Archibald Alexander

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Archibald Alexander (1772 – October 24, 1851) was an American Presbyterian theologian who was a professor at the Princeton Theological Seminary and served for 27 years as that institution's first principal from 1812 to 1840.

Alexander was born in Virginia and before he was 21 years old he had become a preacher of the Presbyterian Church. He was appointed the principal of Hampden Sidney College and from there was sent to the Third Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. The Princeton Theological Seminary was established at Princeton, New Jersey in 1812 and Alexander was appointed its first professor, inaugurated on August 12, 1812.

The Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller was became the second professor at the seminary and for 37 years they were considered together as pillars of the Presbyterian Church in maintaining its doctrines. Charles Hodge, a famous student and successor of Alexander, named his son Archibald Alexander Hodge after his mentor.

[edit] Sources

(Untitled article); New York Daily Times; October 25, 1851; p. 2. (The New York Times (1851–2003); ProQuest Historical Newspapers; Document 87822940; Retrieved September 20, 2006).