Strachur and Stralachlan, Argyl, Scotland

Strachur and Stralachlan, Argyl, Scotland (#534)

History
Prior to 1650 these parishes were part of Lochgoilhead and Inverchaolain. Lochgoilhead is the nearest town. There is a hill in Stralachlan, rising in a curious conical shape. It is called Siene Sluagh, the residence of the fairy people. The major land owners were: John Campbell, Esq. of Strachur; and Robert M’Lachlan, Esq. of Stralachlan. The land was primarily used for, sheep, black-cattle,  grains, potatoes, turnips, and hay. The population in 1801 was 1097. The population in 1841 was 1086. There are no parochial registers in existence prior to 1753. For the next 28 years they were not punctually kept. Since then they have been regularly kept. There are two parish churches. All the families with the exception of one Roman Catholic family belong to the Established Church.

This account was written in 1843.

Source:New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol. 7)

Condition of Original Records—
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: Stralachlan: one family 1789–1798 is recorded after May 1794. Entries after 1788 are tabulated. Strachur: only 13 entries appear prior to February 1753. Irregular entries are not infrequent 1805–1818. Mothers' names are rarely recorded prior to 1775 and sometimes omitted until 1783. Entries are tabulated. Marriages: Stralachlan: no entries appear July 1779–July 1781. Strachur: no entries exist for 1811. Entries are tabulated. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Strachur: Minutes 1753–1931 (with large gaps) Poor Accounts 1795–1846 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH2/340.

Strachur and Strathlachlan Free Church
History— This congregation was formed at the Disruption, and a minister was settled in January 1844. For ten years no site for a place of worship could be obtained. At length, in 1854 a church and manse were erected. The church was renovated in 1889. Membership: 1848, 80; 1900, 87. 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— Roll of Members and Adherents 1850 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH3/946.

Lochfyneside Free Church
History— This congregation was formed immediately after the Disruption and was nurtured under the guidance of the minister of Strachur. The church was built about 1848 and a manse in 1870. Membership: 1866, 43; 1900, 67. 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—  Extent of pre-1855 records is unknown.

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