James Hood Wilson (7 February 1829 – 6 December 1903) was a Scottish minister of the Free Church of Scotland who served as Moderator of the General Assembly in 1895/96. He was a major campaigner for the Temperance movement in Scotland.

Life

He was born on 7 February 1829 in Duns, Berwickshire, the son of Mary Hood of Bowshiel, first cousin to Rev Thomas McCrie, and John Wilson, a merchant. He was raised by his mother's twin sister, Jane Hood. The family belonged to the Secessionist Church.Free Church Monthly June 1896

He studied at the University of Edinburgh from 1843 and graduated in 1848. He then trained as a Free Church minister at New College, Edinburgh. He was licensed to preach in 1852 and ordained at Fountainbridge Free Church in Edinburgh in July 1854, residing at Fountainbridge manse.Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1860 He was translated to Edinburgh's then newly built magnificent landmark Barclay Church in 1864 as its first minister.

In 1895 he succeeded Rev G. C. M. Douglas as Moderator of the General Assembly. He was succeeded in turn by Rev William Miller in 1896. He served on the Jewish Mission Committee and Home Mission Committee.Ewing, William Annals of the Free Church

He retired in 1897 and was replaced at Barclay Church by Rev Dr W. M. Clow. He was permitted to stay at Barclay manse at 1 East Castle Road after his retirement.Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1902 He died at the manse on 6 December 1903,Free Church Monthly January 1904 and is buried in Morningside Cemetery, Edinburgh. The grave lies near the western end of the main east–west path, on its north side. The grave is currently (2019) toppled.

Family

In 1865 he married Margaret Chalmers Hood (1825–1902), daughter of George Hood and his sister (sic) Janet Hood.The Life of James Hood Wilson by James Wells Margaret appears to have been a first or second cousin. They had no children.

Publications The King's Message The Gospel and its Fruits Our Father in Heaven

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