Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland Nonconformist Churches

United Presbyterian Congregations
Including Associate, General Associate, Burgher, Anti-burgher, Relief, United Secession, and others.

Nether Kirkgate Burgher Church (later Melville Free Church)
History— This is the original Secession church of Aberdeen. While the minister of St. Nicholas Parish was favorable to the causes of the Secession, he himself did not secede. Those under his ministry who were favorable to seceding were formed into a congregation shortly after the Breach in 1747. In 1795 the congregation was divided over the Old Light Controversy. The majority retained possession of the church and the minister and the minority were put out, which was confirmed by the courts. The minister resigned and the minority dispersed to other churches. The majority adhered to the Original Burgher Synod until 1839 when, with the majority of that denomination, they reconnected themselves with the Established Church. At the Disruption in 1843, they adhered to the Free Church. See also the Melville Free Church. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— Various Minutes 1757–1879, 1896–1920 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/922.

Belmont Street
History— Seven persons belonging to the Nether Kirkgate Associate congregation acceded to the General Associate, Anti-burgher Synod shortly after the Breach in 1747. They met with the congregation at Craigdam until 1777 when they were formed as a separate congregation with 40 communicants. This congregation was admitted to the United Secession Church in 1827. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source. Records— Various Minutes 1841–1921 Other post-1855 records are also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1206.

Charlotte Street, later Blackfriars Church of Scotland
History— The minister of Belmont Street broke with the United Secession Synod about 1837 and formed this congregation in Gallowgate. After his death in 1840, his adherents were restored to the United Secession Synod and formed as a congregation. This congregation later reunited with the Established Church. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source. Records— FHL Film Number Baptismal Register 1845–1903 1482994 Duplicate of 1845–1855 0304670 Managers’ Minutes 1840–1857 1482994 Note: Other post-1855 records are available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record #CH3/3.

George Street United Secession Congregation
History— When in 1820 the minister of Belmont Street would not accede to the Union of the two branches of the Secession, a large minority of his congregation withdrew from his ministry and formed a United Secession congregation. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— Various Minutes 1821–1878 Other post-1855 records are also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/489.

St. Nicholas Lane
History— When a new minister was appointed to Nether Kirkgate in 1795, prior to the Old Light Controversy, a large minority of the congregation was opposed to him and upon petition they were recognized as a separate congregation by the Burgher Synod. Their first church was built on Belmont Street and their second built on St. Nicholas Lane in 1802. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

First Relief Church
History— When a new minister was appointed to the Gilcomston Chapel of Ease, a difference took place among the members and the dissatisfied party applied to the Relief Presbytery of Perth for supply of sermon, which was granted in 1771. They built a church on Belmont Street in 1778. In 1791, when a second Relief church was formed, the minister and members of the first church applied to the Established Church as a Chapel of Ease and were recognized. After the minister’s death, this congregation became extinct. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Second Ship Row Relief Church
History— This church was formed 1780 as a result of a disagreement over the election of a minister for the First Church. Some members withdrew, obtained the minister of their choice, and were recognized by the Old Relief Presbytery as a separate congregation in 1791. Their place of worship was in Ship Row. After the resignation of their minister in 1806, this congregation dispersed and the place of worship sold. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— Minutes 1780–1798 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/926.

St. Paul Relief Church

History— About 1805, some members of the Second Relief Church withdrew and applied for supply of sermon from the Relief Presbytery of Perth, which was granted. First church built in 1805 on St. Andrew’s Street; second built on St. Paul’s Street in 1842. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— Various Minutes 1807–1912 Baptismal Register 1807–1892 Proclamations 1807–1858 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/927.

Free Presbyterian Congregations
History— Banchory-Devenick is a parish on the border of Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire. Preparation had been made beforehand, and when the Disruption took place a congregation was at once organized. The membership in 1844 was over 400, but the opening of daughter churches soon reduced it. In 1850 ground was given to the Free Church for a burying place. Membership: 1848, 190; 1900, 188 Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Bon-Accord Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of this church “came out” at the Disruption. The church building was bought for the Free Church. As a central city charge, the congregation suffered from the movement of the better off classes to suburban districts. Membership: 1848, 570; 1900, 392. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Baptisms 1843–1855 Post-1855 records also available. See the Union Terrace Kirk Sessions for earlier records. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/874.

