author
Robert Rainy
1826–1906
A leading Scottish churchman of the 19th century, he helped shape the Free Church tradition and became one of the most influential religious voices in Scotland. His career joined preaching, scholarship, and church leadership at a moment of major change.
1 Audiobook
The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Philippians
by Robert Rainy
About the author
Born in Glasgow on January 1, 1826, Robert Rainy first studied at the University of Glasgow and was originally intended for medicine before turning to the ministry. He was ordained in the Free Church of Scotland in 1851, served first in Huntly and then at the Free High Church in Edinburgh, and soon gained a reputation as a powerful preacher and thoughtful church leader.
In 1862 he became professor of church history at New College, Edinburgh, and in 1874 he was appointed principal. Rainy played a central role in Scottish Presbyterian life for decades, especially in public debate, church policy, and efforts toward union among Presbyterian bodies. He is closely associated with the movement that led to the creation of the United Free Church of Scotland in 1900, and he served as its first moderator.
Remembered as both a scholar and a practical leader, Rainy wrote on church history, theology, and the history of the Church of Scotland. He died on December 22, 1906, and his name remained closely tied to New College, where Rainy Hall was later named in his honor.