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James J Edmiston was born on September 1, 1915, in Rutherglen.
He started his schooling in public schools in Rutherglen, first Gallowflat Street then Fairie Street before moving to Dalmarnock Primary School cc1923. 
"Gaining the Dux medal meant nothing at first to me although Mum & Dad were very proud. Mum was a weaver in the mill owned by Mr.Shaw the donor of one gold and one silver medal annually" In 1928 the family moved back to Rutherglen and James chose to enroll at Rutherglen Academy and by virtue of his medal was placed in A1(boys) where he learned Latin, French & Greek. Boys destined for the labour force went into class C1 and the girls class was A2 in those days.

In 1930 the depression caused much unemployment, nobody expected it to last as long as it did that was when the family, his parents, older brother and younger brother, decided to emigrate to Canada. "Dad found employment in Montreal as did my older brother and I, but by 1933 the depression caught up with us and the family, other than myself, returned to Glasgow" Jim was by then an apprentice butcher in a food chain store and voted to remain and take his chance with the Canadians. After the war his two brothers returned to Canada.

Jim admits his Dux medal encouraged him to get out of the 'blue collar class' and into that of the 'white collar' His chance came with the Salvation Army when in 1939 he became an officer. With the outbreak of war he enrolled in Sir George Williams College later renamed to Concordia University and had set his sights on the ministry. "I graduated BA in 1947 then went to Presbyterian College on the campus of McGill university where I graduated with a BD and ordination" Other degrees followed in due course a masters in Systematic Theology in 1968 and a Doctorate in 1973 ................... all due to that dux medal from Dalmarnock School in 1928!

The Rev.Dr has many interests and hobbies and loves listening to Salvation Army Brass bands. In languages he speaks French fluently, Greek advanced, Hebrew advanced and Spanish 1st year!
Retirement?? A better term would be 're-treaded' as he is as busy now as he has ever been. 
"I am active in church work at the local level filling the pulpit on occasions, holding services in homes for senior citizens and visiting the chronic care cases and patients in local hospitals" James also sings tenor in the choir and helps out at suppers and special events and is thinking about learning Gaelic and Italian!! 

Any more "ex-pupils" out there with photographs / memories relevant to our website?

Many ex-pupils, parents and friends have intimated how much they enjoy having the 'link' 
to the old school via the fp website.
We would ask that you consider being a "Friend of DPS" and send a donation.
 
We hope that ex-pupils who have their photo/class photo on the website will send a donation in gratitude for this lifetime honour, the gift of a timeless photograph on the www which your children and grandchildren can enjoy.
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Our school since 1893 has spanned three centuries and the website will be invaluable in recording our history,so please keep up to date by logging onto the website.....and remember 
your guestbook entries and emails are always appreciated.  

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