Commerce Street, Mariners Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of this church, formerly Mariner’s Church, “came out” in 1843, and for some months retained the church. A new church was erected on Commerce Street in 1844. The congregation consisted largely of seamen. Membership: 1848, 324; 1900, 334. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Deacons’ Court Minutes 1846–1866 Other post-1855 records are also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/918.

East Free Church
History— The minister of this parish, and the main body of his congregation, “came out” in 1843. The congregation suffered from its distance from the more eligible residential parts of the town. It was always prominent in Home Mission enterprise. Membership: 1848, 1060; 1900, 1033. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Minutes 1843–1973 Post-1855 records also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1205.

Gilcomston Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of this “quoad sacra” parish “came out” in 1843. Through the growth of the city this became one of the central new charges, especially to the west and north. Membership: 1848, 1088; 1900, 638. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Greyfriars Free Church
History— The minister of this parish, and many of his people, adhered to the Free Church at the Disruption in 1843. A church was erected on Crown Street. Membership: 1848, 309; 1900, 210. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records—  Deacons’ Court Minutes 1853–1932 Other post-1855 records are also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/4.

Holburn Free Church
History— This congregation represents Gilcomston Church of Scotland Chapel of Ease, the minister and almost the entire congregation of which “came out” at the Disruption. A church was erected in Bon-Accord Terrace. Membership: 1848, 1000; 1900, 452. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Minutes 1837–1914 Post-1855 records also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/856.

John Knox Free Church
History— The minister, and most of the congregation of the Church Extension charge, “came out” in 1843. A church and school were forthwith erected Membership: 1848, 1100; 1900, 978. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Session Minutes 1841–1883 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1497.

Melville Free Church, formerly Original Secession
History— The congregation, formerly Nether Kirkgate Original Burgher Secession, joined the Church of Scotland in 1839, and adhered to the Free Church in 1843, carrying their property with them. The church in Correction Wynd had been purchased n 1772. Membership: 1848, 159; 1900, 591. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— See the Nether Kirkgate Burgher Church for records.

North Free Church
History— The minister of the North Parish, and a large proportion of his congregation, adhered to the Free Church in 1843. A church and school were soon erected. Membership: 1848, 450; 1900, 545. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Various Minutes 1843–1895 Post-1855 records also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/917.

Rutherford Free Church
History— From sometime in the 1840s, religious meetings were conducted in the Northfield district of the city. However, the charge was sanctioned in 1868. Membership: 1870, 203; 1900, 878. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— There are no known pre-1855 records.

St. Clement’s Free Church
History— The minister, and nearly the entire congregation of St Clements’, “came out” in 1843. A church was built on Prince Regent Street. The congregation, situated in the east end, suffered from the westward movement of better to do people, from the closing of important works, and changes among the industrial population. Membership: 1848, 1083; 1900, 761. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Extracts from the Kirk Session Records 1843–1859 Sabbath School Minutes Admissions of Communicants 1844–1848 Roll of Male Communicants January 1857 Discipline Records 1843–1859 Biographies of Elders at the Time of the Disruption Note: Available in Rosemary Baxter’s Free St. Clement’s Aberdeen, FHL 941.25/A1 K2br, indexed.

St. Columba’s Free Church, Spring Gardens
History— This Gaelic charge was originally known as Spring Gardens, and then as the Gaelic Church. The minister and congregation “came out” at the Disruption. A church and manse was erected. Membership: 1848, 140; 1900, 167. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

South Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of the South parish “came out” in 1843. They built a church in 1843, in combination with the East and West Churches. Membership: 1848, 1209; 1900, 1284. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Various Minutes 1843–1955 Post-1855 records also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/488.

Trinity Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of Trinity Church adhered to the Free Church at the Disruption. A church was built on Crown Street. Membership: 1848, 803; 1900, 874. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— There are no known surviving pre-1855 records.

