George Gillespie (21 January 1613 – 17 December 1648) was a Scottish theologian. His father was John Gillespie, minister of Kirkcaldy. He studied at St Andrews University, and is said to have graduated M.A. 1629, though the date is probably that on which he entered the University. He became bursar of the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy. He became chaplain to John Viscount Kenmure; to John, Earl of Cassilis, and tutor to his son, James, Lord Kennedy. He was ordained to Wemyss on 26 April 1638. He had calls to Aberdeen and St Andrews. He was translated to Greyfriars, Edinburgh, 23 September 1642. He was a member of the Westminster Assembly of Divines in 1643, and though the youngest member, by his learning, zeal, and sound judgment, gave essential assistance in the preparation of the Directory and Confession of Faith. He took final leave of Westminster 10 July 1647, and presented the Confession of Faith to the General Assembly on 4 August, obtaining its ratification. Dr Hew Scott says that disposes of the legend which connects him with the Shorter Catechism, which was not begun until 5 August. Dr Hew Scott mentions the fable that Gillespie drew it up "in the course of a single night." He was elected to St Giles, Edinburgh by the Town Council 22 September 1647, and admitted shortly after that. He was elected Moderator of Assembly 12 July 1648. He died at Kirkcaldy on 16 December 1648. Family He married Margaret Murray, who had £1000 sterling voted by Parliament immediately after his death, for the support of herself and family, but, owing to the distractions of the time, it was never paid. His children were: — Robert Gillespie, baptised 15 May 1643 (who received ordination from the "outed" ministers. Robert was imprisoned in the Bass for preaching at conventicles (1673). Robert subsequently went to England, and died, his widow and children being recommended by Parliament to the royal bounty, 17 July 1695); George, baptised 20 May 1644; Archibald, died in 1659; Elizabeth (married James Oswald, merchant in Edinburgh, afterwards of Fingleton). Life Gillespie was born at Kirkcaldy, where his father, John Gillespie, was parish minister. His sister was the Quaker writer, prophet and preacher Lilias Skene. He studied at St. Andrews University as a "presbytery bursar". On graduating he became domestic chaplain to John Gordon, 1st Viscount Kenmure (d. 1634), and afterwards to John Kennedy, 6th Earl