Tennent – the unknown Comber Ulster-Scots figure!
February saw Comber Historical Society host its annual Ulster-Scots evening, with the support of Ards and North Down Council. William McCullough presented his research on Rev. William Tennent, an Ulster-Scots immigrant to the American Colonies with ties to Comber.
A ‘shamefully unknown’ figure, Billy detailed Tennent’s early life where his family were involved with the introduction of Presbyterianism. In 1695 he received his degree in Theology and Divinity in preparation for his admission to the Church of England.
By 1702, Tennent has made his way to Ulster and the village of Comber where he married the daughter of Rev Gilbert Kennedy, Catherine, with the ceremony being performed by Rev Thomas Orr of Comber. Strong ties to our town, and yet we have most likely never heard of this man.
Tennent and his family made their way to America by 1718, where William applied for re-admission to the Presbyterian Church and began his ministry in New Jersey and New York. By 1726 he had founded a congregation, Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church, aged 55, constructing a house of worship a year later, of which the only remains is the date stone. He continued ministry and was in charge of the Log College, the indirect forerunner of the now Princeton University, until his death in 1746.
We extend deep thanks to our own Billy McCullough for such an engaging talk, and we are grateful for him sharing such a unique piece of research with us on a man we really should know more about as Comber folk.
Comber Historical Society’s next meeting is on Monday, March 10th, at Smyth Hall, 2nd Comber Presbyterian. Moira Concannon, Leanne Russell & Lesley Simpson will provide us with a fascinating and unique talk on Balloo – A Hidden History. As usual, the evening starts at 8 p.m., and the entry fee includes tea and coffee.
Comber Historical Society membership runs annually and costs just £10! Monthly members' entry is £2. Non-members and visitors are welcome! Entry £4. The amount includes tea and coffee.
Upcoming Meetings
Monday 10th March: Moira Concannon, Leanne Russell & Lesley Simpson: Balloo – A Hidden History
Monday 7th April: Comber Historical Society Research Group: A Year in Review
Monday 12th May: Dr Myrtle Hill: Votes for Women: the Suffrage Movement in Ulste
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