Urray, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Urray # 85

History
Urray is composed of the united parishes of Urray and Kilchrist, hence it is probable the name is derived from Ur-a, the new ford. Kilchrist is evidently Cella Christi, a burying ground consecrated to Christ. It is situated chiefly in the county of Ross, a small part of it lies in Inverness-shire.

There are no towns or villages in the parish.

There are eleven land-holders, in the parish, the principle of whom are: A. Stewart Mackenzie of Seaforth; George Gillanders, Esq. of Highfield; Thomas Mackenzie of Ord; Fowler of Fairburn; Balfour of Strathconnon; and Colonel Baillie of Tarradale.

The population in the parish in 1801 was 2083, and by 1831 it increased to 2768.

All families in the parish belong to the Established Church, with the exception of 25 families, who are attached to the Episcopal Church; and excepting also one Roman Catholic family.

There is a register of births and marriages, the former commencing with the year 1756, and the latter with the year 1815. The register of births previous to the year 1820 was very irregularly kept, a great many names having been left out, and those in many cases entered improperly.

This account was written July 1840.

Source: New Statistical Account of Scotland, FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2, vol. 14.

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.” Births: Irregular entries for 1754–1800 are recorded on five pages after entries for 1819. Marriages: There is only one entry for 1813. 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.

Urray Free Church
History— The minister of Urray, "came out" in 1843, with a large congregation. A church was erected in 1844. A new church was later built in 1861 which served a very wide district. Membership: 1848, 102; 1900, 100. 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.

Highfield Episcopalian Church
History— The New Statistical Account of Scotland for Urray 1840, states that the Episcopalian congregation at that time consisted of 25 families. There was also a school run by the church there. There is no congregation there currently.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to: Moray and Caithness Diocesan Office 11 Kenneth Street Inverness PA34 5DR Scotland