CUMMING, Alexander, clergyman, born in Freehold, New Jersey, in 1726; died in Boston, Massachusetts, 25 August 1763. He was a nephew of Roy. Samuel Blair (see BLAIR), and received his education partly under his uncle's direction. He was licensed to preach by the "New Side" presbytery of Newcastle in 1746. He was the first Presbyterian minister that preached within the bounds of Tennessee. He was ordained in 1750 as colleague of Rev. Mr. Pemberton in New York, and in 1758 both pastors requested a demission on account of troubles in the Church in respect to matters of ecclesiastical order. Mr. Cumming was relieved on 25 October and on 25 February 1761, was installed as colleague pastor with Dr. Sewall, of the Old South Church, Boston, where he remained until his death. He published his installation sermon (1761), and "Animadversions on Roy. Mr. Croswell's late Letter," etc. (1763).