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The Alexander Memorial

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Memorial addresses honoring Archibald Alexander and his sons James W. and Joseph A., lauding their scholarship, preaching, and lasting influence on Princeton Seminary and the Presbyterian Church.
Archive ⬩ American Presbyterian and Reformed History, Church History, Autobiography, and Biography
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Archibald Alexander (April 17, 1772 – October 22, 1851) was a prominent American Presbyterian theologian and minister born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, who was ordained in 1791 and served as president of Hampden–Sydney College before being called to pastoral and academic roles. In 1812 he became the first professor and principal of the newly established Princeton Theological Seminary, where he taught didactic and polemic theology for nearly forty years and shaped generations of Presbyterian ministers. A prolific author and respected preacher, Alexander’s writings and leadership helped define early 19th-century American Presbyterianism.

James Waddel Alexander (July 13, 1804 – July 31, 1859) was a prominent American Presbyterian minister, theologian, and author, born in Louisa County, Virginia, the eldest son of noted clergyman Archibald Alexander and grandson of the famed “Blind Preacher” James Waddel. Educated at the College of New Jersey (Princeton) and its Theological Seminary, he served pastorates in Virginia, New Jersey, and, most notably, in New York City at Duane Street and Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Churches, and also held professorships in rhetoric and ecclesiastical history. Celebrated for his biblical preaching, prolific writings—including practical religious works and hymn translations such as “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”—and deep piety, Alexander remained influential in church life until his death at Red Sweet Springs, Virginia.

Joseph Alexander (ca. 1735 – July 30, 1809) was a Presbyterian minister and educator born in Cecil County, Maryland, who graduated from the College of New Jersey (Princeton) in 1760 and was licensed to preach in 1767 before serving congregations in North and South Carolina. He was instrumental in early American Presbyterian educational efforts, opening a successful academy and helping found Queens College in Charlotte. He was known for his animated and popular preaching as well as for teaching a “school of high order.” After years of active ministry and teaching, he died in 1809, and a volume of his sermons was published posthumously.

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