Forfar, Angus, Scotland Genealogy

Forfar #288

History
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The Established Church of Scotland is Presbyterian. By the 1790s there were small groups of Presbyterian Seceders and Episcopalians in the parish. These combined only represented about thirteen percent of the population, which in 1792 was 4756. By 1851 the population had grown to 11,009.

Condition of Original Registers—
Indexed: 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. Births: Records are blank April 1634– September 1636 and May 1638– October 1659. The first two pages 1633–1638 are partially destroyed and two pages 1693–1694. Entries July 1717–April 1722 are recorded twice. Mothers' names are not recorded until August 1758. Marriages: Prior to October 1701 entries of contracts of marriage are mixed with records of birth. Records are blank from October 1701 to September 1705, when a separate record of proclamations is commenced. There is only one entry May 1710– May 1711 and they are blank September 1712–January 1714 and August 1715–April 1718. There are contracts of marriage 1711–1722 and the fact of marriage added to a few entries for 1718. Deaths: Burial records are carelessly kept by the sexton. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

St. James
Minutes 1836–43 Cash Book 1829–52 Accounts 1852–1973 Managers’ Minutes 1830–1872 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1511.

Forfar Anti-Burgher United Presbyterian Church
History—  The Seceders in and about Forfar met for public worship at Dumbarrow until 1778, when on account of distance, they were formed at their own request into a separate congregation. A church was built in 1780. 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— Accounts 1798–1849 Minutes 1804–1919 Other post–1855 records Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1531.

Forfar First Free Church
History—  Those who "came out" in 1843 along with the minister of the parish formed the Free Church congregation. They worshiped for a time in the open air, or in the United Associate Church. Their own church was erected in 1843–1844. The old church was sold in 1881 when the congregation moved to the building on High Street. Membership: 1848, 651; 1900, 665. 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— Baptismal Register 1843–1854 Roll Book, Lists of Communicants 1839, 1841–1854 Minutes 1843–1906 Deacons’ Court Minutes 1843–1889 Other post–1855 records Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1530.

Forfar East Free Church
History— With the hearty concurrence of the office bearers of the first church, a second congregation was organized in Forfar in 1844. A local committee was formed and a missionary appointed in November of that year. The services were held in the Masons' Lodge. The charge was sanctioned in 1850. The church was erected in 1851. Membership: 1849, 1885; 1900, 455. 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 1845–1857, 1856–1886 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/493

Forfar Congregational Churches
History— A church was formed in 1832 but it was joined to Letham the following year. That congregation was dissolved in 1886. A second Forfar congregation was formed in 1835 and erected a chapel on Osnaburg Street the same year. It may still be functioning. Sources: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott 1960, FHL 941 K2es; and The Scottish Congregational Ministry, 1794–1993, by Rev. Dr. William D. McNaughton 1993, FHL 941 K2mwd. Sources include names of ministers.

Records— 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 Forfar Methodist Society

History— A society was formed here and a chapel built in 1824, but it did not survive. Date of closer is not known but it was likely well before 1844.

Records— Extent of records is unknown. For information write to: Methodist Archives and Research Centre John Rylands University Library of Manchester 150 Deansgate Manchester M3 3EH England

Forfar Episcopalian Church
History— In 1661, the Rescissory Act deposed Presbyterianism in Scotland and re–established Episcopacy. A Bishop was consecrated at St. Andrew’s, an ancient Anglican see, and Episcopacy was strong in this part of Scotland. However, after the Presbyterian Revolution, and particularly after the 1715 and 1745 rebellions, adherents to the Episcopalian church were greatly persecuted and membership dwindled. From the mid 19th century, membership began to recover. There has been a church at Forfar certainly since the late 17th century, and maybe earlier. A chapel was erected in 1824. The current church building, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist was consecrated in 1881. Sources: Sources for Scottish Genealogy and Family History, by D.J. Steel (1970), FHL Ref. 942 V26ste vol. 12, pp 196–201 and 244–8; also The Scottish Episcopal Church Year Book and Directory for 1965–66, FHL 941 E4e.

Records— Christenings 1754–1854 Burials 1825–1854 Note: Available from the incumbent at the church. Write to: The Rectory 24 St. James’s Road Forfar Angus DD8 1LG Scotland

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