Michael T Tracy

Reverend Doctor Alexander Todd (1842-1932) Michael T Tracy

He was born at Denbrae in Logie Parish, Fife, and the son of a tenant farmer there. Alexander Todd received his early education at Logie, Cupar, and the Madras College. After graduating from the University of St. Andrews in 1861 he began studying divinity at St. Mary's College in St. Andrews and was licensed by the Presbytery of St. Andrews in 1866. Three years later he was presented by George, the Earl of Glasgow, and ordained Minister of Kingsbarns Church on Wednesday, 27 October 1869. After 57 years of active service at the Kingsbarns Parish Church, he retired in 1926. He received his Doctorate of Divinity Degree from his Alma Mater, the University of St. Andrews in 1910. Todd was described as a great scholar and was conversant not only with theology and philosophy but with ancient and modern literature, French, German and English. Reverend Todd married Isabella Silexa Corstorphine in 1873 at Edinburgh and they had four children who were all born in Kingsbarns. He was described as a lover of peace and avoided controversy, and his keen sense of humour enabled him invariably to look on the bright side of life. This then is the narrative of the life and times of Alexander Todd, the venerable Minister of Kingsbarns.