I seem to be going around in circles and or backwards. I mention Glas and then i need to explain who he was and his impact in Scottish Churches...
John Glas (1696-1773) of Auchtermucty was a person who sought the
scriptures and at the time concluded that Christ's kingdom is one
that is completely spiritual, and therefore as such should be
independent of both state control or support. He was a minister from
the age of 24 and was the fifth son of the manse. Although he did not
want to leave the Church of Scotland he took up a new cause from the
parish at Tealing near Dundee and started anew Church known as the
Glasite Church. Churches sprung up in Dundee, Perth and with the
textile industry flourishing at the time further Churches were set up
in Paisley and Dunkeld. They as a Church were never large in number
but their influence was great both national and international by the
strong promoter John Glas's son in law Robert Sandeman.
The Church was known for its "foot washing" and "holy
kissing" and for its love feasts or Communion celebrations that
resembled banquets. The local name for the Church was the "Kail
Kirk". This Communion was only administered by elders. As a
Church they preferred "unlearned preachers".
Sandemanianism
The basis of the Sandemanian Church
lies with John Glas the minister of the Church of Scotland devoted to
the Church but because of differing opinions at the time forced to
leave and set up a Church based on his new found principles. These services would take no account
of the Christian calender.
Robert Sandeman(1718-1771) who's family business based in
Perth was bleachers of fabrics, took up the leadership of the
movement in the 1750s. He had business contacts in London which gave
him the opportunities to write and speak in England. He married John
Glas Daughter Catherine.
The result was the son in law of
Glas became the strongest and most wide spread promoter of Glas
theology. The most famous Glasite from the past is Michael Faraday.
The Sandemanian Church through its elders demanded total obedience to
their decisions from any or all of their congregation. This in the
long term caused several splits and was also the downfall of the
“Scotch” Baptist Church who followed some of the principles.
The Sandemanian service was one of
love and hope with singing of Hymns, yet unaccompanied, at each
meeting. A roll call was taken and as well as the prayers and study
of the word the preaching was taken by the elders. These services
would take no account of the Christian calender in respect to Lent,
Easter and Christmas.
