Macleod, Norman

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

mak-lowd', Norman (1812-1872), a famous Scottish clergyman. His father and his grandfather before him bore the name and were also clergymen of the Church of Scotland. In 1843 a long contest over the appointment of ministers came to a head. The state exercised the right of appointing ministers much as postmasters are appointed in this country. The Scottish churches very generally desired to select their own ministers. The renowned Dr. Chalmers led a secession of half a thousand ministers, who rose and left their seats in the Scottish General Assembly. Dr. Norman Macleod, though in sympathy with the aim of the seceding party, stayed staunchly by the established church, and was the leading spirit in its reorganization. Dr. Chalmers had 430 clergymen and congregations without church buildings or incomes. Dr. Macleod had as many church buildings and incomes without clergymen or congregations. He took the right course; he appealed to the masses, not to the authorities, for support. The record of his work in Scotland is one of the most interesting in the annals of church history. He was called to the Barony Church of Glasgow, one of the most important in Scotland. In 1860 he founded a magazine known as Good Words. It was so liberal and interesting that it had a wide circulation and became one of the most influential periodicals in Great Britain . His sterling qualities, individuality, and stout stand for the old order of things made him a favorite with Queen Victoria. Her friendship was a source of great comfort in his work. At his death, he was laid at rest in the quiet burial churchyard of Camsie. All who knew him united in saying that he had done his work in the world well. See Presbyterians ; Miller