked that the right of
succession at Dr. Strachan’s death was secured to him on his
appointment. He died at Toronto early in February, 1879. Those who only
saw Bishop Bethune during his declining years can form little conception
of his earlier labours. When at Cobourg, in addition to his parochial
and archdiaconal work, he lectured on theology, and also conducted a
church newspaper, without in the slightest degree neglecting the duties
he owed to the flock committed to his charge. The Bishop wrote a number
of works, chiefly of a theological or devotional character, and one of
more general interest, entitled a "Memoir of the Rt. Rev. John
Strachan, D.D., LL.U., first Bishop of Toronto." Dr. Bethune was
connected by marriage with another Scottish family, having married a
daughter of the Hon. James Crooks, by whom he had ten children, only
five of whom survive. Of these, the best known is the Rev. Charles James
Stewart Bethune, M.A., Head Master of the Trinity College School, Port
Hope, who has gained a high reputation in America and Great Britain as a
practical entomologist.
The third son of the old
Presbyterian divine was named after him. He was born in the Township of
Charlottenburg, Glengarry, early in January, 1791. He also studied at
the Cornwall Grammar School, and afterwards became assistant teacher
there. When Dr. Strachan was called to York, in 1812, Mr. John Bethune
became his successor as master of the school. His labours were
interrupted by the war, and, throwing aside the dominie’s ferule, the
young teacher shouldered his musket. In 1814, he was ordained deacon,
and became a missionary preacher in the Townships of Augusta and
Elizabethtown. His labours there were exceedingly rough and arduous, but
they were crowned with success. It is true that the height of his
ambition was to be rector of Cornwall, and that he was not successful in
obtaining it; yet he laboured on cheerfully for four years. In 1818, he
was unexpectedly called upon to undertake the rectorship of Christ
Church, Montreal, where he continued to labour during the rest of his
life. Even there the work was by no means promising. The congregation
was small, the church unfinished and in debt. What the late Dean
accomplished during his long career may only be estimated by a
comparison of the state of the Anglican Church now with its backward and
almost hopeless condition sixty-four years ago. Mr. Bethune was then in
the vigour of youth, and threw himself into the work with youthful
ardour and devotion. In 1829, he paid his first visit to England and
collected money for the Canadian Church Building Fund. In 1835, the
degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Columbia College,
New York. In the same year, the Archdeacon of Montreal having become
Bishop of Quebec, Dr. Bethune was appointed Principal of McGill
University, then in its infancy. An unfortunate dispute subsequently
arose between the Governors and the Board of the Royal Institution as to
jurisdiction over the College. Dr. Bethune sided with the former; his
Bishop with the latter. A controversy ensued, which resulted in a
recommendation from the Colonial Secretary that the Principal’s
appointment should be cancelled. The result was the extinguishment of
the theological element at McGill. Shortly after the Diocese of Montreal
was set off from that of Quebec, and Dr. Bethune was appointed Dean. The
selection was an admirable one since no Anglican clergyman in the
diocese was so conversant with the history and needs of the Church in
and about the commercial metropolis. Dean Bethune passed a busy life,
and never wearied in well-doing. He was deeply beloved, not less for his
geniality of disposition than from his zeal and devotion to the work
given him to do. He was a most effective preacher, staunch in the faith,
earnest in enforcing not only sound doctrine, but holiness of life. The
Dean lived to a good old age, passing quietly away on the 22nd August,
1872, in the 82nd year of his age.
It may not be amiss to
add here a few additional particulars regarding the Rev. John Bethune,
already referred to as the father of the church dignitaries whose
careers have been briefly sketched. He was born in the Island of Skye,
in the year 1781, and educated at King’s College, Aberdeen. With some
relations he emigrated to South Carolina, and when the war broke out,
the rev. gentleman was appointed chaplain of a loyal regiment. The
adherents of King George were defeated, and the chaplain, with many
others, were made prisoners. On being exchanged, he went to Halifax, and
secured the chaplaincy of the 84th Regiment. When the army establishment
was reduced, Mr. Bethune removed to Montreal, where he organized the
first Presbyterian congregation in Canada, about 1786. Mention has
already been made of the generous courtesy of the Recollet Fathers, some
pages back. [Rev. Mr. Dobie states that, as the Fathers would take to
remuneration, the Presbyterians presented them "with a box of
candles, and to hogsheads of Spanish wine."] In 1792, the St.
