Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland Genealogy

Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland (#857a)

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 of the records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: There are no entries, except three, 1771–1773 May 1770–December 1804. Marriages: No record seems to have been kept until 1805. There are no entries September 1838–October 1839. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. FHL book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1768–1777, 1839–1938 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/27.

Nonconformist Church Records
General Statement: The Statistical Account of Scotland, dated 1844, FHL British Book 941 B4sa Ser. 2, vol. 4 pt. 2, states that at that time there were 112 Roman Catholics, 22 Episcopalians, 11 members of the Reformed church, and 3 families of the United Associate church living within the parish. As there were no church buildings for them within the parish, they would have attended church in neighboring parishes and towns. The Free Church congregation would have been formed after this time.

Balmaghie Free Church
History— A Free Church congregation was organized in the village of Laurieston and a church building erected in 1845. There was difficulty in obtaining the services of a suitable agent; but satisfactory progress was made, and the charge was sanctioned in 1855. A manse was also provided. Membership: 1859, 71; 1900, 55. 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— Minutes 1852–1949 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1246.

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