Wigtown, Wigtownshire, Scotland Genealogy

Wigtown, Wigtonshire, Scotland (#901)

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: 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 November 1751–September 1753, but there are twelve irregular entries 1745–1768. There are only twenty entries September 1753–January 1771 and the entries October 1772–January 1779 are incomplete. The regular record has no entries December 1782–September 1799, but there are irregular entries on five pages at that point, dated 1774–1798. There are Irregular entries, 1740–1761 and one family is recorded in 1829. Marriages: There are no entries except one for 1754, February 1752–April 1772 and none except one for 1775, December 1772–April 1777. The record ends June 1782, except for one entry for 1832. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1701–1745, a few 1785–1815 mixed with accounts; 1822–1823, 1843–18541857–1889 Accounts 1701–1815 Communion Roll 1848–1934 - with gaps Notes: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/374.

Wigtown United Associate Presbyterian Records
History— The Secession cause secured warm adherents in almost all parts of the country from Newton–Stewart and Minnigaff in the north, to Sorbie and Whithorn on the south. The controversy respecting the Burgess Oath had arisen and the Breach prevented the infant cause in Galloway from being attended to for a time. The people in Galloway almost unanimously adhered to the General Associate Anti-burgher Synod. The division diminished the number of preachers available for supplying vacancies and sermon was afforded to Wigtown in common with other places similarly situated, only at distant intervals. In addition to this circumstance, great difficulty was found in obtaining a site on which to build a place of worship. One was eventually furnished and a place of worship was built in 1750, to which galleries were added in 1785 and which was thereby rendered capable of holding 450 sitters. The church was rebuilt in 1845. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details may be given in the source.

Records— FHL Film Number Baptisms 1849–1862 0304671 item 29 Marriages 1849–1855 0304671 item 29

Wigtown Free Church
History— This congregation began as a preaching station, was sanctioned as a full charge at the end of 1843. Lack of funds to complete the church which was being erected for the Relief Church led to the unfinished building being offered for sale. It was purchased on behalf of the congregation and became the Free Church of Wigtown. Membership: 1848, 238; 1900, 153. 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

Records—  FHL Film Number Baptisms: 1844–1858 0889477 see also 0304671 Baptisms: 1875–1879 0889477 see also 0304671 Other: Session Minutes 1845–1942 Deacons Court Minutes 1853–1901 Baptismal Register 1844–1947 Communion Roll 1844–1919 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/311.

Wigtown Catholic Church
History— Though the congregation was formed in 1838, it was served from Newton Stewart until 1879.

Records— See Penninghame parish for records.

Return to the Wigtonshire parish list