Alva, Stirlingshire, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #470                    [Return to parish list.]

= History =

To be added

= Census Records =

To be added

= Church Records =

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers. The records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: Duplicate of record 1655–May 1717. Records have been regularly kept throughout. Pages of records after 1716 have been subscribed by the Session–Clerk. Mothers’ names not recorded until 1684. Marriages: Portion prior to June 1717 is merely a transcript. Pages of record from 1717–1779, have been subscribed by the Session-Clerk. After May 1810, the fact of marriage is seldom recorded. See also Kirk Sessions below. Deaths: Burials; names of two witnesses of the interments usually added to the entries before 1779. There is one entry for 1830. See also Kirk Sessions below. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1681–1690, 1716–1984 Accounts 1666–1756, 1760–1829, 1846–1930 Marriage Register 1673–1717 Proclamation Register 1849–1979 Lairs Burial Plots Register 1670–1840 Congregational Roll 1836–1866 Note: Available at the Stirling Council Archives, Stirling, Scotland, record CH2/10.

Alva United Associate Church, later United Free Eadie
History— This congregation originated with members of the congregation of Alloa and Tillicoultry who were desirous of having a place of worship more conveniently situated for them. There was both room and need for another church in Alva, which had been rapidly growing by the introduction and extension of the woollen manufactures. They applied for and obtained a supply of sermons from the United Associate Presbytery of Stirling and Falkirk in 1839. A place of worship was built in 1842. 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 a list of ministers.

Records—  Managers’ Minutes 1849–1868 Seat Letting Book 1849–1873 Note: Available at the Stirling Council Archives, Stirling, Scotland, records CH3/1255.

Alva Free Church, later West United Free Church and West Church of Scotland
History— Only a few adhered to the Free Church in Alva in 1843. Unsuccessful attempts were made to unite Alva with Tillicoultry. The charge was sanctioned in 1846. The church was built and opened in March 1848 and soon afterwards the manse was erected. The population increased with the development of trade, but later it somewhat diminished. Membership: 1848, 63; 1900, 180. 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 a list of ministers.

Records— Session Minutes 1844–1883 Deacons’ Court Minutes 1848–1871 Committee Minutes 1848–1851 Congregational Fund Cash Book1848–1866 Note: Available at the Stirling Council Archives, Stirling, Scotland, record CH3/13.

= Probate Records =

To be added