Muirkirk, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Muirkirk, Ayr, Scotland (#607)

History
This account was written in 1837.

Until 1626, this parish was a part of the parish of Mauchline.

Muirkirk and Glenbuck are the nearest towns.

The gravestone of one John Brown is erected on the Farm of Priesthill. The death of this man was perpetrated with cold-bloody cruelty in the presence of his wife and family. He was shot while kneeling in prayer.

The major land owners were: His Grace, the duke of Portland; The Right Honorable the Earl of Douglas; and The Right Honorable the Earl of Hyndford.

The land was primarily used for, sheep, dairy cows, grains, potatoes, turnips, hay, and coal. The population in 1837 was 2816.

Before the year 1772 the parish registers are very imperfect and irregular; but since that time they have been regularly kept. The first entry is dated in the year 1739.

The Established Church has 380 Families. The Burger Meeting House has 45 Families.

source: New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol.5)

Established Church—Old Parochial Registers
Years Covered FHL Film Number Births: 1659 –1799 1041399 item 3 1787–1855 1041400 item 1–2 Marriages: 1694 –1713, 1739 – 1758 1773 –1809 1041399 item 3 1810 –1854 1041400 item 1–2 Deaths: 1688 –1800 1041399 item 3

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library under “Databases on the Network.” Births: Entries prior to August 1739 are irregular and incomplete. No entries February 1760–July 1762, after which is a page of irregular entries 1766–1831. After December 1765 there are also irregular entries on four pages, 1761–1799, with two entries dated 1833 and 1834. The regular record resumes with December 1772. After 1819 there are eight pages of "Irregular Registrations" for 1789–1825. Marriages: There are no entries except for two entries, December 1756–November 1773. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1828–1949 Accounts 1799–1826 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/272.

Muirkirk United Presbyterian Church
History— Muirkirk is a village of recent origin, and owes its existence to the discovery and smelting of iron ores in the neighborhood. They applied and obtained supply of sermon from the United Associate Presbytery of Kilmarnock, 1820. They built a place of worship in 1823. 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 a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1848–1915 Communion Roll 1834–1915 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/240.

Muirkirk Free Church
History— This congregation was formed after the Disruption by those in the parish who adhered to the Free Church. The charge was sanctioned, and the church built in 1845. The manse was erected in 1851. The church was renovated and enlarged in 1891. Membership: 1848, 145; 1900, 224. 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 a list of ministers.

Records— Years Covered FHL Microfilm Number Baptismal Register 1843 –1860 0304671 item 21 Other: Minutes 1845–1949 Treasurer's Account Book 1845 –1867 Communion Roll 1843 –1869 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/239. Muirkirk Evangelical Union Church

History— A Congregational Church was formed about 1805 and continued until about 1835. The Evangelical Union Church was formed in 1854 and included many members from the older church. A building was erected that year; a second in 1894. Unfortunately the records of this church up to the year 1878 have been lost. Source:A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960. FHL British book 941 K2es. It also includes a list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For more information write to: The United Reformed Church, Scottish Synod Office PO Box 189 240 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 2BX Scotland

Muirkirk Catholic Church
History— A church was dedicated to St. Thomas in 1856, but earlier events were recorded in Cumnock.

Records— See Cumnock.