McKNIGHT, Alexander, Canadian educator, born in Dalmellington, Ayrshire, Scotland, about 1823. After taking a four years' course in the University of Glasgow, he entered New college, Edinburgh, and from 1845 till 1849 studied theology. He was licensed to preach by the Free church presbytery in 1850, and in January, 1855, was appointed, by the colonial committee of the church, teacher of Hebrew at Halifax free college. In 1857 Mr. McKnight became pastor of St. James's church, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and until 1868 acted as minister and professor. In the same year he became professor of exegetics in addition to Hebrew, in 1871 the chair of systematic theology was given to him, and in 1877 The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him. In 1878, after the union of all the Presbyterian churches in Canada, Dr. McKnight was appointed principal of the Presbyterian college of the maritime provinces at Halifax. He was moderator of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church in 1885-'6.