Stromness, Orkney, Scotland Genealogy

Stromness #30

Condition of Original Registers—
Indexed: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index available on computes at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: There are no entries 1702–1722. 1754–1764 is a duplicate record. Marriages: There are no marriage entries 1702–1722, April 1726–December 1728, May 1747–November 1751 and December 1771–November 1775. Deaths: There are no entries June 1765–May 1787. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1754–1762, 1813–1971 Cash Book 1796–1950 Note: Available on Film at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1103.

Stromness Associate, Anti-burgher Church
History— Stromness is a seaport and the second town in importance in Pomona, or the mainland of Orkney. Thirty-four members of the congregation of Kirkwall residing in Stromness applied to the General Associate, Anti-burgher Presbytery of Edinburgh in 1803 for supply of sermon which was granted. Upon a second petition they were disjoined from Kirkwall and formed into a separate congregation in 1806. The church was built the same year but not fully seated until 1811, sitting 643. A new church was built in 1863, sitting 780. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details may be given in the source.

Records— Minutes 1809–1950 Baptismal Register 1853–1950 Communion Roll 1853–1865 Note: Available on Film at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1114.

Stromness Free Church
History— Peter Learmonth, minister of Stromness, and a congregation of 600, "came out" in 1843. For two Sabbaths they worshiped in the open air on Miller's Pier and then worshiped in a large store called "the warehouse," until the church was ready for occupation in 1844. The manse was built in 1865. A new church was erected on the old site and opened in 1892. The membership decreased with the decline of the population in town and country. For many years the Free Church school was the chief educational center in the town. Membership: 1848, 550; 1900, 396. 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— Minutes 1843–1971 Deacons' Court Minutes 1844–1897 Baptismal Register 1843–1970 Note: Available on Film at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1115.

Note: The Free Church session minutes for 1844–1845 are available online at: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/meg.greenwood/

Return to Orkney parish list.