Wesleyan local preacher, born in Brechin and educated at Brechin High School and St. Andrews, where he took first class honours in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. In 1919, he joined the staff at Westminster College as a teacher of Mathematics. He was appointed vice- principal in 1930 and principal in 1940. As 'Master of Method' and as Principal during the difficult war years, he left his mark on the life of the college.
He wrote a series of books related to education and teaching.
'It is not as an academician that J.S. Ross is most remembered at Westminster. He was the ideal counterpart of A.W. Harrison. A typical Scot… he was quiet, abounding in the common sense so necessary when men live together for long periods, giving more by his undemonstrative example than by what he said. … [He] was always there, always approachable, never too busy to attend to he smallest detail or trouble that the humblest first-year student brought to him… A loyal colleague and a great example to men training to be teachers.'
'No nickname has been more associated with respect and affection than that of 'Jock' at Westminster.'
F.C. Pritchard, The Story of Westminster College, 1851-1951, pp.160-1, 177
Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
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