A very attractive original painting in pastel under glass of Rev. John Fairley [the Younger] who as a prominent minister among the Reformed Presbyterians [Covenanted], ministering at at Calton-Glasgow ,and later founding the Reformed Presbyterian church at Stranraer near Castle-Douglas, Scotland. 

18 x 22 sans frame; 22 x 26 with frame. Image in an excellent state of preservation. The frame is solid, though with substantial rubbing and losses to gilt and gesso. 

The original Scottish Covenanters of the 17th century at last separated from the Scottish church to become the Reformed Presbyterians in 1743. Shortly thereafter [1778], an influential adherent, Jane Blain, resolved to have a Reformed Presbyterian minister in her home town of Stranraer. She visited the Presbytery at Castle-Douglas with her plea. This ultimately led to the Rev. John Fairley's call to begin preaching there, at first in a local barn. He had previously been the minister at Calton-Glasgow [1794-1807]. It is reported that even in the barn there was an immediate and sizable audience and in due course a small church was built where the present church stands to this day. 

Fairley was succeeded by one of the most influential Scottish Presbyterians of the 19th century, Rev. William Symington, under whose leadership Stranraer Reformed Presbyterian flourished. Interestingly, Symington transfered to Calton-Glasgow, where Fairley had also pastored.

John Fairley the Younger's published works include:

An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, adopted by the Community of Dissenters. By the Reformed Presbytery. 2nd Edition. 1806. 

Warning of Popery, by John Fairley. 1817. 

The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. A Sermon Preached at the Opening of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Glasgow, May 1, 1816. 

Our Fairley the Younger was one of four John Fairleys among the Reformed Presbyterians, being the son of John Fairly the Elder [1729-1806]. The Elder was an important leader in the emerging movement, authoring a significant work on the relationship between the Church and State, etc. 

His works include:

Humble Attempt in Defence of Reformation Principles, particularly on the Head of the Civil Magistrate. 1770.

The Treasure in Earthen Vessels; Or, the Dispensation of the Gospel, Committed to Men of Like Passions with the Hearers. Ordination Sermon for William Steven. 1779