Patrick Cumin

St Giles in the 17th century

He was born in 1695 the eldest son of Robert Cumin of Relugas near Forres, Morayshire.[1] He studied at the University of Edinburgh graduating with an MA in May 1716.[2]

He became personal chaplain to Lord Chief Justice Grange from 1717 to 1720. He was licensed to preach as a minister of the Church of Scotland by the Presbytery of Dalkeith and ordained as minister of Kirkmahoe in August 1720. He translated to Lochmaben in March 1725.[2]

In January 1732 he moved to Edinburgh as second charge of Old Kirk, St Giles and in the summer of 1737 was appointed Professor of Church History at Edinburgh University a post he held until 1762.[2]

He served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland three times: 1749, 1752 and 1756. He was leader of the Moderate Party in the Church of Scotland and was consulted on the issue of church patronage.[3]

He died on 1 April 1776. His position in St Giles was filled by Robert Henry.[2]

In 1732 he married Jean Lauder (d.1769) daughter of David Lauder of Huntlywood, an advocate (and son of John Lauder, Lord Fountainhall).[4]

Their children included:[5]

• Robert Cumming, who succeeded Patrick as Professor of Church History in 1762 and continued to 1788
• John Cumming (b.1738)
• Patrick Cumming (1741-1820), Professor of Oriental Languages at Glasgow University
• George Cumming of Relugas WS (1746-1804)
• Thomas Cumming (1749-1776) became a surgeon and died in India
• Jean Cumming (1753-1775)

His granddaughter married Sir Thomas Dick Lauder baronet.[6]

• The Flight of the Timorous Clergyman