Andrew Symington (1785-1853)
James Dodson
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Andrew Symington was born in Paisley, Scotland, June 26, 1785. He was the eldest son of a town merchant. There, in Paisley, he attended a grammar school, after which he transferred to Glasgow University. In 1803, he earned an A.M. [Master of Arts], graduating with honors in mathematics, science and theology. Being a son of the church, he intended the ministry in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, studying theology under the Rev. John MacMillan (III), of Stirling. He was licensed to preach and afterward accepted the call of the congregation in Paisley, where he was ordained, in 1809. In 1811, he married Jane Stevenson, of Crookedholm, daughter of the Rev. William Stevenson, with whom he had fourteen children. Upon the death of Mr. MacMillan, in 1818, the chair of theological instruction in the church was vacated and Mr. Symington was chosen to fill this position, in 1820. He was a learned man and published several sermons on topics, often of peculiar interest to the Reformed Presbyterian Church, including two sermons on the value of the testimony of the Scottish martyrs. He also prepared a “Guide to Private Social Prayer,” (1823, 2nd ed. 1826) a “Book of Discipline,” (1832) and other documents at the request of the synod. He also composed a new Doctrinal Testimony, at their request, in 1839. He died on September 22, 1853, in Paisley.