Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1873. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... V. RELIEF THEOLOGICAL HALL. A friendly feeling having subsisted between Rev. Thomas Gillespie and the Evangelical party in the Church of Scotland, the students of the Relief Church were educated at the University Divinity Halls. In 95 the subject of theological education was brought before the Relief Synod, and the appointment of a Professor of Theology urged, but the question was delayed. For several years prior to 1822, the care of students had been entrusted to Presbyterial Committees. In 1822 the Rev. William Macllquham was Moderator of Synod, and in his sermon strongly urged the appointment of a Professor. An overture by the Rev. James Kirkwood of Edinburgh in the same direction was addressed to the Synod, and thereafter sent down to Presbyteries. Various occurrences had rendered the adoption of the measure expedient. A Relief student, in 1820, had been refused enrolment in a Northern theological hall because he was a Dissenter, and an overture was before the General Assembly threatening all students of theology with an examination before Established Presbyteries before entering the Hall. A petition, too, from twenty-five students of the Relief Church had been presented to the Presbytery of Glasgow, asking them to support the Synod's overture. In 1823 the overture was adopted, and it was resolved that a Professor be appointed, and a Committee instructed to draw out the constitution of the intended institute. The Rev. James Thomson, afterwards Dr Thomson, was elected Professor. During 1824 the session was short, but in 1825 the session opened with cheering prospects, a library having been collected, and thirty-nine students being enrolled. Dr Lindsay, who was then a senior student, states that " on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, one hour was given...