Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Irvine, Ayr, Scotland (#595)

History
Irvine ranks among the most ancient of the royal burghs of Scotland. In a charter granted by King Robert in 1308, it is mentioned as a place of great antiquity. Irvine is the nearest town. Irvine appears to have been visited by a severe plague in 1546. The land was primarily used for,dairy cows, potatoes, turnips, and hay. The population in 1831 was 5200. The population in 1841 was 8377.

Sittings in the Established Church of Irvine--1800                    Secession Church-800                     Relief Church-915                     Baptist Church---600                     Mr. Smith’s chapel-350 Additional accommodations in the parish church of Fullarton--850

This account was written in 1841.

source: New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol. 5)

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: The first two pages are imperfect. Between 1696–August 1700 there is one imperfect page containing about 90 entries, however, the margin which bears the dates’ is destroyed. There are no entries, except eight irregular entries, 1729–1735, August 1729–September1734. Marriages:Several entries on first four pages are partially destroyed. There are no entries June 1729–September1734, November 1736–May 1760, except two entries 1744–1754, and February 1798–November 1806. Deaths: Burial record ends December 1796. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Old Irvine, St. Inan’s
Records— Minutes 1709–1750, 1784–1894 Accounts 1763–1774, 1783–1833, Cash Book 1842–1907 Minutes and Poors’ Fund 1763–1778 Proclamation Register 1852–1864 Other Post–1855 records Note:Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1505.

Irvine Relief Church Presbyterian Church
History— In 1751, the Earl of Eglinton as patron presented the Rev. Charles Bannatyne of Kilmory, in Arran, to the church and parish of Irvine, then vacant. The presentee was inducted to his charge in direct opposition to the strongly expressed feelings of a large portion of his parishioners against him. Application was made to the Relief Presbytery for supply of sermon. A petition was presented to the Relief Presbytery of Glasgow, on the 18th of August 1773, and a place of worship was built. 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, including a list of ministers.

Records— FHL Film Number Baptisms 1778–1790, 1807–1877 0889478 item 3–4 X Marriages 1777–1877 0889478 item 3–4 X Session Minutes 1777–1877 0889478 item 3–4 Note: The X means the records have been extracted.

Trinity Associate Presbyterian Church History— This congregation originated with members of the Associate Burgher congregations in the district, resident in and about Irvine. Supply of sermon was afforded them, on petition, by the Presbytery in 1780, but was discontinued after a time for want of encouragement. It was renewed upon petition again in 1795, and a congregation was organized shortly afterwards. They met in a barn until 1809, when they took possession of a place of worship they had erected for themselves. A new church was opened in 1864. 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, including a list of ministers.

Records— Births and Baptisms 1809–1854 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1288.

Irvine Free Church
History— In June 1847 a movement for the formation of a Free Church Congregation was begun by the Free Church adherents in Irvine. In October of that year the congregation was recognized as a preaching station. On a second application, the charge was sanctioned in 1849. The congregation at first worshiped in Hamilhill Chapel. The church was built about 1849. The manse was a legacy to the congregation from Mr. Rankine. Membership: 1855, 146; 1900, 294. 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, including a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1849–1958 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1058.

Fullarton Free Church  History— David Wilson, minister of this quoad sacra church, and a strong congregation, "came out" in 1843. A church and manse were erected soon after the Disruption. Membership: 1848, 312; 1900, 400. 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, including a list of ministers.

Records— Session Minutes 1777–1958 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/409, 1058.

Irvine Catholic Church
History— In 1834, there were 56 Catholic families in Irvine. A church was not founded there until 1862. It was served earlier from Ayr and then from Kilmarnock.

Records— See Ayr and Kilmarnock for records.

Irvine Baptist Church
History— The church was formed here in December 1803, with George Barclay, a student of Mr. Robert Haldane, as minister. He ministered there for 36 years. The membership numbered over 200 at his death but dwindled to a mere remnant after its second minister left in 1848. In 1872 the church made a new beginning, but was again dissolved due to financial difficulties in 1900. It was reconstituted the following year and is still active today, 1926. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by George Yuille, pub. 1926. FHL British book 941 K2hi. It also contains a list of ministers.

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

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–Day Saints
Records— FHL Film Number Record of Members 1849–1883 104153 item 6

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