Kilmore and Kilbride, Argyl, Scotland

Parish #523

History
This parish is named for a burying place dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Kilmore and Kilbride were united soon after the restoration. Oban is the nearest town. The major land owners were: Captain M’Dougall of M’Dougall; Archibald Campbell, Esq. of Lochnell; the most Noble the Marquis of Breadalbane; and Sir Donald Campbell of Dunstaffnage, Bart. The land was primarily used for, barley, oats, potatoest, turnips, black-cattle, and black faced sheep. The population in 1791 was 2729. The population in 1841 was 4327. The parochial register commenced in Oct 1783 and has been kept regularly since. There are two churches. Attendance at both is usually good. About 15 Dissenters, either Baptists or Independents are in the parish. The Episcopalians number from 9-12, and about 15 Roman Catholics. 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: The record appears to have been regularly kept. Marriages: Except one entry for 1803, no record appears until December 1810; afterwards the record was 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
Kilmore and Kilbride Minutes 1810–1966 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1534.

Oban Town Mission Association Minutes 1809–1903 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1537.

Oban United Secession Church
History— When a minister of the United Associate Church went to preach in Oban about 1830, he was well received. The Presbytery of Glasgow immediately made arrangements to supply the town with regular sermon. Two years later it was withdrawn when a Chapel of Ease was opened nearby. In 1834 the people of Oban petitioned for the station to be reopened, and a missionary was sent to them. In 1836 a place of worship was erected. A new church was built in 1868. 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 ministers.

Records— Minutes 1831–1938 Roll of Members 1844–1877 Baptisms 1837–1877 Congregational Minutes 1836–1861 Note: Available at the Scottish National Archives, Edinburgh, record CH3/727.

Oban High Free Church
History— The minister of Oban quoad sacra church and many of his people left the Established Church in 1843. With the generous help of Lord Breadalbane, a church was speedily erected. It was built under the condition that two–thirds of the sittings in the area would always be free to the inhabitants of Oban or others who might desire to worship there. This condition was removed in 1870. Membership: 1848, 194; 1900, 134. 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 pre-1855 records is unknown.

Oban Congregational Church
History— Twenty converts formed the church in Oban in 1805. The congregation was split in 1806/1807 by the controversy over baptism. Many holding Baptist views left and those remaining were unable to support a pastor until 1811. The congregation was greatly persecuted by the members of the Established Church. Some were deprived of their farms by landlords. Despite this, the first chapel was built in 1820. In 1880 a new church was built in Argyll Street, Tweedale. This church contributed to the establishment of many preaching stations in the area and is still active. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960. FHL book 941 K2es. This source contains further details.

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

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