Cockpen, Midlothian, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #676

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: This record appears to have been regularly kept. Marriages: There are no entries for 1750. Entries of irregular marriages are frequent after 1783. Deaths: Burials, There are no entries except three, 1812–1813 and 1824, April 1799–1839. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes and Accounts 1675–1680 Minutes 1695–1728, 1759–1909 Collections 1708–1712, 1720–1729 Disbursements 1704–1711, 1720–1729 Cash Books 1762–1867 Baptisms Register 1856–1937 Communion Roll 1834–1928 Heritors Records 1739–1744, 1757, 1766, 1782–1847 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/452.

Cockpen Free Church
History— The minister and one elder of the parish “came out” in 1843 and a Free Church congregation was formed. Church, manse and school were built in the village of Bonnyrigg. The church served the two parishes of Cockpen and Lasswade. The development of carpet making and coal mining led to increase of population, especially between 1875 and 1895 and other Free Churches were opened in the surrounding district, at Loanhead and Gorebridge. Membership: 1848, 301; 1900, 390 Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Extent of records is unknown. No records are listed in the repertory of the National Archives of Scotland FHL Ref. book 941 K23sc CH3. Other: In 1844, both a Baptist chapel and a Morrisonian chapel were opened in Bonnyrigg. Attendance was small.

Hunterfield Branch, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
History— This church was formed about 1844. By 1848 the branch had a membership of 70 out of a total village population of 90. However, the branch ceased by 1855, its members having either gathered to Utah, been excommunicated, or removed themselves from the church rolls.

Records— FHL Film Number Record of Members, 1844–1853 0104153 item 4

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