He was born in Jedburgh the son of John Gowdie, a schoolteacher, and his wife Agnes Aberneathy.
He was educated at his fathers school then attended Edinburgh University where he graduated MA in 1700.
[3] In 1733, he was appointed Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in succession to Rev Neil Campbell.
[4] Late in 1733 he left the New Kirk to take the role of Professor of Divinity at Edinburgh University.
[5] His son John Gowdie followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps as minister of Earlston.