The Free Church of Scotland, 1843-1880: Its members and benefactors who rose with great enthusiasm to the challenge of the Disruption, with particular reference to the issue of theological education and the establishment of the Free Church College, Glasgow. This is a study of the people who worked for and financed the college

Cowie, Marian (2000) The Free Church of Scotland, 1843-1880: Its members and benefactors who rose with great enthusiasm to the challenge of the Disruption, with particular reference to the issue of theological education and the establishment of the Free Church College, Glasgow. This is a study of the people who worked for and financed the college. MTh(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis focuses quite specifically on the establishment of the Free Church College in Glasgow, where men were to be trained for the ministry of this church. In 1843, many of the ablest clergy and teachers decided to leave the Established Church of Scotland, and become Free Church members and ministers. To a certain degree, the mood was one of self-righteousness and triumphalism. Wherever the Established Church had got it wrong, the Free Church was going to get it right. One area in which they were determined to challenge their other brethren was in the provision of theological education. Inspired by Thomas Chalmers, there was innovation and development. But this was not without a struggle. This thesis describes the struggle that was specific to Glasgow, and yet, which was also part of a more national struggle, as the Free Church, after the Disruption tried to find its place, and to establish its identity with the Scottish people, alongside the Established Church. A close examination of the rise of the Glasgow College also shows one that there were social, economic, and demographic similarities that embraced the type of person who affiliated himself/herself with the Free Church. It is for this reason that there is much biographical material in this thesis. Who were these people who were founder members of the Free Church? Why did they give so generously to their cause? How were they able to be so generous; from where did they get their wealth? For how long was it attainable and maintainable?

• Item Type: Thesis (MTh(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: Religious history, religious education.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology > BV1460 Religious Education; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BX Christian Denominations
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Supervisor, not known
• Date of Award: 2000
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2000-71203
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 10 May 2019 10:49
• Last Modified: 31 Oct 2022 16:38
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.71203
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/71203