James Veitch (1808–1879) was a minister of the Church of Scotland and noted astronomer and geologist. A traditionalist, he resisted all innovations within the church (such as reintroduction of iconography in stained glass, and the use of church organs). Ironically, in bequeathing most of his monies to the church, much was then used to "modernise" the church structure.

Life

He was born at Inchbonny near Jedburgh on 27 April 1808 one of at least seven children of James Miller Veitch, a ploughwright, and his wife, Betty Robson. He was educated at Edinburgh University. His father made telescopes and this evolved into James and his brothers being keen astronomers.

He was ordained as minister of Galashiels in August 1830. He translated to the collegiate section of St Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh in March 1843 in place of Rev David Dickson in the mids of the ministry (at "first charge") of Rev John Paul.

Edinburgh University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD) in 1854.  He was convener of the Indian Mission for many years.

He lived his final years at 8 Merchiston Park in west Edinburgh.

He fell ill in 1877 and died on 11 April 1879 aged 70. He was buried in Jedburgh Abbey with his family. He is also memorialised in Grange Cemetery in Edinburgh. In his will he left all his monies to the church and parish. This in part paid for the major rebuild of the church in 1890.

His position in St Cuthbert's was filled by James Barclay.

Publications

Reasons Against Affiliating our Christian Missions to the Secular System of Government Education in India (1857)
The Effifacy of Prayer (1865)

References
 

1808 births
1879 deaths
People from Jedburgh
Clergy from the Scottish Borders
Alumni of the University of Edinburgh
Scottish philanthropists
19th-century Ministers of the Church of Scotland