Higher Education, Part 2

Disciples History Moment for December 1, 2024

On this day in 1843, The Campbell – Rice Debate (see this post for a reminder) is still going on but is in its last two days!

Last week, I talked about the historic educational emphasis of the Disciples (see this post). Thomas Campbell, father of Alexander Campbell (one of our founders), was a leading light of the early Disciples movement and a shining example of a person who believed in higher education. In 1783 Thomas entered the University of Glasgow to prepare for his calling to the ministry. He completed those studies with honors at the University of Glasgow in 1786 and then entered the Anti-Burgher branch of the Seceder Presbyterian theological school. This was a five-year program, which Thomas would finish in 1791. When Thomas came to America in 1807 and began preaching in Washington, PA, he was probably one of the best educated preachers on the frontier! 

Rev. Kevin K. Adams