David Welsh

Who was David Welsh?

David Welsh was a Scottish divine and academic.

In the 1820s, Welsh was notable for his attempt to forge an alliance between the evangelicals and the Edinburgh Phrenological Society - then at the height of its influence. However, Welsh was out-manoeuvered by George Combe - the "high priest" of the phrenologists - who prohibited all discussion of religious matters at phrenological meetings. Not for the last time, Welsh was to preside over a major disruptive schism. Welsh was appointed Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the University of Edinburgh and was Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on the occasion of the Disruption of 1843 - and he headed the secession on the day of the exodus. He then chaired the first General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.