Papers of Matthew Liddell, 1915-2008, arts graduate and Minister, University of Glasgow, Scotland

• Student lecture notes, 1934-1936.

Rev. Matthew Liddell was born in Glasgow on the 26 September 1915.His father, John, was a clerk. Liddell was educated at Hillhead High School, Glasgow, before progressing to the University after achieving his certificate of fitness on the 20th September 1933.

Liddell began his studies thereafter, enrolling for his first year in Session 1933-34 at the age of 18 with an MA (Hons) degree in Classics in mind. In his first term, he enrolled to study Latin, Greek and Mathematics and passed all of his examinations in these subjects first time around in June 1934. Indeed, he demonstrated academic prowess and received recognition for achieving a Certificate of Distinction in the Latin class of Professor William Rennie in his first year. During his first term and indeed, throughout his time at the University, Liddell resided at 27 Hertford Avenue, Kelvinside, Glasgow.

In his second year (1934-1935), Liddell enrolled to study Greek (Higher), Moral Philosophy and Roman History, part of his course requirements to later gain a degree in Classics and again passed all of these subjects in May 1935. He further demonstrated his academic capabilities, receiving a First Class Certificate in the Moral Philosophy class of Professor Archibald Allan Bowman at the end of his second year.

In his third year (1935-36) Liddell enrolled in Latin and Greek Senior Honours classes as well as Education which he passed in May 1936. He continued studying Latin and Greek in his fourth year and graduated with an MA (Hons) degree in Classics on the 2 November 1938.

Liddell's career at the University continued and at the age of just 23 in Session 1938-1939, he was studying Theology for the qualification B.D. In 1941 he successfully qualified from Trinity College, Glasgow and was made a Licentiate.

Thus a successful career as a kirk minister ensued with his first position as an assistant minister at Rawyards Church, Airdrie. In 1943 he moved to the church of Terregles in Kirkcudbright; in 1948 to Trinity Church in Larkhall and finally in 1958 to St Paul's and St David's in Glasgow until retiring in 1982.

Throughout his time in Glasgow, Liddell was a chaplain to the Glasgow Fire Brigade and was with the fire-fighters at the Cheapside Street Disaster of 1960 in which 19 men died, an experience which stayed with him for life. He was also a chaplain to the Royal Maternity Hospital at Rottenrow, was on a panel of ministers who assisted in the opening of the High Court, Glasgow and in 1977 was appointed Moderator of the Prebystery of Glasgow.

Liddell died at the age of 93 on the 1st January 2008, survived by his three children and their families. His wife of almost 60 years, Eileen, predeceased him.

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Gift : David Liddell : 13 Aug 2017 : ACCN 4134

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