McManus 168

Born in the Parish of Methven, Andrew Taylor’s parents were John Taylor and Catherine Miller.^[1] His father, John Taylor, became a farmer at Auchen Stewart House, Wishaw.^[11]

In his 20s, Andrew Taylor embarked upon a career in teaching, his latter two placements having been in Ceres and Duddingston. It was while in Ceres that he wed his 1st wife, Elizabeth Lees.^[2] although their three boys were born in Duddingston. Only the eldest, John William, survived into adulthood. While in Duddingston, Andrew Taylor continued to study while also giving his attentions to teaching.

Ordained in 1850, Andrew Taylor then accepted what was to become his enduring vocation, that of minister of St Paul’s, South Parish Church, in Dundee.

Prior to leaving Duddingston for his charge in Dundee, Andrew Taylor was entertained to dinner, by a select number of his friends, in the London Hotel. During his departing get-together, he was presented with ‘a large and valuable collection of works in theological literature.’^[19]

However, shortly after gaining his post, he found himself embroiled in a major dispute. Newspapers of the time reported at length, though typically declaring:

‘Unfortunately, no sooner had he entered the work of the ministry than it became necessary for him to take up and maintain a position of hostility towards the Magistrates and Town Council, which, undeservedly, exposed him for a time to the obloquy of many who were strangers to his character and ignorant of his work.’^[18]

Known as ‘The Celebrated Stipend Case,‘^[18] it came about in consequence of the Town Council having, in year 1843, reduced the stipends of the town’s ministers from £275 to £150 per annum.^[18] Thereafter, the Presbytery entered into a litigation with the Council, with the view of insisting upon more suitable stipends being provided.^[18] Reverend Andrew Taylor took a prominent and active part in the proceedings, which were carried on for 10 years, in the Court of Session and the House of Lords.^[18] Ultimately, it resulted in the adjustment in an amicable manner, by a bill which passed the Houses of Parliament in 1864.^[18]

Gratitude for the part played by Rev Andrew Taylor, was expressed the following year when 50 to 60 gentlemen presented him with a tea and coffee silver service, a gold watch and chain, plus other articles, in token of the esteem in which he was held.^[18]

Andrew Taylor’s family life had undergone more than a few tribulations in the interim. His 1st wife and 2 of their offspring were deceased and, in 1858, he wed Elizabeth Freer Whitson.^[3] Coming from the parish of Bendochy, Elizabeth and her 3 sisters lived at 57 Magdalen Green, with their maiden aunts. Andrew’s marriage to Elizabeth was short-lived. 1861 marked the year of her death. Their daughter, Margaret Whitson Taylor had also perished. With a small son to care for and nurture, Andrew entered into a 3rd marriage.^[4] He wed Mary Hope Bell in 1864,^[4] 12 years his junior and the daughter of Thomas Bell, of Belmont, jute and flax manufacturer. Mary and her stepson, Adam Whitson Taylor, were to remain together until her death in 1905.

Andrew Taylor gained a reputation for the eloquence of his ministrations, ‘demonstrating as they did, deep knowledge of theology, great logical power, keen critical acumen, ability and erudition of no mean orders.’^[18] In recognition of his pre-eminent qualifications and his services to the Church in Dundee, the Sinalus of the University of St Andrews conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1867, an honour, it was reported at the time, ‘which he justly merited.’^[18]

The Reverend Andrew Taylor, D.D. died on 1 July 1873 at the home of his son, Dr. John Taylor, in Port Glasgow. His funeral was attended by the Masonic bodies, by several members of the Town Council and a large representation of his Congregation, together with private friends.^[18] Approximately 200 masons also turned out and gathered in St David’s Masonic Hall, 8 Bank Street.^[20]

Andrew Taylor, an able and faithful minister, having the courage of his convictions, was readily recognised for his ‘boldness and unswerving integrity. He uniformly displayed in contending for that which, in his own mind, he was convinced was true, honest and just.’^[18]