Henderson, Alexander (1583–1646)

Scottish ecclesiastic. As he was forced upon his parish by Archbishop George Gladstanes, and was known to sympathize with episcopacy, his settlement was at first unpopular, but he changed his views and became a Presbyterian in doctrine and in church government, and one of the most esteemed ministers in Scotland. The existing Presbyterian churches of Scotland are indebted to him for the forms of their dogmas and their ecclesiastical organization. He is justly considered the second founder of the reformed Church of Scotland.

Henderson was born in Criech, Fife, Scotland. He graduated from St Andrews University in 1603, and in 1610 was appointed professor of rhetoric and philosophy.