Archibald Scott

Archibald Scott (1837–1909) was a Scottish minister who served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1896.

He was instrumental in paving the way for the re-unification of the Church of Scotland with the Free Church of Scotland in 1900.

Life

He was born on 18 September 1837 at Bogton Farm near Cadder, north of Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, the sixth son of Margaret (née Brown) and James Scott, a farmer. He was educated at the parish school which was run by the Church of Scotland. His later education was at Glasgow High School. His classmates included James Bryce.

From 1845 onwards the Church of Scotland required trainee ministers to study for four years for a general MA degree prior to studying divinity. Scott studied for his general degree at the University of Glasgow, at that time located on the High Street close to Glasgow Cathedral. His studied mathematics under William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, Greek was under Edmund Lushington, and Latin from Professor Ramsay. Lacking skills in mathematics and physics he graduated with a BA rather than MA. In autumn 1855 he began studying divinity at the University of Glasgow. He studied theology under Professor Hill. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Glasgow in June 1859. He began as assistant to Rev Dr Archibald Watson of St Matthew's Church in Glasgow.

In the autumn of 1859 he moved to Clackmannan as assistant to Rev Peter Balfour (known as "Perpendicular Peter") the father of John Balfour. Here he started a lifelong friendship with John. He also befriended the young Alexander Bruce during this period.