Union Free Church
History— The minister, and the great part of the congregation of this “quoad sacra” church, “came out” in 1843. The church was put up for sale and, with the sanction of the Presbytery, the congregation purchased it. As the character of the district changed, the membership decreased. Membership: 1848, 890; 1900, 208. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Scroll Minutes 1842–1851 Post-1855 records also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/875.

West Free Church
History— The minister and a large congregation of the West Church “came out” in 1843. They built a church in combination with the East and South Churches the same year. Membership: 1848, 1150; 1900, 631. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Various Minutes 1843–1959 Post-1855 records also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/821.

Woodside Free Church
History— The minister, and most all the congregation of Woodside Chapel of Ease, “came out” in 1843. The church and manse were awarded to the Free Church by the law courts on condition that it should undertake the burdens. The congregation suffered heavily through industrial disaster in 1846, but prospered with the improvement of the district. Membership: 1848, 813; 1900, 683. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— Various Minutes 1834–1976 Post-1855 records also available. Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1259.

Other Denominations
In general, nonconformity has always been strong in Aberdeenshire.

Congregational Churches
History— There have been several Congregational or Evangelical Union congregations in Aberdeen. The churches, in order of their dates of foundation were: George Street, 1798, Belmont Street from 1865, St. Nicholas’ from 1966, Frederick Street 1807, Dee Street from 1859, united with Blackfriars in 1871, Blackfriars Street 1820, Skene Street from 1886, united with St. Nicholas in 1974, Woodside 1821, St. Paul Street 1846, joined the Evangelical Union 1856; combined with Albion St. Albion Stree, 1852, combined with St. Paul’s in 1938 as Albion and St. Paul’s; later united with Belmont Street to form St. Nicholas’ in 1966. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960. FHL Book 941 K2es, pages 254–257. It includes further details on each congregation plus lists of ministers. See also 941 K2mwd.

Records— Frederick Street Chapel Membership Roll 1807–1858, FHL Book Number 941.25/A1 K29L

The extent of other records is unknown. For more information, write to: United Reformed Church Synod of Scotland 340 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 2BQ Scotland

Baptist Churches
History— A Baptist group known as the Commonwealth Church existed in Aberdeen in 1652–1654. Much later there were other Baptist congregations in Aberdeen: Academy Street, 1805–1920, Crown Terrace 1821, George Street 1848–1878, combined with Crown Terrace Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. 1926. FHL Book 941 K2hi, pp. 89–92. It includes a detailed History of the Crown Terrace church.

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

Methodist Societies and Chapels
History— The origin of Methodism in Aberdeen is wrapped in obscurity but it was undoubtedly due to the preaching of traveling ministers including Christopher Hopper and Dr. Memyss of Wrexham, who came to Aberdeen about 1747. A society was probably formed soon after. An octagonal chapel was built in Aberdeen in 1764–1765, and it was the first in Scotland. By the end of 1773, Methodism had already entrenched itself in Old Meldrum, Inverurie, Newburgh, and Peterhead, and the Aberdeen Circuit was for many years the largest in Scotland. Between 1751 and 1844, societies were also formed in Fraserburgh, Printfield, Huntly, Ellon, Auchmill, Bethelmie, Kintore, Kirktown of Bourtie, Fordie, Cove, Bucksburn, Cothal Mills, Daviot, and Hatton of Fintray, but none of these survived. Source: Methodism in Scotland, by Wesley F. Swift, pub. 1947. FHL Book 941 K2sw.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information, write to: Methodist Archives and Research Centre John Rylands University Library of Manchester 150 Deansgate Manchester M3 3EH, England

Aberdeen Unitarian Church
History— This church was founded in 1833 and a place of worship built on George Street in 1840. The present church was opened in 1906. This congregation is still active today.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. Write to the church at: Aberdeen Unitarian Church 43a Skene Terrace Aberdeen AB10 1RN, Scotland

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
History— Following the Scottish Revolution in 1688, the minister of St. Nicholas parish church continued to adhere to the Episcopal Church for which he was imprisoned in 1695. His sentence was repealed in 1703 and he administered to his congregation at Trinity Church until he died in 1718. The church on St. Paul’s street was erected in 1722. It was a collegiate church until 1853. St. Paul’s was perhaps the wealthiest Episcopal congregation in Scotland. Regular attendance was between 3000 and 4000 persons, excluding children, who mostly lived in Aberdeen City and the rest in outlying areas. Source: The Miscellany of the New Spalding Club, vol. 2 section ii. FHL Book 941 H2new vol. 2 and a History of the Scottish Episcopal Church, by John P. Lawson, pub. 1843. A copy of this source is not available at FHL.

