James Veitch

James Veitch (1808–1879) was a minister of the Church of Scotland and noted astronomer and geologist. A traditionalist, he resisted all innovations within the church (such as reintroduction of iconography in stained glass, and the use of church organs). Ironically, in bequeathing most of his monies to the church, much was then used to "modernise" the church structure. Life He was born at Inchbonny near Jedburgh on 27 April 1808 one of at least seven children of Betty Robson and her husband, James Miller Veitch, a ploughwright. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh. His father made telescopes and this evolved into Veitch and his brothers being keen astronomers. He was ordained as minister of Galashiels in August 1830. He translated to the collegiate section of St Cuthbert's Church, Edinburgh in March 1843 in place of Rev David Dickson in the mids of the ministry (at "first charge") of Rev John Paul.