Strathmiglo, Fife, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #457

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: Prior to 1747 and again 1756–1800 each entry consists of a date and name, surname of father and baptismal name of the child. Mother's names are added after 1800. Marriages: There are no entries June 1753–February 1817, but there are entries of contract money 1702–1743 and 1748–1819 mixed with Mortcloth Dues, etc. Deaths: Only Mortcloth Dues prior to 1817 and burials after January 1817. 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 and Accounts 1719–1747 Collections 1794–1806 Disbursements 1794–1807 Poor Fund Accounts 1817–1818 Accounts 1846–1889 Scroll Accounts 1854–1886 Roll of Male Heads of Families being Communicants 14 September 1835 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH2/609.

Edenhead United Associate Church
History— The minister of the parish gave every indication to his congregation that he would join the Secession when it occurred, but those in favor of it waited in vain for him to do so. In April 1738, one of the elders and several of the parishioners appeared before the Associate Presbytery meeting in Abernethy and declared their secession from the Established Church. They, along with seceders from the neighboring parish of Arngask, were formed into an Association under the sanction of the Presbytery. Later the same year, another elder and several more parishioners of Strathmiglo seceded and joined with them. There were further secessions from the parish church in 1740 and 1741. Sermon was now supplied at intervals. When the Breach took place in 1747, part of the seceders in Strathmiglo adhered to the General Associate Anti-burgher Synod and connected themselves with the congregations of Milnathort and Abernethy, and part adhered to the Associate Burgher Synod and helped to form the first Secession, later the East United Presbyterian, congregation of Auchtermuchty. At the union of the two great branches of the secession in 1820, a Secession congregation was finally established in Strathmiglo at Edenhead. When the congregation was organized in 1825, it was found to be made up of persons who had been members of the Secession congregations of Abernethy, Auchermuchty, Milnathort, and Balgedie, and of the parish churches of Arngask and Strathmiglo. A church was built in 1835 with seating for 300. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618.

Records— Congregational Meeting Minutes 1826–1883 Seat Rent Book 1854–1870 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH3/1564.

Strathmiglo North Free, formerly Reformed Presbyterian
History— In 1821, an ardent Covenanter settled at Auchtermuchty, less than two miles distant from Strathmiglo. He gained over several in the community, and in 1823 a licentiate was commissioned to preach to them. They were formed as a Reformed Presbyterian Congregation the following year. A church was erected in 1828 and a new church, with seating for 400, was opened in 1852. The congregation united with the Free Church in 1876 and was placed in the Presbytery of Cupar. A union was affected in 1899 between this congregation and that of Strathmiglo South. Many members who were opposed to the union left the church. Membership: 1847, 130; 1877, 131; 1900 158. Sources: The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland, by W.J. Couper, pub. 1925. FHL book 941 K2c, and 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 sources.

Records— Managers and Congregational Minutes 1824–1879 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH3/832.

Strathmiglo South Free Church
History— A congregation of the adherents of the Free Church was formed here soon after the Disruption and a church was erected in 1843. When the first minister died in 1889 a fruitless effort was made to unite the two Free Church congregations in Strathmiglo. Finally in 1899 the two congregations were united to form Strathmiglo Free Church. There was then a large secession to the Established Church. Membership: 1848, 236; 1893, 97 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.

Records— Minutes 1844–1891 Note: Available at St. Andrews University Library, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, record CH/541.