Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scotland Genealogy

Melrose (#799)

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: There are no entries April 1686–November 1690. From 1723–1738 the record is intermixed with other matters. Mothers' names are not recorded until 1698. Marriages: There are no entries December 1650–August 1651, November 1656–May 1659 and April 1666–November 1690 except four for 1657. The records from December 1723–January 1739 are among baptisms for the same period. After June 1723 the record is with few exceptions, one of the persons "booked for marriage". Deaths: Mortcloth Dues for 1669–1702 were published by the Scottish Record Society FHL book 941 B4sr, vol. 45, p. 463; film 0844776. There are more Mortcloth Dues until 1741, after which deaths are recorded. Record is blank 1741–1763, except for one entry for 1760. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1642–1660, 1668–1686, 1690–1721, 1741–1912 Collections and Disbursements 1690, 1702, 1711–1726, 1745–1852, 1852–1911 Accounts of Robert Moffat's Mortification 1761–1787 George Aillie's Mortification 1775–1787 Moffat's and Aillie's Mortificatin Accounts 1817–1820 Langshaw School Mortification Accounts 1839–1867 Communion Roll 1822–1867 Personal Details of Schoolmasters within the Presbytery of Chairnside 1768–1842 Minutes of Schoolmasters' Meetings 1830–1879 Population of Melrose Parish 1831 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/386.

Melrose Free Church, St. Aidan's
History— The parish minister did not "come out" in 1843; but a Free Church congregation was formed at the Disruption. A site was given free by Miss Douglas of Old Melrose – afterwards Mrs. Pringle Pattison, who laid the foundation stone of the church. It was opened in November 1843. A school was provided in 1844. The manse was built in 1846. A new church was erected in 1852. The congregation was considerably reduced by the emigration of residents; a loss not counterbalanced by the influx of tourists and summer visitors. Membership: 1848, 325; 1900, 251. 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— Minutes 1843–1946 Deacons’ Court Minutes 1844–1946 Accounts 1843–1857 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/805.

Melrose United Associate Congregation
History— This congregation originated with 103 persons, some of whom were members of Newtown, Earlston and Galashiels, who petitioned the United Associate Presbytery of Selkirk for supply of sermon The 15th of May 1821, which was granted, and the church congregated the 26th of November 1822. A church was built in 1823 and a new church was opened in 1867. It was enlarged and improved in 1872. 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— Congregational Minutes 1822–1825 Managers’ Minutes 1822–1939 Communion Roll 1846 and earlier–1871 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/904.

Newtown Associate Burgher Presbyterian Church
History— This congregation originated with three members of the First congregation, Selkirk, resident in Hawkslee, Dryburgh and Newtown, who were desirous of having a place of worship in their own connection more conveniently situated for them than the one they were accustomed to attending. They applied for and obtained supply of sermon from the Associate Burgher Presbytery of Kelso, 1771. Church built 1772. A new church was opened in 1868. 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— Extent of records is unknown.

Melrose Evangelical Union Church
History— The church in Melrose was formed in March 1842. A chapel was opened in September 1842 and a new place of worship in 1878. The congregation joined the Evangelical Union in 1883 and it was closed in 1930. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960; FHL British Book 941 K2es.

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

Return to theRoxburghshire parish list.