Girvan, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #594

History
This history was written in 1837. This parish takes its name from the small river, at the mouth of which it is situated. Girvan is the nearest town. Many people from Ireland have immigrated to work in the cotton weaving industry. The Duchess de Coigney; Mr. Kennedy of Dunure, Mr. Craufurd of Ardmillan; and Mr. Fergusson of Trochrigg are the major landowners. The land was primarily used for, cattle, sheep, milk cows, wheat, barley, oats, turnips, potatoes, beans, and peas. The population in 1801 was 2260. The population in 1831 was 6430. There is a Burgher meeting house, and a small Methodist chapel. Most of the parish belong to the Established Church, but there are about 200 Seceders, and about 100 Roman Catholics.

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 the family history centers. Some records may be indexed on the International Genealogical Index.

Births:There are no entries August 1746–January 1748, except part of a page containing imperfect entries for 1747. There are no entries April 1762–February 1763. The entries previous to December 1769 are numbered from 1 to 1454. Mothers' names are seldom recorded until 1772. Marriages:No entries January 1794–1825 except for one entry for 1811. Deaths: Burials are recorded on alternate pages of the register of marriages. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1848–1943 Note:Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/ 801, 802.

Girvan Secession, later United Presbyterian Church
History— This congregation originated partly with members of the Secession Church resident in the district, who were desirous of having a place of worship more conveniently situated, partly with "Protestors" at Colmonell, together with members of the Established Church who were dissatisfied with its government and discipline. They united in a petition to the Associate Burgher Presbytery of Kilmarnock for a supply of sermon in 1812, which was granted. A church was built in 1814. A new church was opened on the 25th of September 1870, by Dr. M'Ewen. 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— Minutes 1845–1901 Treasurer's Accounts 1833–1870 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/774.

Girvan Free Church
History— The adherents of the Free Church who formed this congregation at the Disruption came mainly from the quoad sacra church which had been erected in 1842. Trouble arose in May 1844 when they wished to call P. Hately Waddell, probationer, to the pastorate. He had been prominent as a student in the Free Church cause; but he refused to sign the confession. His licence was withdrawn on the ground of contumacy; and his followers formed an independent congregation in Girvan. This crippled the Free Church congregation from the outset. They worshiped in the "Extension Church" until they were deprived of it in 1855. From that time they met in the school until their own church was opened in 1857. After 1867 the congregation suffered through decline of the population, due to the failure of hand-loom weaving. Membership: 1848, 250; 1900, 204. 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 1844–1929 Communion Roll 1843–1866 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/760.

Girvan West Reformed, later Free Church
History— This congregation, originally Reformed Presbyterian, joined the Free Church in 1876. The Reformed congregation had been created in 1845 when it was disjoined from Colmonell. A church was built in 1847. This was always a small congregation. After the union and the departure of the minister for the West Indies, it was found unnecessary to maintain a second Free Congregation in Girvan, and in 1879 the charge was reduced to a preaching station. Membership: 1850, 36; 1877, 63; 1878, 73. 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 1845–1874 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/671.

Girvan Catholic Church
History— In 1834, there were 81 Catholic families in Girvan. They were served from Ayr since before 1829. A church was dedicated in 1860.

Records— Baptisms 1850–1908 Marriages 1850–1938 Note:Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record RH21/55.

Girvan Scottish Episcopal Church
History— Unavailable

Records— Baptisms 1847–1944 Marriages 1847–1860 Burials 1856–1944 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH12/6.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints
History— Unavailable

Records— FHL Film Number Record of Members 1848–1852 0104151 item 7  Return to the Ayrshire Parish List