John Paterson

John Paterson (1632–1708) was the last archbishop of Glasgow in the Church of Scotland. He was the youngest son of John Paterson, bishop of Ross. John, after some preliminary studies at Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, was admitted as a student of theology at the University of St Andrews on 13 March 1655, and he is entered as regent in St Leonard's College under date of 3 February 1658, indicating that he had taught the junior class in the preceding year. Biography Early career He probably continued to teach there until called to succeed his father, though not without some opposition, at Ellon on 6 November 1659, to which charge he was admitted before 15 July 1660. On 24 October 1662 he was elected by the town council of Edinburgh as minister of the Tron Church, and was admitted on 4 January following. From that charge he was promoted to the deanery of the High Kirk of Edinburgh (St Giles) on 12 July 1672, and was admitted a burgess and guild-brother of the city on 13 November 1673. Bishop of Galloway He strongly opposed the proposal of the more moderate party in the Scottish church in 1674 to hold a national synod. Through the influence of his patron, the Duke of Lauderdale, he was appointed on 20 October 1674 to Bishop of the see of Galloway, but was not consecrated until May 1675 at Edinburgh. For a few years father and son were thus occupants of Scottish sees at the same time. On 27 September 1678 he was appointed a privy councillor.