Nairn, Nairnshire, Scotland Genealogy

Nairn, Nairnshire, Scotland (#123)

Condition of Original Registers–
Indexed: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers. Some records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: Births and marriages are intermixed 1705–1752. There are no entries for December 1706–November 1707. For 1753–1773 inclusive, the births and marriages for each year are recorded alternately. Beginning in 1771, the records are kept separately. A part of the 1806 page of births is torn off. Marriages: Births and marriages are intermixed 1705–1752. There are no entries for December 1706–November 1707. For 1753–1773 inclusive, the births and marriages for each year are recorded alternately. Beginning in 1771, the records are kept separately. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. FHL book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1812, 1815, 1829–1886 Communion Roll 1854 Collections and Distributions (poor roll) 1815–1836 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1314. Also: Presbytery minutes 1773–1929 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/554.

Nairn Secession Church
History— This congregation began in 1747 when seceders in the parish of Nairn joined with those at Boghole, in the parish of Auldearn, to form one church under the designation of the United Congregations of Boghole and Nairn with its seat at Boghole. In 1763, the Nairn residents built their own church but remained linked with Boghole, sharing the same minister. In 1769, Nairn separated from Boghole and was recognized as a separate congregation. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— Extent of the records is unknown.

Nairn Free Church
History— This congregation anticipated the Disruption in 1843 and built a new church. Consequently, those who joined the Free Church were able to worship in their new building the first Sabbath after the Disruption. In November of 1843 a minister was settled. Gaelic services were also provided regularly until 1895. Membership:1848, 200; 1900, 604. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Minutes 1843–1917 Deacons' Court Minutes 1849–1901 Lists of Subscribers to Manse Building Fund 1849-1850 Signed Declaration of Adherence, 1843 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/80.

Nairn Congregational Church
History— Preaching began in Nairn about 1801, and the hearers moved into a newly erected chapel in 1803. The congregation was formed in 1806 and a minister settled. They moved to a new chapel on Crescent Road, King Street in 1862. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott. Glasgow Congregational Union of Scotland, 1960; FHL British book 941 K2es.

Records— Extent of the records is unknown. For information write to: The United Reformed Church, Scottish Synod Office P.O. Box 189 240 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 2BX Scotland

Nairn Episcopal Church
History— A chapel was built in the parish about 1851. The Statistical Account for 1842 recognizes only one Episcopalian family in the parish. Other members would have come from neighboring parishes.

Records— Registers of Christenings, 1853–1854, are in the hands of the incumbent.

For information write to: Priest-in-Charge St. Columba's Church 1 Clova Crescent Nairn IV12 4TE Scotland