David McGregore
Encyclopedia
David McGregore also known as McGregor, MacGregore or MacGregor, was a Presbyterian Minister and Member of the Colonial America Christian Clergy. The father of McGregore, James, brought his family and flock
of Scotch-Irish immigrants to America on five ships in 1718 and settled in a part of New Hampshire
called Nutfield
which today is known as the towns of Derry
and Londonderry
. Rev. David McGregor’s sermons were very much ahead of his time and sheds light on the religious sentiments of colonial New England
. He questioned the old scriptures and seems to have believed in experimenting in new beliefs and new forms of religion, which was very revolutionary for his time.
David McGregor was the first minister of the West Parish of Derry and until he died in 1777, forty families from the East Parish worshiped in the West Parish and vice versa, West to East. The residents chose to pay their worship tax to the adjacent town. Seems the problems with the different religious sects truly divided the town. The townspeople would cross paths on the way to worship. People were known to carry their shoes for miles until they got to the church.
On June 3, 1720 at a public meeting it was voted that a small house be built “convenient for the inhabitants to meet in for the worship of God,” and it should be placed “as near to the center of the one hundred and five lots as can be convenience.”
Reverend James McGregor claimed “there is just three kinds of songs. There is the very good song, the very bad song, and the song that is neither bad nor good. ‘While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Night’ is a very good song, ‘Janie Stoops Down to Buckle Her Shoe’ is a very bad song. But ‘Sue Loves Me and I Loves Sue’ is neither good nor bad.”
named John Odiorne received two letters demanding 500 pounds to be left at the western end of the long bridge between Kingston
and Chester
. The letter threatened to burn Mr. Odiorne’s property and kill his family if the demands were not met. After the money was placed, a reputable citizen of Londonderry, Captain John Mitchell, happened along and dismounted his horse nearby. A guard stationed to watch the loot arrested Captain Mitchell and charged him with the crime. Mitchell protested his innocence and was unable to obtain an attorney for his defense. Even though Captain Mitchell was not a member of Rev. David McGregore’s church, McGregore was convinced of Captain Mitchell’s innocence and offered to represent him. Although Rev. McGregor had no knowledge of court proceedings, he managed to defend Captain Mitchell elegantly and presented a strong argument. The court however convicted Captain Mitchell and fined him one thousand pounds. Because he was unable to pay the fine he was placed in jail until Rev. McGregore paid a bail for his release. After some time new evidence was discovered which proved his innocence and Captain Mitchell was acquitted.
"Trial of the Spirits" is a sermon about a controversy involving the Reverend John Wesley
and letters from George Whitefield
in August of 1740. "Professors Warned of their Danger" is directed at ministers of the gospel. It is a guide to the minister of their responsibilities and duties as a teacher of the gospel. It also warns them of the consequences of careless, insensitive and dangerous practices of their teachings. "The True Believer’s All Secured" seems to be aimed at assuring the people of God’s promise to take care of the faithful. "The Christian Soldier" is an ordination sermon, and David covers the duties and troubles of being a minister.
Etsi mors indies accelerat tamen
Virtus post Funera vivet
Here lies the dust of him who did proclaim
Salvation to lost souls in Jesus
’ Name
His Master dated to give the great reward
To those who here flock of Christ
regard
The Rev Mr. David MacGregore Son of
The Rev. James MacGregore first
Minister in Londonderry
Deceased the 30th of May AD 1777
In the 68th year of his age
To his memory this monument
Is erected by his Relict and Children
Mrs. Mary MacGregore
Reelect of
Rev. David McGregore
Died Sept 28, 1793
Aet 70
, brother of the famous Major Robert Rogers
of Rogers' Rangers
. First Lady Jane Means Appleton, wife to President Franklin Pierce
, was David McGregor’s great-granddaughter. One son of David McGregor’s, Robert McGregor Esquire (1749–1816) built the first bridge over the Merrimack River
in August and September of 1792. This bridge was known as McGregor’s Bridge and crossed the river from near his home in Goffstown
on the west side to what is today Bridge Street in Manchester, New Hampshire
. Today McGregor Street parallels the river on the west side along the old Amoskeag Mill building. Another son of David McGregor’s, James McGregor (1748–1818) was a New Hampshire
state senator representing Rockingham County
for two years (1793–1794). David’s father, James McGregor, is thought to be a first cousin of the famous Robert Roy MacGregor
. David’s grandfather was Colonel David McGregor who was born in Balquhidder
, Perthshire
, Scotland
, the same location of Rob Roy MacGregor’s burial. James insisted he was Scottish and not Scotch-Irish. US Senator John Kerry
is also a descendant of David McGregor.
