He was born on 25 October 1860 at Skirling Mains in Peeblesshire, the eldest son of Mary Waugh and her husband John Paterson, a farmer.

He did further postgraduate study in various German universities at Leipzig, Erlangen and Berlin, returning to Scotland in 1885.

In 1904 he moved to the University of Edinburgh as professor of divinity, succeeding Prof Robert Flint.

His year in office did much to bring about reunification with the United Free Church of Scotland.

He died at home, 3 Royal Terrace[6] in Edinburgh (previously Robert Flint's house) on 10 January 1939.