13 Facts About Edward Irving

Edward Irving was a Scottish clergyman, generally regarded as the main figure behind the foundation of the Catholic Apostolic Church.

Edward Irving was born at Annan, Annandale, the second son of Gavin Irving, a tanner, and his wife, Mary Lowther of Dornock.

Edward Irving was first educated at a school kept by Peggy Paine, a relation of Thomas Paine, after which he entered the Annan Academy taught by Adam Hope.

Edward Irving became engaged in 1812 to Isabella Martin, but he gradually fell in love with Jane Welsh, and she with him.

Edward Irving tried to break off his engagement with Isabella, but was prevented by her family.

Edward Irving devoted his leisure, not only to mathematical and physical science, but to a course of reading in English literature, his bias towards the antique in sentiment and style being strengthened by a perusal of the older classics, among whom Richard Hooker was his favourite author.

Edward Irving was considering a missionary tour in Persia when he was arrested by steps taken by Thomas Chalmers which, after considerable delay, resulted in October 1819 in Irving being appointed his assistant and missionary in St John's parish, Glasgow.

Except in the case of a select few, Edward Irving's preaching awakened little interest among the congregation of St John's.

Edward Irving had prepared himself, as he thought, for teaching political, legal, and scientific men; he did not attempt to win them through abstract, worn-out theological arguments, but discussed the opinions, poetry, politics, manners and customs of the time.

Rather than address these issues through a comprehensive philosophical approach, Edward Irving's method was one of severe satire varied by fierce denunciation.

Edward Irving welcomed the new powers even though they caused the desertions of his dearest friends, his own descent into a subordinate position, and his rejection by the church.

Edward Irving is buried in the crypt of Glasgow Cathedral near to the tomb of St Mungo.

Edward Irving's collected works were published in five volumes, edited by Gavin Carlyle.