Stewarton, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #616

History
The nearest town is Stewarton. The name is evidently formed from the Surname Stewart, first used as a family distinction by Walter II in 1204. David Dale was the son of a grocer, and born, in January 1739, in a two story thatched house at the cross of Stewarton. His charity was extensive, and there are individuals living here who still partake of his bounty. The major land owners were William Cuninghame, Esq. of Lainshaw; Alexander Kerr, Esq. of Robertland; and C. S. M’Alister, Esq. of Kennox. The land was primarily used for, potatoes, dairy, oats, rye-grass, cattle, horses, sheep, and swine. The population in 1793 was 3000 and in 1841 was 4654. The registers have been preserved since 1693, though not regularly kept until 1794. Very few of the Dissenters register, and great are the inconveniences often felt from this omission. The religious attendance of the parishioners is  Relief 4, Reformed Presbytery, 5, Papists, 13, Church of England, 2, Methodists, 2, United Secession Church, 213, Original Burghers, now of the Establishment, 76, Congregationalists, 48, and Established Church communicants 1316.

This account was written in 1842.

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: A portion of 1744–1755 and all of January 1747–1826 are copies. Marriages: Entries for April 1746–August 1747 are on a page after the draft of births for November 1748. No entries August 1747–December 1796. The record terminates in April 1802. Deaths: The only records are burials. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1849–1902 Proclamations and Marriages 1750–1795, 1802–1806 Burials 1753–1877 - with gaps Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/854.

Stewarton United Presbyterian Church
History— The violent settlement of a minister in Kilmaurs in 1738 excited the sympathy of many persons in the surrounding parishes, in behalf of the reclaimers against it, and amongst others who withdrew from the Established Church and acceded to the Associate Presbytery. They were united to that of Kilmaurs, with one minister for a time common to both. In 1797 it was disjoined from it and obtained a minister to itself. A church was built in 1775and a new church was built in 1854. 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 ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Stewarton Free Church, formerly Original Secession
History— The Original Secession Congregation in Stewarton, which joined the Church of Scotland in 1839, adhered to the Free Church in 1843. Their church, built in 1841, was retained by the congregation. The manse was built in 1834. Membership: 1848, 320; 1900, 221. 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 1835–1947 Baptismal Register 1843–1860 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/789.

Stewarton Evangelical Union Church
History— A Congregational Church was formed in 1827, though believers had been gathering in fellowship for some time. The church entered the Evangelical Union in 1873. Source: AHistory of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960. FHL British book 941 K2es. It also includes 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

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