Gabriel Street Church was finished, and it was not only the first
Presbyterian, but the first Protestant church in Montreal. The venerable
edifice still exists, we believe, and is used for divine worship. Mr.
Bethune had left Montreal for Williamstown, Glengarry, where he
ministered until his death, in 1815. Over his grave a monument was
subsequently erected by his six sons. Mr. Fennings Taylor [Portraits
of British Americans, in the Life of Dr. Bethune, p. 54.] relates
that the pastor’s wife was an Episcopalian, which serves to account
for the fact that two of the sons entered the Church of England, and
became Bishop and Dean respectively. The sturdy old Presbyterian was
opposed to "prelacy," but he could not send his sons to
Scotland to be trained; consequently the mother easily persuaded him to
have his children instructed by Dr. Strachan. Hence their early
connection with the Anglican Church. The sons were in no sense converts,
since, with their father’s consent, reluctant it may be, they were
reared in an Episcopalian atmosphere. Both mother and sons were warmly
attached to the father, and it does not appear that theological
differences ever cast a cloud over family affection.
It may be well to note
here the name of the Rev. John Mackenzie, who, in 1816, succeeded the
Rev. Mr. Bethune, as pastor in Glengarry, and laboured there for forty
years. He was a man of great courage and ability of character, a true
son of the Gael. It is related of him that during the Lower Canadian
Rebellion of 1837, Mr. Mackenzie shouldered his musket, at the head of
the Highland Brigade, some of whom went out infantry and came back
cavalry, having found horses by the way. Mr. Mackenzie was not
remarkable as a preacher, his rapidity of utterance being against him,
but as pastor, he was earnest, active, and indefatigable— his whole
life’s a sermon of the most earnest and practical character.
The Venerable Archdeacon
Henry Patton, D.C.L., was born at Chelmsford, England, in March, 1806.
His father, Major Andrew Patton was a native of Chatto in Fifeshire, and
a born soldier, both his father and grandfather having been Colonels in
the army. The Major saw a long period of active service; first in
Ireland during the rebellion of 1798, then in Holland, then in Jamaica,
then in Egypt under Sir Ralph Abercrombie as an officer of the Gordon
Highlanders; next in Denmark and finally under Sir Arthur Wellesley and
Sir John Moore in the Peninsular war. He took part in the battle of
Corunna at which the latter gallant General was killed. His health,
however, had been seriously impaired, and he was not permitted to remain
at the seat of war. The gallant Major died in Toronto in 1838, aged
sixty-seven.
In 1816 the family
removed to Canada, Henry being then only ten years of age. His
education, begun in England, was continued at the Brockville Grammar
School. He studied divinity at Chambly, and was ordained Deacon in 1829
by Bishop Stewart in the Quebec Cathedral. The family meanwhile had
removed from the shores of the Bay of Quinte to Prescott, and
subsequently to Little York. In 1830 he was made a priest by the same
Bishop, but in St. James’ Cathedral, York, now Toronto. For seventeen
years the Rev. Mr. Patton laboured without assistance in the Kemptville
Mission which covered four or five townships with their villages. So
deeply was the pastor beloved by the people that they successfully
resisted his removal to Brockville, and thirty years after erected to
his memory "The Archdeacon Patton Memorial Church." In 1845,
the rev. gentleman was put in charge of Cornwall, to which his two
outlying missions were attached. In 1862, Bishop Lewis appointed him
Archdeacon of Ottawa, and at Dr. Lauder’s death as Archdeacon of the
whole Diocese of Ontario. It was with great reluctance that Archdeacon
Patton left Cornwall, where he had only recently secured the erection of
a memorial church to Bishop Strachan. He was, however, transferred to
the rectory of Belleville, where he died on the last day of April, 1874.
The Venerable Archdeacon was an untiring labourer in the Christian field
all his life. His zeal and business tact made him of great service both
in parochial and synodal work. On the death of Dr. Beaven in 1871, and
in 1873 he was elected Prolocutor of the Lower House in the Provincial
Synod, and was Chairman and an active member of all important Committees
in the Diocesan Synod. Theologically, Dr. Patton was an old school High
Churchman; but his preaching was evangelical and he disliked innovations
in ritual. The Archdeacon’s youngest brother, the Hon. James Patton,
Q.C., has been sketched in a previous volume.
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