16 Facts About Andrew Harper

Andrew Harper joined the civil service, and in 1864 passed the matriculation examination of the University of Melbourne and graduated BA in 1868.

Andrew Harper then studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated BD in 1872 and gained the Cunningham fellowship.

Andrew Harper did not pursue the ministry at this point as his doctrinal views were liberal evangelical and were not openly accepted at that time.

Andrew Harper was appointed English master at the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne, in 1875, becoming headmaster in 1877, and in 1879, principal.

Andrew Harper resigned at the end of 1888, leaving the school with a high reputation among the secondary schools of Victoria.

Also in 1888, Andrew Harper was appointed lecturer of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis at Ormond College within the University of Melbourne.

Andrew Harper was a good speaker and debater who exercised much influence in the Presbyterian Church of Australia, and more especially on the candidates for the ministry who studied under him.

Andrew Harper had decided convictions but could realise the difficulties of others.

Andrew Harper retired to Edinburgh where he died on 25 November 1936, twelve days after his 92nd birthday.

Andrew Harper is buried in the 20th century extension to Dean Cemetery accessed off Queensferry Road in western Edinburgh.

Andrew Harper married twice: firstly to Agnes Marion Craig on 23 October 1875 and secondly to Barbara Harriet Rainy, daughter of Dr Robert Rainy, Principal of New College, Edinburgh, where Andrew Harper had studied for his divinity degree.

Andrew Harper survived him with two sons and five daughters.

Andrew Harper was a fine scholar but did not publish a great deal.

Andrew Harper contributed a volume, The Song of Solomon to The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges in 1902.

Portraits of Andrew Harper are held at the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne and the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney.

St Andrew's College at the University of Sydney features the Harper building named in his honour.