Patrick Simson (minister)

Patrick Simson (c. 1556 – 31 March 1618) was a Scottish Presbyterian minister and ecclesiastical writer. He served as minister of Stirling and was a prominent figure in the early years of the Scottish Reformation and the development of Presbyterian church governance.

Simson was born in Perthshire. He studied at the University of St Andrews, graduating with an M.A. in 1574. He was ordained as minister of Stirling in 1576, a position he held until his death.

A staunch Calvinist and a strong advocate for Presbyterianism, Simson played an active role in the ongoing struggles between the Kirk and the Crown over religious authority. He participated in numerous General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland and was involved in the drafting of important ecclesiastical documents. He was a critic of episcopacy and a defender of the Covenants.

Simson was a prolific writer. His most notable work is A Short Compend of the History of the Christian Church, a comprehensive history of the church from the time of Christ to the early 17th century. He also wrote commentaries on the Bible, sermons, and theological treatises. His writings are considered valuable sources for understanding the religious and political landscape of Scotland during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

He married first, Lucretia Melville, and secondly, Margaret Spittal. His son, Archibald Simson, followed in his footsteps and became a minister. Patrick Simson died in Stirling and was buried there. He is remembered as a significant figure in the history of the Scottish Reformation and a dedicated servant of the Kirk.