Rev Doctor Robert Muter DD (1771-1842)

Rev Doctor Robert Muter DD

by Colin Campbell

Robert was born on 13th August 1771 at Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, the son of Thomas Muter (Mutter) and Margaret Denovan.

He was originally a member of the Church of Scotland but left to join the United Associate Church in 1794.

This Church had broken from the established Church of Scotland in 1732 over the matter of patronage, or who had the right to appoint Ministers to Congregations

In 1799 he was licensed to preach in the Associate Church in Duke Street, Glasgow as a junior Minister. His senior Minister strenuously objected to his appointment. A long controversy was to follow. Despite this he was ordained on 14th August 1800 to preach in the Associate Church and was confirmed in his charge of the Duke Street, Glasgow, United Associate Congregation only (the third Minister). Originally in Cow Loan (Queen Street), the Church moved and built a new building in the classical Greek style in 1801 on Duke Street and it was in this building that he held his charge until his death.

On 20th March 1804 he married Janet Mitchell, they originally set up home at 213 George Street, Glasgow but by 1820 they lived at Broompark, closer to the Church.

He is listed as having taken his Doctor of Divinity at Rutger’s College, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA in 1832.

He died on 5th May 1842. His Daughter Lilias had married Dr William McGill.

(Ack: Thomas Annan Collection, Mitchell Library (Image), the Matriculation Albums of Glasgow University, The Glasgow Story, ScotlandsPeople, History of the Congregations of the United Presbyterian, from 1733 to 1900 Vol 2 by Robert Small pp28-29)

Robert Muter monument