Alexander Scrogie, Min. of St Machar's

Biographical Summary

"Alexander Scrogie (primus), born 1565; educated at King's College, Aberdeen; M.A.; became a regent of Marischal College; assistant of Skene 9th Sept. 1603; ord. (assistant there) 16th Aug. 1605; attended the meeting of the Assembly at Aberdeen 2nd July that year, for which he was summoned before the Privy Council, but admitting it was not a lawful Assembly he was released; trans. to Drumoak 26th Jan. 1606, to reside in his parish, but on 13th March 1609 he was charged with non-residence. He answered that his family did reside and he himself too on every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, being occupied at the College the rest of the week. He was ordered to leave the College at Lammas and reside with his wife and family; trans. and adm. in 1621; D.D. (King's College, 31st July 1627); joined with the other Doctors of Aberdeen in opposing the Covenant, and was app. rector of King's College 24th June 1636. He gave further offence by celebrating the Communion on Christmas 1638, after that had been forbidden by previous Assembly. His house was seized by a party of soldiers of the Earl of Marischal's Regiment on 15th July, but he compounded for a protection next day with 600 merks until a meeting of Assembly, when he was dep. by a committee, 1st Aug. 1640, for his opposition to the Covenant. He petitioned the Assembly in July 1641, offered to subscribe the Covenant, and to make a full recantation before the Presb. 26th May 1642. By this means he obtained a gift from the Bishop of Ross of eight chalders' victual, after he had been deprived of his benefice; died at Rathven 1659. He had been represented as of good parts for good literature, judgement, and understanding. He marr. Jean, daugh. of James Ross, min. of Second Charge, Aberdeen, and had issue - William, min. of Rathven and Bishop of Argyll; Alexander, min. of this parish; James; Patrick; a daugh. (marr. William Douglas, min. of Forgue); Marjorie (marr. Alexander Innes, min. of Mortlach)."

SOURCE: Fasti ecclesiae scoticanae: the succession of ministers in the Church of Scotland from the reformation, Vol. VI, page 18