1847
©The University of Edinburgh
Death of Chalmers
The loss of Rev Thomas Chalmers who had been so important to the foundation of the Free Church and New College was tremendous.
1867
Alexander Duff appointed as first Professor of Evangelistic Theology
Alexander Duff was appointed as the first Professor of Evangelistic Theology and held this appointment until his death in 1878.
1880
Robert Rainy (1826-1906)
Eminent historian and theologian of Christianity, Robert Rainy was Professor of Church History from 1862-1901 at New College and Principal 1874-1906.
1906
John Cochran: Yours truly Robert Rainy
Death of Principal Rainy
Robert Rainy was Principal of New College 1874-1906 and also first Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Free Church in 1900.
1925
Alastair Sim CBE (1900-1976)
Alastair Sim CBE (1900-1976), arguably Britain’s finest comedy actor, was the Fulton Lecturer in Elocution at New College from 1925-1930.
1926
A formidable first – Elizabeth Hewat
Elizabeth Hewat was not the first woman to study theology at New College but she was the first female BD (1926) and PhD (1934).
1935
Theologian shows early promise
Thomas F. Torrance was a student prize winner in May 1935, 1936 and 1937!
1955
Choan-Seng Song at New College
Choan-Seng Song was a student at New College and went on to a prolific and very influential career.
1957
James Deotis Roberts – pioneer of black theology
In 1957 Roberts was the first African American to graduate with a PhD from New College.
1979
Professor James Mackey, ©The University of Edinburgh
Bold appointment of first Catholic professor
The appointment of James P. Mackey as the first Catholic professor of theology at Edinburgh was controversial.
1996
New College appoints its first female Principal
Ruth Page took up the role of Principal of New College from 1996-2000.
2006
Portrait of Marcella Althaus-Reid by David Martin
First female professor at New College
Argentinian theologian Marcella Althaus Reid was appointed to the chair Contextual Theology. The portrait by David Martin reflects her interests in Liberation, Feminist and Queer Theology.
2016
Mona Siddiqui appointed Professor of Islamic and Inter-Religious Studies
In 2011, Professor Mona Siddiqui was appointed Professor of Islamic and Inter-Religious Studies.
2018
The first female Head of School
In 2018 Helen Bond, Professor of Christian Origins, became New College's first female Head of School since its founding in 1846.
2023
Professor Frank Whaling (1934-2022): an Appreciation of his Contribution to the Study of Religion/s
Professor Frank Whaling, who was appointed to the staff of New College in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh in 1973 to coordinate the new BA...