George Matheson
Born: March 27, 1842, Glasgow, Scotland.
Died: August 28, 1906, Avenell House, North Berwick, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Buried: Family vault, Glasgow Necropolis.
Dr.
George was one of eight children. First educated at a small school in Carlton
Place. Then, after the move to St. Vincent Crescent, he went to Glasgow Academy,
at that time in Elmbank Street and now the site of the Glasgow High School. He
then went to Glasgow University which was in the High Street. He graduated BA in
1861 with Hon. distinction in Philosophy, and MA in 1862.
Born
with poor vision, Matheson’s eyesight gradually worsened until he was almost
totally blind. However, he was academically gifted, and his sisters learned
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew to help him study. He used powerful glasses and sat
near a window in school. He graduated from the University of
Edinburgh (MA 1862), then became a minister in the Church of Scotland. After
University he was dependent on others. At first he was assistant at Sandyford
church where he surprised everyone that although blind he could cope with any
duty imposed upon him. His first charge was Innellan. He earned the reputation
as a famous preacher and to look as though he read the lessons, so that many
never knew he could not. Many came to Innellan year after year for holidays,
because they liked to hear "Matheson of Innellan" and his name became
a household word in Scotland. He
pastored in the resort town of Innelan for 18 years; due to his ability to
memorize sermons and entire sections of the Bible, listeners were often unaware
he was blind. In 1886, Matheson became pastor of St. Bernard’s Church in
Edinburgh, where he served 13 years. He spent the remaining years of his life in
literary efforts.
He was never entirely blind, but only saw shadows; had inflammation
at the back of his eyes. He had the reputation of being a great optimist, with a
buoyant and inspiring spirit. Many of his congregation did not realize he was
blind, although at one time he almost succumbed to despondency. He was greatly
helped by his eldest sister who wrote his essays at his dictation, and his early
sermons. He had a marvelous memory. His sister ran the house for him and helped
with the parish. He wrote hundreds of articles and many books with the help of a
secretary and latterly by braille and typewriter. His publishers were T. and T.
Clark, Blackwood, Jas. Nisbet, Cassell and Jas. Clarke, latterly Hodder and
Stoughton.
He was summoned to preach at Crathie in 1885 at the Queen's
own suggestion. She was so impressed by the sermon that she asked to have it
printed. It was "The Patience of Job".
He was called to Edinburgh-St. Bernards church in 1886, which
was filled to overflowing every Sunday. He resigned after 11 years.
He died on holiday at North Berwick in 1906.
Matheson's work include:
Hymns by George Matheson:
- Lord, Make Me a Captive
- O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go