John Adamson

Who was John Adamson?

John Adamson was a Scottish Minister and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He was the son of Lawrence Adamson, Schoolmaster of Leuchars. He was educated in St Andrews University where he received the degree of M.A. in 1757. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of St Andrews on 2 March 1753, but it was not until 1764 that he was ordained as Minister of Kilmany. Eight years later, in 1772 he transferred to the more lucrative post as Minister of the Second Charge of St Andrews. He also became Professor of Civil History in the United College in the University there. He was awarded a Doctorate in Divinity by his University in 1777. Two years later, in 1779 he transferred to the even more lucrative First Charge of St Andrews. He was technically presented to this charge by King George III, but in fact by Henry Dundas, who exercised the royal patronage in Scotland. He was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on 18 May 1797. This was during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Government in Britain feared political agitation, so the General Assembly was anxious to demonstrate its loyalty and devotion. It voted an address to the King, signed by John Adamson, Moderator, which they assured him that