Researching Hugh Ross

Ross obtained his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Toronto and his B.Sc. degree in physics from the University of British Columbia. He established his own ministry in 1986, called Reasons to Believe that promotes progressive and day-age forms of old Earth creationism. Ross rejects both evolution and abiogenesis as explanations for the origin and history of life. He promotes what he claims is a testable creation model, and rejects the pseudoscientific argument of intelligent design as it is not science.

Hugh was an expert in the Gospel of Thomas and wrote several books about it. He was a Quaker, and also wrote about George Fox. His working papers on the teachings of Fox are held at Yorkshire Quaker Heritage Project.

He was born in Langport, Somerset, England, the son of David Melville Ross, the canon of Wells Cathedral. A student of organ, piano and violin, he became a fellow of the Royal College of Organists at 17, the youngest ever. He was an artillery officer in France during World War I but continued studying at the Royal College of Music and at Oxford University.

After being employed as the conductor of the Winnipeg Choir in Canada, in 1927 he moved to New York to lead the Schola Cantorum. In 1933 he became a professor at the Manhattan School of Music. He also served on the faculty of Queens College, City University of New York. One of his notable students was Filmer Hubble.

He was born at Murrurundi to wheelwright John Ross and Mary Mackay. He was a farmer who also worked as a stock inspector, a postmaster and poundkeeper at Quirindi, and as clerk and secretary of the Carriers/Teamster Union at Narrabri. On 20 April 1874 he married Caroline O'Neile, with whom he would have nine children. He was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1898 as the Labor member for Narrabri. Defeated in 1901, Ross died in Sydney in 1912.