James G. K. McClure

James Gore King McClure (November 24, 1848 – January 18, 1932) was an American Presbyterian minister, author, and educator best known for his long tenure as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest and for his service as president of Lake Forest College and later the McCormick Theological Seminary. He was a prominent figure in the religious and civic life of Lake Forest, Illinois, and his influence extended into education, publishing, and institutional leadership.

Early life and education

McClure was born in Albany, New York on November 24, 1848, to Archibald McClure and Susan Tracy Rice McClure. He graduated from Phillips Academy in 1866 and later attended Yale University, graduating in 1870 with an A.B. degree. At Yale he served as captain of the baseball team his senior year. McClure also took a post-graduate course at the Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with high honors in preparation for a career in the Presbyterian ministry. He received his Doctor of Divinity degree in 1888 from Lake Forest University, and Doctor of Laws from Lake Forest University and Illinois College.

Career

McClure was ordained in the Presbyterian ministry in 1874. His first pastorate was in New Scotland, New York, where he served for five years. In 1881 McClure became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, where he served for approximately twenty-five years. During that time, he played an important role in shaping the civic and social life of Lake Forest and was also associated with Lake Forest University, where he intermittently served as president. For the academic year 1892-1893 he served as Acting President, and during that time he wrote a ten-page report to the trustees about Lake Forest University. The prior spring he had served as the university's Baccalaureate speaker, a role he reprised in 1901. McClure was officially made President from 1897 Fall through 1901 Spring.