MINISTERS OF BANCHORY 1262-present day.

Robert Stainforth 1262

Sir Alexander Symson 1484 He was given the Ternan Bell

Sir Andrew Symso 1497 He was a minister in the diocese of Brechin when he was presented with “the perpetual vicarage of the Parish Church of Banchory St Ternan” by the monastery of Arbroath

James Reid 1567-1602 His charge included Banchory and Strachan with a stipend of £6:13:4 (£6.67). He was described as a man of considerable wit. He raised a distinguished family. Eldest son Robert, succeeded him as minister in 1602. Thomas was Latin and Greek secretary to James VI. Alexander was physician to Charles I. John translated Buchanan’s “History of Scotland” into English. And a fifth son, Adam, became minister of Methlick.

Robert Reid 1602Son of James Reid.

Alexander Cant 164?He joined the Protesters in 1651, and was thus deprived of the ministry at the Restoration.

Robert Reid 166?Grandson of the previous Robert Reid.

Robert Burnett 1682-1699Born about 1648. He was at King’s College, Aberdeen in 1664-1668. He married Jean Reid, daughter of Rev Robert Reid of Banchory, whom he succeeded as minister. Rev Burnett was minister at Banchory for 16 years when he was admitted to Fintray parish. On 24th February 1699 he succeeded his father, Thomas, as laird of Sauchen, but died soon afterwards on 18th June 1701 aged 53 years. He was buried at Banchory Ternan Churchyard.

Martin Schank 1694 His dates appear to clash with some of those of Robert Burnett.

George Campbell 1748-1757He moved to Aberdeen in 1757 where he became Professor of Divinity and Principal of Marischal College. He authored “The Philosophy Rhetoric”.

Francis Dauney 1758 He was criticised by Douglas of Tilquhillie for the brevity of his sermons. In retaliation he preached for two turns of the sand-glass at which point the tired laird tried to leave. At this Dauney asked him “will you say, noo, Tilquhillie, that I canna insist (preach)?”

James Gregory 1800-1829Preached at the opening of the new church on 17th July 1825, and it was reported in the Aberdeen Journal of 27th July that – “the Rev Mr Gregory preached an eloquent and appropriate sermon from Genesis 28 verses 16 and 17”. He remained as minister until his death at the age of 83 in the 52nd year of his ministry.

William Anderson 1830-1843 was born in Peterhead and was the author of the history of the parish printed in “The Statistical Account of Scotland”. He founded the first Sunday School in the 1830’s and was such an excellent teacher that he attracted pupils from many miles around, including adults. He seceded at the Disruption and later went on to become Professor of History and Morals at the Government College in Agra.

James Scott 1843-1846

George Hutchison 1847-1894Moderator of the Church of Scotland in 1877

James Hall 1894-1920

John W Anderson 1921-1952Remained until his retirement.

JG Grant Fleming 1952-1966 awarded both the DSO and the MC whilst serving as a combatant officer during the First World War. During the Second World War he served as a Chaplain, eventually being appointed Deputy Assistant Chaplain General in the Army.

AF Grimstone 1966-1968

William Nicholson 1969-1985 retained the charge until his retirement. For a short period at the end of Mr Nicholson’s ministry the parish was linked with Durris Parish to enable administrative matters in the parish to be resolved.

Hamish Fleming 1986-2001 Mr Fleming was called to the vacant charge from St Mark’s Church in Aberdeen and remained until his retirement.

Mary M Haddow 2001-2012 Mary was called to Banchory East Church as Parish Minister in 2001.
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Alan Murray 2013-