Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #842

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. Some of the records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: There are duplicate entries for July 1737–July 1762. No entries, except two, October 1776–January 1779 and the record is incomplete until January 1791. Marriages: Marriages are intermixed with other matters. They are chiefly proclamations prior to 1732. After 1732 marriages are regular and irregular. There are no entries January 1781–October 1783. Deaths: Deaths are Mortcloth Dues intermixed with proclamations, etc. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Session Minutes          1843–1862 Cash Book                   1749–1766, 1802–1843 Book of Discipline         1820–1843 Collection Book            1825–1843 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1523.

Moffat United Presbyterian Church
History— A few persons resident in the vicinity of Moffat traveled up Annandale to Cousten, to hear the Rev. Ralph Erskine and the Rev. James Fisher preach there in 1739, and were then induced to connect themselves with the Seceders, and become part of the congregation of Ecclefechan at its formation. When the congregation of Biggar began, a portion of the Seceders in and about Moffat connected themselves with it. From this circumstance the Rev. Mr. Low, of Biggar, was led to preach occasionally in Moffat, at which times the members of the Secession congregation of Ecclefechan and those of Biggar, resident in the district, were brought together, and perceiving that they were sufficiently numerous to maintain ordinances among themselves, they applied for and obtained supply of sermon from the Associate Burgher Presbytery of Edinburgh, 1780. They worshiped in the open air until 1790, when they took possession of a church they had built for themselves. A new church was opened in 1862. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source.

Records— Minutes         1846–1960 Other post–     1855 records Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1544.

Moffat Free Church
History— This congregation was formed in August, 1843. A church was built and opened in July 1844. The manse was erected in 1850, and enlarged in 1884. A new church was built in 1892. The stained–glass window in this church commemorates Dr. Welsh, Moderator of the Disruption Assembly of the Church of Scotland, a native of the parish. From about 1870, with the growth of the town there was an increase of membership. After 1885 the members coming from the country became fewer. Membership: 1848, 401; 1900, 343. Source:Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

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