Whithorn, Wigtownshire, Scotland Genealogy

Whithorn, Wigtonshire, Scotland (#900)

History
History is coming soon.

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 and family history centers. Some records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. The regular record does not begin until May 1796. Prefixed to this are four pages containing ninety-six irregular entries dated between 1763 and 1844. On page 112 are thirty-three irregular entries 1789–1819. Marriages: One entry for 1788 is recorded after August 1811. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1712–1722, 1866–1915 Poors’ Accounts and Minutes 1811–1843 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/402.

Whithorn Free Church
History— This congregation was formed on July 17, 1843. Whithorn and Isle of Whithorn were sanctioned as separate charges, with their own sessions under one minister. A church was erected in 1844. The use of the Reformed Presbyterian Church was kindly granted for worship on Sabbath afternoons while the church was being built. A hall was built in 1896, and called the Anderson Memorial Hall, in memory of the first minister. In 1876 a minister was settled in Isle of Whithorn. The congregation suffered through decline of the agricultural population. Membership: 1848, 145; 1900, 124. 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.

Records— Minutes 1843–1913 Communion Roll 1843–1914 Baptismal Register 1843–1921 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/801.

Isle of Whithorn Free Church
History—  This congregation was at first united with Whithorn under one minister with separate sessions. The congregation worshiped for a time in a wooden shed. The local proprietor refused a site for a church, but the Town Council granted one on the shore, where the church was built in 1844. The church was renovated in 1856 and again in 1890. Decline of the shipping trade through extension of the railway to Whithorn reduced the population. Membership: 1848, 125; 1900, 121. 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.

Records— Extent of records is unknown.

Whithorn Associate Congregation Church

History— Four members of the Associate Congregation of Wigtown, resident in Whithorn, tendered a request to Mr. Ogilvie, their minister in 1790, to preach in their locality. A field on the farm of Craig was procured as a place of meeting. In 1791 the tent belonging to the congregation was obtained. In 1792 the four laymen presented a petition to the General Associate Anti-burgher Presbytery of Dumfries for regular supply of sermon, which was granted. Church built 1793. 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.

Records— FHL Film Number Baptisms 1795–1885 0889475 Marriages 1795–1895 0889475 Other: Session Minutes 1795–1810, 1835–1840, 1848–1850 Communion Roll 1835–1843 Baptisms 1852–1912 Seat Rent Accounts 1821–1912 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/308. Return to the Wigtonshire parish list.