Neil McVicar (minister)

Neil McVicar (1672–1747) was an 18th century minister of the Church of Scotland and despite his Highland sympathies, was a staunch anti-Jacobite during both Jacobite rebellions. He is known for a controversial sermon wishing Bonnie Prince Charlie's death.

Life[]

St Cuthbert's in its 18th c form

McVicar was born in 1672; his family name literally means "son of the vicar".^[1]

He was chaplain of Fort William in the late 17th century, an English garrison town created around 1655 to suppress the local highlanders. In this role he served both the English or English-speaking troops in the fort plus the local Gaelic-speaking locals and was fluent in each. In May 1707 he became minister of St Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh, one of the oldest and most important charges in Scotland. This was in place of Thomas Paterson, who had moved from Collegiate charge (McVicar's role) to first charge. McVicar stayed in his role for over 40 years with several ministers passing through the first charge during his ministry, most notably George Wishart. He was then the only Gaelic-speaking minister in the city and so was charged with providing extra services in Gaelic to the highland inhabitants of the city who could not speak English.^[2]

McVicar was a strong supporter of the established (English) authority. He was strongly anti-Jacobite and also refused the Oath of Abjuration in 1712. In 1729 he was given the formal title of Almoner to Gearge II in Scotland. Although a "traditionalist" he opposed the Law of Patronage along with the majority of Scottish ministers of the period.^[3]

After the Battle of Prestonpans (September 1745) McVicar preached a sermon declaring loyalty to the English crown, with a mixed reaction from the congregation. His sermon said "In regard to the young man [Prince Charlie] who has recently come among us in search of an earthly crown, may he soon assume a heavenly one [i.e. die], which is far better". McVicar's sermon is often wrongly attached to the Tron Kirk in the city centre. St Cuthbert's in 1745 had the advantage of lying outwith the town walls.^[4]

In 1746 Sir James Campbell of Auchinbreck presented him to the congregation of Knapdale but McVicar declined the post.^[5]

He died in Edinburgh on 29 January 1747 aged 74 and is buried in the churchyard of St Cuthberts.^[6]

Family[]

He was married twice, fistly in July 1705 to Lillias Dunbar (1686-1732), daughter of Alexander Dunbar WS. Their thirteen children included:^[7]

• Hugh McVicar, minister of Dalziel
• Alexander McVicar, merchant in Edinburgh
• Neil McVicar, merchant in Edinburgh
• Jean McVicar, married Rev David Black of Perth
• Marion
• Patrick McVicar WS
• Catherine, Ann, Rachel, Archibald, Lilias, Mary and an unnamed child who died the dy he was born.

Secondly in 1737 he married Bridget Balfour (d.1764), sister of James Balfour of Pilrig.^{[8][better source needed]}

References[]