George Monro Grant
George Monro Grant was a prominent Canadian minister and educator, born in 1835 in Nova Scotia. He pursued his education at Pictou Academy and West River Seminary before studying at Glasgow University in Scotland. After returning to Canada in 1861, he became the minister of St. Matthew's Church in Halifax, where he gained recognition for his eloquent preaching. In 1873, Grant published the notable book *Ocean to Ocean*, documenting his journey across Canada with Sir Sanford Fleming. He later took on the role of principal at Queen's College in Kingston, Ontario, where he significantly expanded the institution and supported the inclusion of women in higher education. Grant was known for his progressive stance, allowing the teaching of Darwin's theory of evolution despite the college's religious affiliation. In addition to his educational contributions, he was active in Presbyterian church governance, serving as moderator of the General Assembly in 1889. Grant also wrote extensively on Canadian politics and delivered many sermons and lectures throughout his career.
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George Monro Grant
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- Born: December 22, 1835
- Birthplace: Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Died: 1902
Biography
George Monro Grant was born in Canada in 1835. He attended the Pictou Academy and the West River Seminary in his native Nova Scotia. In 1853, Grant began a stellar academic career at Glasgow University in Scotland. Hethen joined the ministry of the Church of Scotland. In 1861, Grant returned to Nova Scotia, becoming the minister of St. Matthew’s Church in Halifax in 1863. From the pulpit of St. Matthew’s, Grant built a reputation as an eloquent and relevant speaker. In 1872 Grant married Halifax resident Jesse Lawson.
In 1873, Grant published the popular and acclaimed book Ocean to Ocean, inspired by his journey from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts of Canada with Sir Sanford Flemming. In 1877, the Presbyterian church appointed Grant the principal of Queen’s College in Kingston, Ontario, which Grant molded from a small college into a large and influential educational institution. Notably, he encouraged women to attend, and even though the college was religiously affiliated, he allowed the teaching of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
In 1889, Grant was elected moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly, the newly formed church that united four branches of Presbyterianism. That same year Grant published Advantages of Imperial Federation, which discussed Canadian politics, followed shortly by another political piece, Our National Objects and Aims, in 1890. Grant also published numerous volumes of his sermons and lectures.