John Scott Lidgett

John Scott Lidgett, CH (10 August 1854 – 16 June 1953) was a British Wesleyan Methodist minister and educationist. He achieved prominence both as a theologian and reformer within British Methodism, stressing the importance of the church's engagement with the whole of society and human culture, and as an effective advocate for education within London. Lidgett was also a prominent leader of the Wesley Guild. He served as the first President of the Methodist Conference in 1932–33.

Life He was born in Lewisham, the son of John Jacob Lidgett, a shipowner, and Maria Elizabeth Scott. His maternal grandfather John Scott (1792–1868) was a prominent Wesleyan Methodist, a founder and first Principal of Westminster Training College.

Lidgett was educated at University College, London, entering in 1873, taking his BA in 1874 and his MA in 1875; he was awarded a DD by the University of Aberdeen on the strength of a book published in 1902, The Fatherhood of God.

In later life Lidgett was closely involved with the University of London, serving on its Senate from 1922 until he retired in 1946 at the age of 92. He served as deputy vice-chancellor and as vice-chancellor from 1930 to 1932. He was active in supporting the development of women's colleges and, through his support for the university's relations with teacher training colleges, was instrumental in the foundation of its Institute of Education.

Lidgett died in a nursing home at Epsom on 16 June 1953. d.1980 ). Emmeline died in 1934.

Published works The Spiritual Principle of the Atonement (the 1897 Fernley lecture) The Fatherhood of God (1902) The Christian Religion, its Meaning and Proof (1907) God in Christ Jesus (1915) Sonship and Salvation (1921) The Victorian Transformation of Theology (the 1934 Maurice lectures) My Guided Life (1936) The Idea of God and Social Ideals (1938)