Inverary & Glenaray, Argyllshire, Scotland Genealogy

Iverary, Argyle, Scotland (#513)

History
This parish was at one period called Kilmiliew and also Glenaray. The parish takes its name from the river Aray. Furnace and Kenmore are the nearest towns. At this time the family of Argyle posses most of the parish and are the major land owners. The land was primarily used for, sheep, cattle, hay crops, and oats. The population in 1792 was 1832, and in 1841 was 2277. The parish registers were first kept in 1651 to July 1688, then from Dec 1699 to December 1763, from January 1764 to January 1790, from July 1790 to December 1817, and from January 1818 to the present (1843). The Earl of Argyle succeeded his father in 1542 and embraced Protestantism at an early period of the Reformation. There now is a Gaelic congregation and an English congregation, a few Baptists, Papists and seceders.

This account was written in 1844. 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: The record is blank April 1659–February 1661 and December 1662–May 1666, except three entries for 1664. The page on November 1667 is mutilated and 17 entries are partially destroyed. No entries occur June 1683–November 1684, December 1688–September 1699, December 1707–February 1709, and October 1713–January 1719. The page for March 1784 is imperfect. There is a separate record for Glenarary, August 1702–April 1745 which is blank November 1709–October 1711 and March 1714–January 1720. There is only one record for the united parish after 1745. Marriages: There are no records May 1654–February 1660, except for three entries. Only two entries appear January 1661–December 1665. There are no entries December 1666–December 1699 and March 1715–June 1725 except three entries. Only one entry appears May 1726–November 1734, and the records are defective 1734–1741. There is a separate record for Glenaray June 1702–April 1745 which is blank November 1709–January 1720. After 1745 one record is kept for the united parish. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British book 941 K23b.

Inveraray
Minutes 1650–1663 (English), 1677–1683, 1699–1724 (Lowland) Collections 1677–1687, 1784–1839 Cash Book 1843–1919

Inveraray and Glenaray
Minutes 1745–1754, 1777–1952 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH2/663.

Glenaray
Minutes 1701–1729 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH2/664.

Inverary Secession Church
History— The Secession Church had sent occasional preachers to Inverary and decided there was a need to form a congregation. In June 1835 a hall was built and opened as a preaching station. The church was opened the end of 1836. The people were formed as a congregation in 1837. 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 ministers.

Records— FHL Film Number Baptisms 1837–1842 1484621 items 6–7 Session Minutes 1837–1878 1484621 items 6–7 Other: Managers’ Minutes 1839–1844 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH3/176.

Inverary Free Church
History— This congregation was formed at the Disruption. The church was erected in 1844, the school in 1848, and the manse in 1851. A new church was built in 1896. The congregation was unable to obtain a minister for several years. The population steadily declined. Membership: 1848, 200; 1900, 140. 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— FHL Film Number Presbytery Minutes 1843–1868 - partially indexed 1484195 Presbytery Scroll Minutes 1843–1844 1484196 item 1 Other: Minutes 1843–1928 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH3/584

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