Bowmore or Kilarrow (Insular), Argyl, Scotland

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: Only three entries appear prior to May 1770, and there are none March 1778–March 1780. Six irregular entries occur 1775–1782 after June 1783 and 18 similar entries, two families, appear 1768–1791 on two pages at November 1786. Marriages: Only one entry occurs June 1781–February 1783. The fact of marriage is rarely added to the entries of proclamations prior to November 1789, omitted in 1803–1804 and sometimes after 1816. Deaths: The record contains mortcloth dues. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British book 941 K23b. Note: Kilmeny is a “quoad sacra” parish belonging to the parish of Bowmore or Killarrow.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Extent of pre-1855 records is unknown. Records may be available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, as record CH2/1282 for Kilarrow. The Statistical Account of Scotland for Kilarrow for 1843, states that there were minute books commencing in 1823 and poor accounts commencing in 1819.

Kilarrow and Kilmeny Free Church
History— The minister and many of the congregation of the quoad sacra church of Kilmeny left the Established Church in 1843 and were joined by those who left the parish church of Kilarrow. They built a new church at Skerrols in February 1844 and a manse in 1846. The rural population declined considerably. The members and adherents from Bowmore and its vicinity were disjoined in 1859 and made a separate charge. Membership: 1855, 215 (including adherents); 1900, 32. 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. Records may be available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, as record CH3/1268.

Bowmore Baptist Church
History— The Baptist church in the area began about 1812 through the efforts of missionaries. The church was later weakened by emigration to Canada but survived and flourished. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. 1926. FHL book 941 K2hi. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown; though it is doubtful there are any pre-1855 records. For information write to: The Baptist Union of Scotland 12 Aytoun Road Glasgow G41 5RT Scotland

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