Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Kilwinning, Ayr, Scotland (#599) 

History
This parish takes its name from St Winnin, a Scottish saint of the eighth century, to whom the ancient church of this place was dedicated. Irvine, Doura, Fergushill, and Dalgarven are the nearest towns. The fame and sanctity of St Winnin led to the building of the splendid monastery, near the site of the more ancient church of this place. According to the commonly received account, it was founded in the reign of David I, A. D. 1140, by Hugh de Moreville, Constable of Scotland. The land was primarily used for,oats, potatoes, sheep, cows, sheep, cattle, horses, wheat, dairy, cheese, and coal. The population in1792 was 2360. The population in 1841 was 5251. The record of baptisms begins 27th April 1669, and that of proclamations, 14th July 1676 and both are continued with few interruptions to the present day. In recent times, the register of births is far from being complete, and there is none of deaths or burials. Besides the Established Church, there are also congregations of United Secessions and Original Seceders.

This history was written in 1842.

source:New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol.5)

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 records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index.

Births:There are no entries April 1685–July 1687 or May 1730–January 1731. On the pages prior to 1697 many entries are partially destroyed. Marriages: Six entries for 1669–1671 are found after June 1791. There are no entries September 1694–December 1696. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1656–1684, 1688–1698, 1712–1729, 1738–1765, 1780–1787, 1803–1931 Accounts 1668–1670, 1674–1824 Letters 1742–1842 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/591.

Kilwinning General Associate, later Original Secession Church
History— A number of the parishioners of Kilwinning, sympathizing with those of Kilmaurs in their opposition to the exercise of patronage and the settlement of a Mr. Coates among them, acceded to the Associate Presbytery, 13 December 1738; and became part of the congregation of Kilmaurs, then in the course of formation. The minister of Kilmaurs was required to preach two Sabbaths in the year at Kilwinning, but at all other times the seceders there traveled to Kilmaurs, until 1758, when under sanction of the Presbytery they were formed into a separate General Associate congregation, with its seat in Kilwinning. The minister of this congregation was one of the protestors against the union of the two great branches of the secession in 1820, and refused to acquiesce in that union. He and the majority of his congregation retained the property and they became connected with the Original Seceders. A second church was built in 1825. This congregation was extinct by 1873. 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, including a list of ministers.

Records— The extent of pre–1855 records is unknown.

Kilwinning United Presbyterian Church
History— This congregation originated with the minority of the first congregation, Kilwinning, who joined the United Associate Synod in 1820, together with a portion of the Associate Burgher congregation of Saltcoats, resident in and about Kilwinning, who, in consequence of the union which then took place between the two great branches of the secession, found themselves in a condition to join with them. A church was built in 1824, and another church was built in 1838. 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, including a list of ministers. Records— The extent of pre–1855 records is unknown.

Kilwinning Free Church
History— A station was established here at the Disruption, under the supervision of Dr. Landsborough of Stevenston. The charge was sanctioned in 1845. The church was built in 1846 on a site presented by Miss Donald of Kilburnie. The manse was erected in 1848. A new church was built in 1861. Rapid development of the coal and iron industries after 1844 brought an increase of population, from which the congregation benefited. Membership: 1848, 230; 1900, 342. 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 a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1843–1928 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/762.

Kilwinning Evangelical Union Church
History— The church was formed in May 1844 and was admitted to the Evangelical Union the following year. A church building was opened for public worship at Wood Wynd in March 1850, it is still active today. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960. FHL British book 941 K2es. It includes a list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to: The United Reformed Church, Scottish Synod Office PO Box 189, 240 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 2BX Scotland

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