Kilconquhar, Fife, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #436

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. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: There are no entries May 1709–August 1719 and a duplicate of record 1781–1793. There is an index to births 1781–1805. Marriages: There are no entries February 1669–May 1673 and June 1709–September 1719. Deaths: There are burials only until 1754; after that date deaths and burials are recorded. From 1793, entries are generally recorded on alternate pages of the register of births. There is an Index to deaths 1787–1812. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. FHL British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1637–1773, 1783–1906 Accounts 1822–1953 Baptisms 1838–1854 Proclamation Register 1838–1854 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH2/210.

Kilconquhar United Presbyterian Church, extinct
History— A praying society in Kilconquhar formed part of the association which met in Radernie. The members of this association became part of the congregation of Ceres upon its formation, 1740 and they and their representatives continued connected with it until the congregation of Kennoway began, when most of them joined themselves to it. About the end of the 19th century the Seceders in the district were increased by a number of families and individuals from other parts of the country settling in it. These consulting together, and agreeing on the propriety of forming a congregation in connection with the denomination to which they belonged, applied for and obtained supply of sermon from the Associate Burgher Presbytery of Perth, 1795. A church was built the same year. After the resignation of the minister in 1858, the congregation lingered for a few years and then was dissolved by the Presbytery of Cupar. 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 minister's names.

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

Colinsburgh Associate and Relief Presbyterian Churches
History— When an unpopular minister was settled at Kilconquhar in 1760, those in opposition separated and built their own church, connecting themselves with no religious body whatsoever. They attempted to have a minister of their choice baptize their children but he refused unless they had letters of refusal from their parish ministers. By putting the neighboring ministers to this test, he hoped to avoid a schism, but his actions had the opposite effect. Thus the people became Dissenters by compulsion and Relief Dissenters by choice. They built a church in 1768, a second in 1800, and a third in 1844. In 1775 their minister was cut off from the Relief Synod and he and his congregation remained separated from the Synod until 1793, at which time they sought to renew their connection but were refused. The congregation then divided into two parties, one for the minister and the other for the Relief Synod. The Synod received the latter as a forming congregation and this then became the Relief congregation of Colinsburgh. They eventually built themselves a separate church. The former group appears to have eventually become affiliated with the Associate Secession Church.

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 and Marriages 1765–1801, 1820       1482991 item 3 Other: Session and Managers Minutes, Accounts, etc. 1760–1801, 1820. Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH3/60.