13 Facts About Alexander Balmain

Alexander Balmain was an American Episcopal minister and teacher in Winchester, Virginia.

Alexander Balmain ministered Christ Episcopal Church, as well as serving as rector of Frederick Parish, for four decades, the longest of any rector in the parish.

Alexander Balmain was married to a cousin of President James Madison, whose marriage to Dolley Payne Todd he would go on to consecrate.

Originally from Scotland, and trained as a Presbyterian, Balmain traveled to Virginia to become teacher to the children of Richard Henry Lee.

Apart from his duties in the clergy, Alexander Balmain helped George Washington map the most convenient route from the Potomac to the Ohio.

Alexander Balmain studied theology with Dr Robert Hamilton at the University of Edinburgh.

Alexander Balmain mentored several clergymen, including parishioner William Meade, who become a priest and later served as rector of Cunningham Chapel Parish for 27 years as well as becoming the third Episcopal Bishop of Virginia.

Alexander Balmain attended the organizational convention of the Diocese of Virginia presided over by Rev James Madison.

Alexander Balmain lived a frugal life as his primary source of income was a meager military pension for his service during the war supplemented by subscriptions from his parishioners and rent from leases of the glebe lands, which were generally donated to the poor.

Alexander Balmain convinced his nephew John Bruce to immigrate from Scotland.

Alexander Balmain served Frederick Parish for over four decades, the longest of any rector to date, until his much-mourned death in 1821.

Alexander Balmain was buried in the cemetery of the old stone church.

Alexander Balmain kept a large manuscript journal, which still survives, providing much information about the life of a rector in that period.