George Gillespie

George Gillespie (21 January 1613 – 17 December 1648) was a Scottish theologian.

His father was John Gillespie, minister of Kirkcaldy. He studied at St Andrews University, and is said to have graduated M.A. 1629, though the date is probably that on which he entered the University. He became bursar of the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy. He became chaplain to John Viscount Kenmure; to John, Earl of Cassilis, and tutor to his son, James, Lord Kennedy. He was ordained to Wemyss on 26 April 1638. He had calls to Aberdeen and St Andrews. He was translated to Greyfriars, Edinburgh, 23 September 1642.

He was a member of the Westminster Assembly of Divines in 1643, and though the youngest member, by his learning, zeal, and sound judgment, gave essential assistance in the preparation of the Directory and Confession of Faith. He took final leave of Westminster 10 July 1647, and presented the Confession of Faith to the General Assembly on 4 August, obtaining its ratification. Dr Hew Scott says that disposes of the legend which connects him with the Shorter Catechism, which was not begun until 5 August.

Dr Hew Scott mentions the fable that Gillespie drew it up "in the course of a single night." He was elected to St Giles, Edinburgh by the Town Council 22 September 1647, and admitted shortly after that. He was elected Moderator of Assembly 12 July 1648. He died at Kirkcaldy on 16 December 1648. Provided by Wikipedia