Records— FHL Call Number Baptisms 1720–1737 941.25/A1 V26s Births and Marriages 1720–1793 941 H2new, vol. 2, section ii Births, Marriages, and Deaths 1720–1865 0241993 Marriages 1767–1840 941.25/A1 V26a Monumental Inscriptions 941.25 B2a, vol. 2, pp. 180–1, 302–304

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Chapel
History— This congregation has existed since the Revolution of 1688. The present church was built in 1817. The congregation was supposed to number 1400 and were widely scattered. A Sunday school was attended by 140 to 150 people and was open to all denominations. St. Andrews is the cathedral church of the diocese. Source: History of the Scottish Episcopal Church, by John P. Lawson, pub. 1843. A copy of this source is not available at the FHL.

Records— Monumental Inscriptions FHL Book 941.25 B2a, vols. 3 and 4, various pages Note: The extent of additional records is unknown. For more information, write to the diocesan office at: 39 King’s Crescent Aberdeen AB24 3HP Scotland

St. John’s Episcopal Chapel
History— This church was established in 1812, though the records pre-date them. There was also a Sunday school. Source: History of the Scottish Episcopal Church, by John P. Lawson, pub. 1843. A copy of this source is not available at FHL.

Records— FHL Call Number Register of Baptisms 1778–1855 941.25/A1 V26j, also film 0908173 item 4 Monumental Inscriptions 941.25 B2a, vol. 2, pp. 288–290, 298–299

St. Clement’s Episcopal Chapel
History— It was first built as a mission church in the slums of the Aberdeen docks in the early 1800s.

Records— FHL Call Number Monumental Inscriptions 941.25 B2a, vol. 1 p. 142

Note: For further information about records, write to the diocesan office, address given on the previous page.

Aberdeen Catholic Church
History— The congregation was founded about 1774. The church was built on Justice Street in 1843 and dedicated to St. Peter. There were also two chapels, one in old Aberdeen and the other in Castlegate. Source: Catholic Missions and Registers, 1700–1880, by Michael Gandy, pub. 1993. FHL Book Ref 942 K24gm vol. 6.

Records— FHL Film Number Burials in Snow Churchyard 1776–1876 1473779 - pg 148 Burials 1700–1900 and Burial Briefs 1776–1902 Book 941.25 V22s Other: Register of Baptisms 1782–1812, 1816–1826, 1831–1879 Register of Marriages 1782–1793, 1839–1945 Register of Confirmations 1782–1798 Register of Communicants 1782–1798 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/10.

Society of Friends, Quakers
History— The Quakers of the area seem to have originated about 1647, but they first acquired a burial ground and a meeting house in Gallowgate in 1672. A school was established in the meeting house in 1682. Meetings were held irregularly until about 1688. A new meeting house was acquired in Quakers Court, Guest Row in 1800. They moved again to new premises on Diamond Street in 1825. The present meeting house was built in 1902 on Crown Street. Source: The Quaker Meeting Houses of Britain, vol. 2, by David M. Butler of the Friends Historical Society. FHL Book 942 K24bd, vol. 2

Records— FHL Film Number Monthly Meeting, Births, Marriages, Burials, 1647–1728 0441406 item 3 Registers of Births, Marriage Proposals, Marriages, and Deaths, for all of Scotland, 1647–1878 0823635 item 1 also 941 V26q

Aberdeen Branch, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints
History— Unavailable

Records— FHL Film Number Record of members 1841–1948 0104149 item 1