Andrew Harper

Andrew Harper (13 November 1844 – 25 November 1936) was a Scottish–Australian biblical scholar, teacher, and school and university college principal.

Early life Harper was born at 167 Main Street, in the Gorbals in Glasgow, Scotland, son of Robert Harper, a grocer, and his wife Elizabeth, née Calderwood. His older brother Robert Harper was a businessman and member of parliament. After some preliminary education at The Glasgow Academy, he moved to Australia and enrolled at the Scotch College, Melbourne.

Also in 1888, Harper was appointed lecturer of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis at Ormond College within the University of Melbourne. He was ordained and appointed Professor in 1893. He was editor of The Messenger of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria in 1895–1902. In 1902 he took up the appointment as Hunter-Baillie professor of Hebrew and Principal of St Andrew's College at the University of Sydney, and was Chairman of the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney Council from 1907 until 1913.

Retirement and death He is buried in the 20th century extension to Dean Cemetery accessed off Queensferry Road in western Edinburgh. His wife Barbara lies with him along with two daughters: Elizabeth Beatrice Harper (1877–1957) and Agnes Ethel Harper (1880–1965).

Publications

Legacy Portraits of Harper are held at the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne and the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney. His contribution to Presbyterian Ladies' College Sydney is also recognised in the schools house system, with Harper House. St Andrew's College at the University of Sydney features the Harper building named in his honour.