Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #697

History
The name of this parish is said to signify, in Gaelic, the Cuckoo's hill. This parish seems, of old, to have been dedicated to St. Mungo, whose memory still lingers about a copious spring, hard by the church. How, or when, the worthy saint became connected with the parish is not known. About 1810, extensive paper manufactories were turned by Government into depots for prisoners of war and the cottages attached to them into barracks for the military. The paper-mills of Valleyfield were fitted for the reception of 6000 prisoners, while those of Eskmills accommodated 1500 British soldiers. This was very unfavorable to the social and religious well-being of the parish. At the close of the war in 1814, the mills happily returned to their former owners and purposes. The records of the parish registers begin in 1654 and continure to the present time.(1839) The population in 1801 was 1705, and in 1835 was 2286. The land is primary used for cattle, sheep, and paper making. 1434 people are of the Established Church, 852 are Dissenter, chiefly of the Secession body, and there are not 10 Roman Catholics in the parish.

This account was written in 1839.

Source: New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol.1)

Condition of Original Registers—
Index:  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: There are no entries April 1655–December 1656, December 1662–August 1665, September 1666–May 1670, and August 1674–February 1712. After February 1766 is a register of Dissenters’ children, October 1735–June 1757. Regular record has no entries February 1766–December 1770, except three in 1767–1769. Irregular entries are frequent after 1780. Marriages: Except four entries of marriage and a few transcribed entries relating to proclamations 1654–1655, there is no record until October 1658. Record for 1663–1673 is intermixed with other matters. There are no entries March 1673–December 1674, December 1677–April 1702, December 1777–October 1786, and August 1793–May 1794. Record is mainly contracts or proclamations for 1775–1810. After 1819, there are transcribed entries of irregular marriages for 1731–1807. Deaths: Except for 1673–1677, there are only transcribed entries of Mortcloth Dues, funeral expenses, etc., before March 1745 when the record of burials begins. There are no entries August 1783–June 1784. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1654–1662, 1674–1685, 1708–1798 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/297.

Penicuik Associate Anti-Burgher Church
History— The congregation, also called Bridgend, originated with members of the congregation of West Linton, resident in and about Penicuik, who desired a place of worship more favorably situated for them. In 1782, they applied to the Associate Presbytery of Edinburgh for supply of sermon which was granted. A church was built the same year and a new church was opened in 1867. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Various Minutes 1788–1905 - with gaps before 1823 Accounts 1782–1937 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/749.

Howgate General Associate Anti-Burgher Church
History— This congregation originated with members of the congregations of Dalkeith and West Linton who adhered to the General Associate Anti-burgher church while the majorities of these congregations adhered to the Associate Burgher Synod at the Breach in 1747. A church was built in Howgate in 1751. A new church was built in 1856. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Extent of record is unknown. None are deposited at the National Archives.

Penicuik Free Church
History— The minister of the parish had identified himself with the Non-Intrusion party up to a certain point but he did not “come out” in 1843. The people adhering to the Free Church were organized as a congregation. A church was built and opened for service in October 1844. A school and schoolhouse were built in 1845 and a manse in 1847. A new church was erected in 1861. The preaching station at Carlops was under the charge of Penicuik session until it became a sanctioned charge. Membership: 1848, 180; 1900, 473. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Extent of records is unknown.

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