Girthon, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland Genealogy

Girthon, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland (#866)

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 January 1736–June 1737 and April 1771–April 1776, except four. There is a draft or duplicate of record 1783–1819. Marriages: There are no entries, except five among the births, 1783, 1793, 1808 and two for 1813, January 1736–November 1818. Deaths: Record has no entries December 1735–January 1823 and 1827–January 1831. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. FHL book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Session Minutes 1694–1702, 1729–1742, 1821–1948 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1526.

Girthon and Anwoth Free Church
History— Robert Jeffrey, minister of the parish, "came out" in 1843. Those who followed him met for worship at first in the Freemasons' Hall at Gatehouse. A site was with difficulty obtained, and the church built in 1844. The manse was erected in 1849. Membership: 1848, 220; 1900, 98. 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 lists of ministers.

Records— Extent of records is unknown.

Gatehouse United Presbyterian Church
History—  Gatehouse is a town partly in Girthon parish, and partly in that of Anwoth. This congregation originated with members of the congregation of Kirkcudbright, resident in and about Gate house, who felt inconvenient to travel so far every week to attend public ordinances, and who besides were persuaded that there was room and need for another place of worship in the town, containing at that time 2000 inhabitants. Under this conviction, they applied for and obtained supply of sermon from the United Associate Presbytery of Wigtown, 1835. Mr. Murray the baronial superior of the town, granted them half an acre of ground in feu, and gave them besides 25 of subscription towards the building of a place of worship, which they erected in 1840. 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 lists of ministers. Records— Extent of records is unknown.

Gatehouse-of-Fleet Congregational Church
History— A church was formed here in 1806 as the result of the labors of various itinerant preachers. In July 1807 the first pastor was settled. He continued with success for nearly thirty years. The church ceased about 1845. 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.

Gatehouse Episcopal Church
History— A church and school were established here in 1799 shortly after the town of Gatehouse was created a burgh, and many English families relocated here to work in the various newly established industries. The school, however, was open to those of any religion. Both church and school prospered until 1820 when the man who served as both the minister of the chapel and the rector of the school left for another assignment. The membership declined until in 1844 there was but one Episcopalian family in the parish. The church became nominally attached to the mansion house of Cally. The cause struggled on, however, and there was still a church there in 1965. Source: The Statistical Account of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, pub. 1844, FHL British Book 941 Bysa, Ser. 2, vol. 4 pt. 2. Also, The Scottish Episcopal Church Year Book and Directory for 1965–1966, FHL British Book 941 E4e.

Records— FHL Fiche Number Births and Christenings 1850–1885 1068240 X Marriages 1852–1895 1068240 X Note: The X means the records have been extracted.

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