Frederick George Scott
Frederick George Scott was a Canadian Anglican priest and poet born in the 1860s, known for his contributions to both religious life and literature. The son of British immigrants, he grew up in Montreal, where he developed a keen interest in theology, leading him to earn degrees from Bishop's College and King's College in London. Scott was ordained as a deacon in 1884 and later became an Anglican priest, serving in various parishes in Quebec and England. He published his first poetry collection, "Justin, and Other Poems," shortly after his ordination, and went on to release a total of seventeen volumes, with works reflecting nationalistic sentiments and spiritual themes.
His poetry often grapples with spiritual crises and the ethos of the British Empire, influenced by the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Notable works include "In the Battle Silences," celebrating Canadian soldiers' experiences in World War I, and "The Great War as I Saw It," a memoir detailing his time as a senior chaplain during the conflict. In addition to his literary pursuits, Scott served as a war chaplain during World War I, earning several military honors. His legacy encompasses both his religious service and his impactful poetry, making him a significant figure in Canadian literature and history.
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Subject Terms
Frederick George Scott
- Born: April 7, 1861
- Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Died: January 19, 1944
Biography
Frank George Scott was born in Canada in the 1860’s, the son of British immigrants Dr. William Edward Scott, an anatomy professor at McGill University, and Elizabeth Sproston. He spent his formative years in Montreal, where he became interested in religion and attended both Catholic and Protestant churches. After graduating from Montreal High School, Scott attended Bishop’s College in Lennoxville, Quebec, where he studied theology, earning his B.A. in 1881. The following year, Scott further pursued his interest in theology at King’s College in London. In 1833, he returned to Bishop’s College, where he earned his master’s degree the next year.
Scott was ordained a deacon in 1884, the year before he published his first book, Justin, and Other Poems. Scott then returned to England to be ordained as an Anglican priest. He was assigned to serve as curate at Coggeshall in Essex, England, from 1886 to 1887; then as the rector at Drummondville, Quebec, from 1887 to 1896. In 1894, Scott published his second collection of poetry, My Lattice, and Other Poems. He later served as the rector of Saint Matthew’s church in Quebec City from 1896 to 1899. Scott married Amy Brook while at Drummondville, and together they had seven children, one of whom was poet Francis Reginald Scott.
His last religious post was as Canon at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Quebec from 1906 on. His civilian religious service was interrupted in October of 1914, when Scott was appointed war chaplain as the British empire entered World War I. He soon became a lieutenant colonel, and he eventually received the Companion of St. Michael and St. George and the Distinguished Service Order honors.
He released a total of seventeen volumes of poetry during his lifetime, the last of which, Lift up Your Hearts, was published in 1941. Scott’s poetry is notable for its nationalistic ideals and religious ponderings. More specifically, his works often explore spiritual crises and their resolution, while others praise the imperial spirit of Britain. Critics note that Scott’s poetry was influenced by the pessimism of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras and by the symbolism of the church.
Significant titles include In the Battle Silences: Poems Written at the Front, considered a celebration of a Canadian soldier’s experiences in war; The Soul’s Quest, and Other Poems; and The Great War as I Saw It, Scott’s memoir recounting his experiences as a senior chaplain in France during the war.