Barvas, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Parish # 86a

History
The name of this parish is thought to be Norwegian, in common with that of many other places in the Hebrides; but its signification is not known. The parish of Barvas is situated in the northern extremity of the Island of Lewis, extending from south-west to north-east, along the shore of the Atlantic. It is bounded on the west, by the parish of Lochs; on the south, by the parishes of Stornoway and Lochs; on the east, by the parish of Cross; and on the north, by the Atlantic ocean.

There are no towns in this parish, nor any market in the country, by which the people may be benefited, but the annually one held at Stornoway in July.

Southward of Bragar, on the border of a loch, are the ruins of a circular tower (dun) or Danish fort, well adapted for defense, built solely of large stones, three stories high, tapering towards the summit, with a double wall, bound by large flags, which at the same time form a winding staircase in the interior of the wall, by which one may go around the building.

In a plain of moss between Barvas and Shadir, there in an immense stone 18 feet high, and nearly the same in circumference, standing almost perpendicular, and no other stone nearer than the shore a half mile away. Unless it was placed there by some mechanical power, there can be no better proof that there were “giants in those days”. Some suppose it was erected in memory of a native chief who fell there. The tradition of a bloody battle between the native tribes having been fought in its immediate vicinity might seem to confirm this opinion.

The church is located in the center of the parish, about five to seven miles distant from the inhabited parts of the parish. There are no dissenters in the parish, nor any other chapels or churches. About 180 families, and from 400 to 500 individuals, are in the habit of attending public worship, when weather permits.

The earliest record of a population count was in 1755 when the population was numbered at 1995. In 1831 it amounted to 3011.

The only parochial register that exists in this parish, dates its earliest entry from the year 1810, since which time, baptisms, marriages, and distribution of poor funds have been regularly registered. Almost every populous village in the parish had formerly a small Popish Chapel attached to it, and adjoining the church, a burying ground, which still serve their original purpose. The names applied to these were, St. Bridget in Borve, St. Peter’s in Lower Shadir, St. Mary’s in Barvas, and St. John’s in Bragar.

This account was written September 1836.

Source: New Statistical Account of Scotland, FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2, vol. 14.

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 Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index available on computers at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. These records appear to have been regularly kept. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
The extent of records is unknown. None are deposited at the Scottish Record Office in Edinburgh.

Barvas Free Church
History— At the instance of the adherents of the Free Church a congregation was formed here and a Kirk session was appointed. The charge was sanctioned in 1845, the understanding being that Barvas and Back should be served together by one minister and one catechist. Almost the whole population, numbering about 2000, then belonged to the Free Church. The church was built about 1850 and the manse a few years later. Membership:1859, 550; 1900, 920. 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— The extent of records is unknown.

Back Free Church
History— In answer to a petition from the people, a catechist was stationed here in 1843. In 1845, when 1700 adherents were reported, the charge was sanctioned, it being understood that in the meantime there should be only one minister and one catechist taking charge of both Back and Barvas. Disharmony arose among the people and backwardness in supporting the Sustentation Fund delayed the settlement of a minister until 1859. The manse was built in 1858. The majority of the people did not enter the Union in 1900. Membership: 1859, 300; 1900, 1169. 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— The extent of records is unknown.

Cross or Ness Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of the Parliamentary Church at Cross all ––"came out" at the Disruption. From 1843 to 1846 they worshiped in the open air. In the latter year the church and manse were built at South Dell. In those days much driftwood was cast ashore. The Marquis of Breadalbane bought it to help in building the church. With the growth of the population the congregation greatly increased and a new church was built in 1891. The first minister would baptize none but children of Church members in full communion. Many of the young were un–baptized when the second minister was ordained in 1844. Membership: 1855, 680; 1900, 1453. 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— The extent of records is unknown.

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