Barvas, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Barvas # 86a

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library under “Databases on the Network.” These records appear to have been regularly kept. Source:Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
The extent of records is unknown. None are deposited at the Scottish Record Office in Edinburgh.

Barvas Free Church
History— At the instance of the adherents of the Free Church a congregation was formed here and a Kirk session was appointed. The charge was sanctioned in 1845, the understanding being that Barvas and Back should be served together by one minister and one catechist. Almost the whole population, numbering about 2000, then belonged to the Free Church. The church was built about 1850 and the manse a few years later. Membership:1859, 550; 1900, 920. 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 ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Back Free Church
History— In answer to a petition from the people, a catechist was stationed here in 1843. In 1845, when 1700 adherents were reported, the charge was sanctioned, it being understood that in the meantime there should be only one minister and one catechist taking charge of both Back and Barvas. Disharmony arose among the people and backwardness in supporting the Sustentation Fund delayed the settlement of a minister until 1859. The manse was built in 1858. The majority of the people did not enter the Union in 1900. Membership: 1859, 300; 1900, 1169. 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 ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Cross or Ness Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of the Parliamentary Church at Cross all ––"came out" at the Disruption. From 1843 to 1846 they worshiped in the open air. In the latter year the church and manse were built at South Dell. In those days much driftwood was cast ashore. The Marquis of Breadalbane bought it to help in building the church. With the growth of the population the congregation greatly increased and a new church was built in 1891. The first minister would baptize none but children of Church members in full communion. Many of the young were un–baptized when the second minister was ordained in 1844. Membership: 1855, 680; 1900, 1453. 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 ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.