Kilbrandon and Kilchattan, Argyle, Scotland

Kilbrandon and Kilchattan, Argyle, Scotland (#515)

History
There were four churches or chapels before the reformation and were joined together to make one. Oban, and Easdale are the nearest towns. The major land owners were: The Marquis of Breadabane; the heirs of the late John M’Dougall Esq. of Ardincaple; and Major Campbell of Melfort. The land was primarily used for, 4 slate quarries, black cattle, black faced sheep. Herring-fish. The population in 1801 was 2278 and in 1831 was 2833. The registers were not regularly kept from 1753 until 1793. The next volume was lost. The register has been regularly kept since 1826. In good weather the church is always crowded, about 400 communicants. The number of Disenters is about 200 in 1836, chiefly to the Covenanters and Independents. 2 Baptists, 1 Roman Catholic family.

This account was written in 1843. source: New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol.7) also available online at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/. Browse the scanned pages under 'For non-subscribers,' then search for the parish report.

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: There is one entry for 1751, only three entries for July 1760–March 1763, and five entries for February 1767–March 1776. The record is defective September 1781–February 1783. Only ten entries appear September 1797–June 1805, and after January 1809 the record is irregular and defective until 1825. Marriages: There are no entries April 1767–August 1776 and April 1791–December 1825, except three entries January 1802 and four entries 1806–1807. Source:Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1753–1778, 1784, 1789, 1827–1903 Accounts 1776–1796, 1827–1845 Proclamations 1825–1893 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH2/209.

Nonconformist Church Records
From the Statistical Account of Scotland, for Kilbrandon and Kilchattan for 1843: “The number of Dissenters in the parish, as reported to the Church Commissioners in 1836, was 200. They belong chiefly to the Covenanters (Reformed Presbyterian) and Independents. There are two persons belonging to the Baptists and one Roman Catholic family.” No histories of these groups are available.

Kilbrandon and Kilchattan Free Church
History— The minister of the parish and most members of the parish left the Established Church in 1843 and formed the Free Church of Kilbrandon and Kilchattan. Tthe Marquis of Breadalbane gave them a tent for worship during the winter months. He also aided largely with the building of the new church, which was opened in 1846. The manse was erected in 1866. Membership decreased owing to depopulation. Of the local congregation of the Covenanters who left the local parish church in 1787, the majority joined the Free Church in 1872. They became extinct as a body in 1876. Membership: 1848, 222; 1900, 128. 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— Minutes 1843–1900 Deacons’ Court Minutes 1846–1900 Note:Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH3/189

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