Flock
-Computing:* Flock , a defunct web browser* Flock system call, used for computer file locking* F-Lock, a function lock key on a computer keyboard-Entertainment:* Flock , a sculpture by Michael Christian...
of Scotch-Irish immigrants to America on five ships in 1718 and settled in a part of New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
called Nutfield
Derry, New Hampshire
-Climate:-Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there were 33,109 people, 12,537 households, and 8,767 families residing in the town. The population density was 924.8 people per square mile . There were 13,277 housing units at an average density of 143.2/km²...
which today is known as the towns of Derry
Derry, New Hampshire
-Climate:-Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there were 33,109 people, 12,537 households, and 8,767 families residing in the town. The population density was 924.8 people per square mile . There were 13,277 housing units at an average density of 143.2/km²...
and Londonderry
Londonderry, New Hampshire
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 23,236 people, 7,623 households, and 6,319 families residing in the town. The population density was 555.8 people per square mile . There were 7,718 housing units at an average density of 184.6 per square mile...
. Rev. David McGregor’s sermons were very much ahead of his time and sheds light on the religious sentiments of colonial New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
. He questioned the old scriptures and seems to have believed in experimenting in new beliefs and new forms of religion, which was very revolutionary for his time.
David McGregor was the first minister of the West Parish of Derry and until he died in 1777, forty families from the East Parish worshiped in the West Parish and vice versa, West to East. The residents chose to pay their worship tax to the adjacent town. Seems the problems with the different religious sects truly divided the town. The townspeople would cross paths on the way to worship. People were known to carry their shoes for miles until they got to the church.
On June 3, 1720 at a public meeting it was voted that a small house be built “convenient for the inhabitants to meet in for the worship of God,” and it should be placed “as near to the center of the one hundred and five lots as can be convenience.”
Reverend James McGregor claimed “there is just three kinds of songs. There is the very good song, the very bad song, and the song that is neither bad nor good. ‘While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Night’ is a very good song, ‘Janie Stoops Down to Buckle Her Shoe’ is a very bad song. But ‘Sue Loves Me and I Loves Sue’ is neither good nor bad.”
He was known to practice law in at least one instance
David McGregor was in one instance known to have practiced law. Around 1750 a wealthy resident of PortsmouthPortsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a city in Rockingham County, New Hampshire in the United States. It is the largest city but only the fourth-largest community in the county, with a population of 21,233 at the 2010 census...
named John Odiorne received two letters demanding 500 pounds to be left at the western end of the long bridge between Kingston
Kingston, New Hampshire
Kingston is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population at the 2010 census was 6,025.- History :Kingston was the fifth town to be established in New Hampshire. Originally, it was a part of Hampton, New Hampshire...
and Chester
Chester, New Hampshire
Chester is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 4,768 at the 2010 census. It is home to Chester College .-History:Incorporated in 1722, Chester once included Candia, set off in 1763...
. The letter threatened to burn Mr. Odiorne’s property and kill his family if the demands were not met. After the money was placed, a reputable citizen of Londonderry, Captain John Mitchell, happened along and dismounted his horse nearby. A guard stationed to watch the loot arrested Captain Mitchell and charged him with the crime. Mitchell protested his innocence and was unable to obtain an attorney for his defense. Even though Captain Mitchell was not a member of Rev. David McGregore’s church, McGregore was convinced of Captain Mitchell’s innocence and offered to represent him. Although Rev. McGregor had no knowledge of court proceedings, he managed to defend Captain Mitchell elegantly and presented a strong argument. The court however convicted Captain Mitchell and fined him one thousand pounds. Because he was unable to pay the fine he was placed in jail until Rev. McGregore paid a bail for his release. After some time new evidence was discovered which proved his innocence and Captain Mitchell was acquitted.
His sermons
- Trial of the Spirits - 1741
- Professors Warned of Their Danger - 1741
- The True Believer’s All Secured - 1747
- The Christian Soldier - 1754
- Address after the Right Hand of Fellowship - 1765
- Christian Unity and Peace - 1765
- An Israelite Indeed - 1774
- The Voice of the Prophets Considered - 1776
"Trial of the Spirits" is a sermon about a controversy involving the Reverend John Wesley
John Wesley
John Wesley was a Church of England cleric and Christian theologian. Wesley is largely credited, along with his brother Charles Wesley, as founding the Methodist movement which began when he took to open-air preaching in a similar manner to George Whitefield...
and letters from George Whitefield
George Whitefield
George Whitefield , also known as George Whitfield, was an English Anglican priest who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain, and especially in the British North American colonies. He was one of the founders of Methodism and of the evangelical movement generally...
in August of 1740. "Professors Warned of their Danger" is directed at ministers of the gospel. It is a guide to the minister of their responsibilities and duties as a teacher of the gospel. It also warns them of the consequences of careless, insensitive and dangerous practices of their teachings. "The True Believer’s All Secured" seems to be aimed at assuring the people of God’s promise to take care of the faithful. "The Christian Soldier" is an ordination sermon, and David covers the duties and troubles of being a minister.
