Rev. Robin A J Gossip

During its early years as the National Vigilance Association (Eastern Division) the organisation had a strong association with religion.  For example, the Ladies Committee Minute Book records that each of their meetings was opened in prayer (ACC 11191/2).  Having said this, while many involved with the NVA were religious, it does not seem that this was a requirement to work or volunteer at the NVA, and the organisation never described itself as a faith-based agency.   

Nevertheless, numerous individuals on the Committee held official positions in organised religion.  Interestingly, these individuals came from a wide range of faith groups, including the Church of Scotland, United Free Church, Free Church of Scotland, Scottish Episcopal Church and the Edinburgh Hebrew Community.  It seems that their similarities in working together to address vice and promote the moral protection of women and children outweighed differences in faith doctrines.

Rev. Robin A. J. Gossip (1904-1962) was the Chairman of the General Committee of the NVA (and Guild of Service) for 15 years from 1946-1961.  Born in Aberdeen in 1904, he was the son of Professor A. J. Gossip, an ordained minister in the Free Church of Scotland and Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Training at Trinity College, University of Glasgow (Bishop, 2003).  Educated at Kelvinside Academy and then Aberdeen University, he then trained for the ministry at New College, Edinburgh.  He was the Minister at Lady Glenorchy’s South Church and then Holy Trinity Church in Edinburgh (Anon, 1962).

References:

Anon., (1962) ‘Death of Rev R. Gossip’, Edinburgh Evening News, 22nd February, page 4. 

Bishop, John. (2003) ‘Arthur John Gossip: A Passion for Preaching’. Available at Arthur John Gossip: A passion for preaching – Sermons & Articles