Glimpses of old Glasgow

Part II. Biographical

Rev. Robert Selkirk Scott, D.D.

DURING the last two or three decades great changes have taken place among the ministers and elders who attend the synodical meetings of the United Presbyterian Church. Of the venerated seniors whose voices were ever listened to with attention, and whose skill in debate, guidance in deliberation and good service in promoting the welfare of the denomination, were affectionately recognised, many have passed away. The places of the aged ministers have almost all been filled by a younger generation, and chiefly among the elders are here and there seen those whose hairs are grey. Among the members whose faces will no more be seen at this reverend court is the subject of this brief sketch.

Dr. Scott was born on 28th July, 1812, at the little village of Benwell, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. In his early years he assisted his father in carrying on the business of builder and joiner. Although his prospects at that time were encouraging, yet, as his aim was to be a minister of the gospel, he retired from his vocation and commenced his studies in Edinburgh University. In this seat of learning so clever did the young student show himself to be that Sir William Hamilton, when laid aside by illness for three years, committed to his charge the care of the class of logic and metaphysics.

Having finished his arts course and theological studies. Dr. Scott was duly licensed, and ere long received several calls, among them that to a new cause in Manchester, which he accepted. The charge so flourished under his pastorate that when one year had run its course the corner stone of a large edifice in Coupland Street was laid, and at the close of another year the building was occupied by the congregation.

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Dr. Scott's aptitude for business soon brought him to the front in the administrative work of his presbytery. A vacancy occurring in the clerkship, he was appointed; and in the exercise of that office he won the esteem and confidence of his brethren, alike by his kindliness of disposition and the tact he displayed when difficulties arose.

In 1868, when this denomination became incorporated with the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Dr. Scott's administrative talents were so well known that he was appointed, by the synod of the latter body, their first secretary for home mission work. For twenty-one years he held this office, and during that time>>he was unceasing in his efforts to stimulate the Christian zeal and liberality of the members of the Church, so that the gospel might be extended and the ministry better supported.

In April, 1868, the University of Edinburgh conferred upon him the degree of doctor of divinity in recognition of his distinguished career as one of its alumni. It was while he was a student in Edinburgh that I became acquainted with him, and since then I have ever cherished his friendship.

In recognition of his valuable services, his Church conferred upon him the highest honour in its power by calling him to occupy the moderator's chair in the year 1883, and he discharged the duties with great acceptance and signal ability.

In 1889 Dr. Scott felt that his strength was not equal to the right performance of his duties, and so he resigned office. His resignation was accepted, and a retiring allowance granted him by the synod. He retained his status in the presbytery and synod, and was home secretary emeritus. The last few years of his life were spent in comparative retirement, but his love for the home and foreign operations of his Church remained strong in him to the last. After a lingering illness he died at Glasgow on the 6th August, 1894, in the eighty-second year of his age.

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Dr. Scott as a student and graduate was indefatigable; as a minister he was earnest, eloquent, and accomplished; as a secretary wise and prudent; a faithful friend and a conscientious citizen, his church and country are the poorer by his demise.