James Pitt-Watson
James Pitt-Watson (9 November 1893 – 25 December 1962) was a notable 20th-century Scottish minister and academic. He was Professor of Practical Theology at Glasgow University and served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1953.[1] He has been described as an "ecclesiastical politician".[2]
James Pitt-Watson | |
---|---|
Moderator of the General Assembly | |
Church | Church of Scotland |
In office | 1953 to 1954 |
Predecessor | George Johnstone Jeffrey |
Successor | Ernest David Jarvis |
Personal details | |
Born | 9 November 1893 |
Died | 25 December 1962 69) | (aged
Nationality | Scottish |
Denomination | Presbyterianism |
Occupation | Church minister and academic |
Life
James Pitt-Watson was born on 9 November 1893. He was educated at George Heriot's School, an independent school in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied and trained for ministry at the University of Edinburgh.[3]
Pitt-Watson was ordained for the Church of Scotland in 1920.[3] He was minister of St. Mungo's Parish Church in Alloa church in central Scotland from 1929 to 1946.[4] During his time as Moderator he presented a Bible to Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation, saying, "Here is wisdom, this is the royal law, these are the lively Oracles of God."[5] Other duties as Moderator included opening the new church at Colinton Mains in south-west Edinburgh[6]
He died on Christmas Day, 25 December 1962. His obituary was written by the Very Rev A C Craig.[7]
Family
He was father to Rev Prof Ian Pitt-Watson (1923-1995).[8] Through his son Ian, he is grandfather to the Scottish businessman, David Pitt-Watson.
References
- "The Rev Professor Ian Pitt-Watson". HeraldScotland.
- Power without Glory: Ian Henderson 1967
- "Pitt-Watson, Very Rev. Prof. James". Who Was Who. Oxford University Press. 1 December 2007. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540891.001.0001/ww-9780199540884-e-55678. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
- "Fairmilehead Parish Church | History". fhpc.org.uk.
- Glasgow Herald (newspaper) 27 December 1962
- "Ian Pitt-Watson". The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology. Canterbury Press. Retrieved 2 June 2019.