Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland Genealogy

Lerwick #5

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: There are no entries October 1728–July 1730, August 1734–July 1735, September 1742–January 1751, and December 1755–January 1778. Marriages: There are no entries September 1708–November 1709, June 1713–January 1742, December 1746–January 1751, and December 1775–October 1778. Deaths: There are no entries 1775–December 1816. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Shetland, afterwards Lerwick

Minutes 1700–1911 Scroll Minutes 1700–1701 Separate Register 1744–1848 Note: Available at the Shetland Archives, Lerwick, Scotland, record CH2/1071.

Nonconformist Church Records
The New Statistical Account of Scotland for Lerwick for 1841 states that there were 187 dissenter families in the parish, but it does not mention specific groups. Lerwick St. Columba Secession Church

History— The Rev. Dr. Johnson was sent on a mission tour to Shetland by the Secession Synod and the formation of a congregation in Lerwick was the result. A church was erected in 1838. In 1840 the East Church, Dalkeith, took the congregation under its fostering care. 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— The extent of records is unknown.

Lerwick St. Olaf's Free Church
History— In 1845 a ministerial charge was constituted here in response to a request from the people. The congregation worshiped for four years in a hall. The church was built in 1848–1849. Membership: 1848, 100; 1900, 240. 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.

Lerwick Congregational Church
History— Independent ministers first preached in the Shetlands in 1799. Their work was built upon by a convert, who had been studying in Glasgow, who returned to the Shetlands in 1803. He preached in the Lerwick area. A church was formed there in 1808. They met in a private dwelling until a chapel was erected in 1820. This church is still active today. Sources: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960; FHL Book 941 K2es and The Scottish Congregational Ministry, by Rev. William D. McNaughton, pub. 1993. FHL Book 941 K2mwd. More details are given in the sources including a list of ministers.

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

Lerwick Baptist Church
History— This church was formed by 1850. Growth was gradual and a building to serve as a church was purchased in 1863. 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 ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to: The Baptist Union of Scotland 12 Aytoun Road Glasgow G41 5RT Scotland

Return to Shetland parish list.