John Row (minister, born 1598)

John Row (1598-1672) was a prominent Scottish Presbyterian minister and historian. Born in Perthshire, Scotland, he was the son of John Row, a Roman Catholic priest who converted to Protestantism.

Row was educated at Perth Grammar School and the University of St Andrews, graduating with an MA in 1621. He subsequently served as a schoolmaster in Aberdour before being ordained as minister of Carnock in 1630.

A staunch supporter of the National Covenant of 1638, Row played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation. He was a member of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and participated in various commissions tasked with implementing Presbyterian reforms. He was also involved in the negotiations leading to the Solemn League and Covenant in 1643, which allied Scotland and England against Charles I.

Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Row was deprived of his living for refusing to conform to Episcopalianism. He continued to preach in secret conventicles and suffered persecution for his religious beliefs.

Row is best known for his History of the Kirk of Scotland from the Year 1558 to August 1637, a valuable primary source for understanding the Scottish Reformation and the conflicts between Presbyterianism and Episcopacy. The work provides detailed accounts of key events and personalities and offers insights into the religious and political landscape of 17th-century Scotland. He also penned other theological and historical works.

John Row died in Glasgow in 1672. He is remembered as a courageous defender of Presbyterian principles and an important contributor to Scottish historical scholarship.