James Dempster (Methodist)

James Dempster (1792-1854) was a prominent Methodist minister and educator in the United States during the 19th century. Born in Perthshire, Scotland, he emigrated to the United States in 1816.

Dempster dedicated his life to the Methodist Episcopal Church, serving in various pastoral appointments across New York and New England. He was known for his powerful preaching, his commitment to social reform, particularly temperance, and his strong advocacy for theological education.

His most significant contribution was his role in establishing and leading Methodist seminaries. He served as a professor at the Methodist General Biblical Institute (later Boston University School of Theology) and played a crucial role in founding the Biblical Institute at Concord, New Hampshire (later Boston University School of Theology as well). He also helped to establish the Garrett Biblical Institute in Evanston, Illinois (now Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary). Dempster's vision was to create institutions that would train well-educated and spiritually grounded ministers for the growing Methodist denomination. His dedication to theological education left a lasting impact on the development of Methodist clergy in America. He also authored several religious tracts and books.