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Famous Scots - Robert Hood

Rev. Robert Hood

Born in Newmilns, Ayrshire, in 1839, Robert Hood was of the seed of the righteous. His parents long enjoyed the ministrations of the Rev. Dr. Bruce, of the United Secession Church there. They were devotedly attached to this church, but believing that Mr. Morison, of Clerk's Lane, Kilmarnock, preached a fuller and freer gospel than did Dr. Bruce, they left it for conscience' sake, and joined Clerk's Lane congregation. For a number of years they travelled to and from Newmilns to Kilmarnock. When Mr. Hood's parents came to reside in Glasgow, Mr. Morison had preceded them, and they joined the new church under his pastorate. After being for a short time a message-boy, their son Robert became a teacher. In both avocations he was faithful. But the wielding of the tawse did not altogether satisfy the youthful dreams of service, and feeling an earnest desire to profess his faith in Christ, he had a conference with his minister. This resulted in young Hood joining Mr. Morison's church, and in resolving to become a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. At the age of eighteen he joined the arts classes of Glasgow University, in which, as well as in the Theological Hall of the Evangelical Union, he gave promise of becoming a most earnest and devoted gospel minister. Duly licensed he was called by Muslin Street church, Bridgeton, and was ordained in October, 1862.

At his settlement, although the church had existed for nearly two decades, and had had in that time three pastors, yet through its internal contentions and foolish bickerings, the congregation had dwindled to about fourscore members. However these things did not discourage but rather inspired Mr. Hood to earnest devotedness in all departments of his Master's service. He knew that to a very large extent his preaching would be the means of filling the empty pews. The Christian verities - Jesus Christ and Him crucified - were the chief subjects of his pulpit utterances, and his life corresponded with his preaching. He did not degrade his office by advertising his sermons with sensational or "catching" titles. He trusted solely to the help of the Holy Spirit, and in His help he overcame many difficulties. The Christian vigour of the few members was felt; the "beggarly array" of empty pews no longer was a slur to the church; and the Sabbath schools and Bible-classes rose in attendance and usefulness; the weekly prayer-meeting became more like a Sabbath attendance, and "the people had a mind to work."

The old church was several times enlarged, but no sooner were these accomplished than it became evident that the accommodation was not sufficient for the growing congregation, and the result was that it was heartily agreed to build a new church. The undertaking, although a serious one - the congregation being what is called a "working-class" one - was loyally begun, and triumphantly accomplished. The most assiduous of all the workers in this laudable enterprise was the esteemed minister himself. On the 26th November, 1892, the church was opened - the day being one of much delight to Mr. Hood, his people, and other friends.

To help to liquidate the debt on their new church a bazaar was held, at which nearly £3,000 was raised. Almost the whole burden of this bazaar was borne by Mr. Hood, and the task, it may be feared, "weakened him by the way." Although medically warned of this danger, and besought to take rest both to body and mind, yet his zeal consumed him. His pulpit was his throne, and all the years he was minister he was rarely out of it on the Lord's-day. His pastoral visitations were not neglected. His people loved to see him in their homes, and especially in seasons of sickness, bereavement, or trial. He taught in the Bible-class, and shared in the operations of his Sabbath school and other agencies of his church. In denominational work he took a hearty interest; and his pen was largely employed in different forms of literary work in its behalf.

To fulfil all these duties, and at the same time exercise a watchful superintendence over a church of 800 members, besides adherents, would have taxed even herculean strength, and so it was that his end came suddenly - it might almost be said that he died at the post of duty. On the 3rd of January, 1894, he entered into his rest and reward, in the fifty-seventh year of his age and the thirty-first year of his ministry. His funeral took place on Saturday, the 6th of January. The service was held in Muslin Street church, which was filled to overflowing. Never, perhaps, was there such a large assemblage of people seen at any recent funeral in Glasgow. There were thousands of factory workers looking on with wet eyes, and many of all classes marched in the procession, or lined the route from the church to the cemetery at Cathcart. 

Headstone Photograph


Further Information

Firstname: ROBERT HOOD

Cemetery: Cathcart Cemetery

  160 Brenfield Road

Town: Cathcart

Region: Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Country: Scotland

 

Please Note, the marker on this map indicates the Cemetery location, not the location of a particular grave.


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