Thomas McAuley

Background

Thomas McAuley was born on April 21, 1778 in Ireland, possibly at Coleraine. He was the son of Thomas A. and Eliza J. (Warden) McAuley.

Education

During a debate in the General Assembly of 1837 he stated that he had been a missionary on the frontier as early as 1799. Except for this hint, his early life is altogether obscure. His missionary activity seems to have preceded his entrance to college, for he graduated from Union, Schenectady, N. Y. , in 1804, having given his residence at the time of his enrolment as Salem, N. Y.

Career

McAuley remained at the college for some years, serving as tutor (1805 - 06), lecturer in mathematics and natural philosophy (1806 - 14), and professor of these subjects (1814 - 22). In 1819 he was ordained by the Presbytery of Albany and in 1822 became pastor of the Rutgers Street Church, New York City. He took an active part in the affairs of the denomination and was moderator of the General Assembly in 1826. In 1827 he was elected president of Transylvania University, Kentucky, but declined, accepting, however, a call to the Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. Here he served until 1833 when he returned to New York and took charge of the Murray Street Church, which later moved to Eighth Street. Unlike most Presbyterian ministers of his race, McAuley aligned himself with the new-school party, and was one of its leaders in the memorable General Assembly of 1837 at which the old-school adherents took action which resulted in a division of the Church. He was also present at the convention held in Auburn, N. Y. , that same year, when the Auburn Declaration "stating the 'true doctrines' of the new-school men over against the 'errors' charged on them in the old-school memorial" was drawn up. Two years earlier he had taken part in the founding of Union Theological Seminary, originally known as the New York Theological Seminary, and his name heads the list of the original directors elected November 9, 1835. He was subsequently chosen the first president of the institution, and professor of pastoral theology and church government. He rendered valuable service for four years, resigning in 1840. In 1845 he also resigned his pastorate, and his later life was spent in retirement.

Achievements

• Thomas Mcauley has been listed as a noteworthy clergyman, educator by Marquis Who's Who.

Personality

A warm-hearted Irishman whose conversation was full of racy humor, a fluent and ardent preacher, and a faithful pastor, he was popular personally and successful in his ministry.

Connections

There is no exact information about his personal life. Perhaps he was never married.

Father:

Thomas A. McAuley

Mother:

Eliza J. (Warden) McAuley

References

• The Early Annals of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New-York
• The Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York