Bressay, Shetland, Scotland Genealogy

Bressay #1 This parish includes Burra and Quarff

Condition of Original Registers—
Indexed: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index available on computers at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: Bressay, registers are incomplete 1874–1847 and 1750–1753. Registers for Burra and Quarff are irregular and incomplete 1780 to the end of the record; five irregular entries 1721–1769 are on page 10. Marriages: Bressay registers are incomplete 1794–1812. Deaths: Bressay has no entries 1791–1817. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Bressay  Minutes 1764–1806 Baptisms one page only 1806–1808 There are no records for Burra or Quarff. Note: Available at the Shetland Archives, Lerwick, Scotland, record CH2/1108.

Quarff and Burra Free Church
History— James Gardner, minister of Bressay, Quarff and Burra, "came out" in 1843. A church was built in Burra, but at Quarff Mr. Gardner conducted services on the green. With the scanty population, the Free Church congregation was small. Mr. Gardner resigned in 1849 and the charge was reduced to a preaching station. A mission hall was erected at Quarff in 1850 and in 1865 the church in Burra was made over to the United Presbyterian congregation there. Membership: 1848, 33. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details may be given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Burra Baptist Church
History— The history of this church can be traced back to 1820 when Sinclair Thomson, a convert to the sect and native of Burra, called the Apostle of Shetland, began preaching here. The congregation was formed in 1827. An earthen-floor church was built in 1829 and rebuilt in 1837. It was in use until a new chapel was built in 1904. The first pastor served for 55 years and died at the age of 92. The congregation is still active today. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. 1926; FHL Book 941 K2hi; More details are given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to the church at: Burra Isles Baptist Church Hamnavoe Burra Isles Scotland Tel: 011-44-1595-859224

Burra Methodist Society

History— It isn’t known when this society was founded but it was likely in the early 1800s. It was in existence by 1841 when membership was less than 30. They apparently leased a meeting house at that time and a chapel was built sometime later.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to: Methodist Archives and Research Centre John Rylands University Library of Manchester 150 Deansgate Manchester M3 3EH, England

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