David McGregor’s gravestone
Memento moriEtsi mors indies accelerat tamen
Virtus post Funera vivet
Here lies the dust of him who did proclaim
Salvation to lost souls in Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
’ Name
His Master dated to give the great reward
To those who here flock of Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
regard
The Rev Mr. David MacGregore Son of
The Rev. James MacGregore first
Minister in Londonderry
Deceased the 30th of May AD 1777
In the 68th year of his age
To his memory this monument
Is erected by his Relict and Children
Mrs. Mary MacGregore
Reelect of
Rev. David McGregore
Died Sept 28, 1793
Aet 70
David McGregor's notable family and descendants
David McGregor’s daughter Margaret married Captain James RogersJames Rogers (soldier)
James Rogers was an Irish-born soldier. He emigrated to America at a young age and became a frontiersman. He served with his brother Robert Rogers during the French and Indian War...
, brother of the famous Major Robert Rogers
Robert Rogers (soldier)
Robert Rogers was an American colonial frontiersman. Rogers served in the British army during both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution...
of Rogers' Rangers
Rogers' Rangers
Rogers' Rangers was an independent company of colonial militia, attached to the British Army during the Seven Years War . The unit was informally trained by Major Robert Rogers as a rapidly deployable light infantry force tasked with reconnaissance and conducting special operations against distant...
. First Lady Jane Means Appleton, wife to President Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States and is the only President from New Hampshire. Pierce was a Democrat and a "doughface" who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Pierce took part in the Mexican-American War and became a brigadier general in the Army...
, was David McGregor’s great-granddaughter. One son of David McGregor’s, Robert McGregor Esquire (1749–1816) built the first bridge over the Merrimack River
Merrimack River
The Merrimack River is a river in the northeastern United States. It rises at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee rivers in Franklin, New Hampshire, flows southward into Massachusetts, and then flows northeast until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Newburyport...
in August and September of 1792. This bridge was known as McGregor’s Bridge and crossed the river from near his home in Goffstown
Goffstown, New Hampshire
Goffstown is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 17,651 at the 2010 census. The compact center of town, where 3,196 people resided at the 2010 census, is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as the Goffstown census-designated place and is located at the...
on the west side to what is today Bridge Street in Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire, the tenth largest city in New England, and the largest city in northern New England, an area comprising the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. It is in Hillsborough County along the banks of the Merrimack River, which...
. Today McGregor Street parallels the river on the west side along the old Amoskeag Mill building. Another son of David McGregor’s, James McGregor (1748–1818) was a New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
state senator representing Rockingham County
Rockingham County, New Hampshire
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 277,359 people, 104,529 households, and 74,320 families residing in the county. The population density was 399 people per square mile . There were 113,023 housing units at an average density of 163 per square mile...
for two years (1793–1794). David’s father, James McGregor, is thought to be a first cousin of the famous Robert Roy MacGregor
Robert Roy MacGregor
Robert Roy MacGregor , usually known simply as Rob Roy or alternately Red MacGregor, was a famous Scottish folk hero and outlaw of the early 18th century, who is sometimes known as the Scottish Robin Hood. Rob Roy is anglicised from the Scottish Gaelic Raibeart Ruadh, or Red Robert...
. David’s grandfather was Colonel David McGregor who was born in Balquhidder
Balquhidder
Balquhidder is a small village in the Stirling council area of Scotland. It is overlooked by the dramatic mountain terrain of the Braes of Balquhidder, at the head of Loch Voil. Balquhidder Glen is also popular for fishing, nature watching and walking...
, Perthshire
Perthshire
Perthshire, officially the County of Perth , is a registration county in central Scotland. It extends from Strathmore in the east, to the Pass of Drumochter in the north, Rannoch Moor and Ben Lui in the west, and Aberfoyle in the south...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, the same location of Rob Roy MacGregor’s burial. James insisted he was Scottish and not Scotch-Irish. US Senator John Kerry
John Kerry
John Forbes Kerry is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, the 10th most senior U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2004 presidential election, but lost to former President George W...
is also a descendant of David McGregor.