Andrew Hunter (minister)

Life

Andrew Hunter of Dumfriesshire, was born in 1743, eldest son of Andrew Hunter., W.S, in Edinburgh, and Grizell Maxwell of Cardoness.

He was educated at the High School and then studied Divinity at the University of Edinburgh under Rev Prof Robert Walker, but did not graduate. He then spent a year in Utrecht furthering his studies in Calvinist Theology.He was then made a licensed probationer by the Presbytery of Edinburgh in 1767, though it seemed he refused to take up any formal position while his father, whom he adored, lived. He was ordained as Minister to the Second Charge (the New Church) of the Parish of Dumfries, on 20 September 1770. He inherited Abbotshill on the death of his father, but sold the estate and instead purchased the estate of Barjarg near Dumfries from James Erskine in 1772 and remained for nine years.

He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Edinburgh University in 1779 and transferred to New Greyfriars Church, Edinburgh, on 25 November 1779. This post was to be held in conjunction with the Professorship of Divinity at the University, which he held jointly with the aging incumbent, Professor Hamilton, with no salary but with a view to succeeding him. From his own funds he establish a prize for the best Theology essay by his students. On 21 October 1785, the Town Council presented him to the Tron Church, He took up post on 2 April 1786. Dr Hunter's lecturing and preaching style is described as "earnest and affectionate" and reports of his character portray him as amiable but unruffled. Even when urging against the dangers of public unrest, his language was "moderate and conciliatory". He was elected Moderator of Assembly on 17 May 1792. It was the time of the French Revolution and the British Government was anxious that the Church do all in its power to calm growing popular demands for political reform. The General Assembly was anxious to show its loyalty to the Government and passed motions urging Ministers to remind their parishioners forcibly of how blessed they were to live in a free country ruled over by a beneficent monarch. The Assembly sent congratulations to the Duke of York on his marriage to the Princess of Prussia and approved measures to promote the Protestant religion in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland (this was an annual measure, drawing upon funds specially donated by the Crown). In the year following he declined the customary appointment as one of His Majesty's Chaplains in Ordinary.

In 1783 he was a Founding Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (and of its predecessor, the Newtonian Society). He took part in its deliberations, though not always successfully. He once turned up to give a talk, with a mass of papers under his arm, announcing he would deal with twelve topics. The Preses (Chairman) said he had twelve objections to this, and took some time to deliver them followed by six members took it in turn to add their objections. Dr Hunter listened glumly throughout the evening, then gathered his papers together and left in silence.

Andrew Hunter died at his home at the head of New Street on the Canongate in Edinburgh on 21 April 1809. He had collapsed suddenly "with an inflammation" after having returned from a Holy Fair (regional Communion Services) in Leith. He died after a few days illness, calmly assured of a future life.

He is buried in Canongate Kirkyard on the Royal Mile.

Family

On 14 April 1779, he married the Hon. Marion (aka Mainy or Mary) Schaw Napier (born 5 Aug. 1756, died 9 Oct. 1806), the eldest daughter of William Napier, 7th Lord Napier, with whom he had three sons and three daughters. His daughter Grizel Hunter (1784-1864) married George Ross advocate, fourth son of John Lockhart-Ross baronet.

He was cousin to James William Hunter FRSE.

Publications