Eday & Pharay, Orkney, Scotland Genealogy

Eday &amp; Pharay #15

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: Register was regularly kept and in good condition. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1821–1921, none for Pharay Note: Available on Film at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1087.

Eday United Secession Church
History— Eday is an island in Orkney, between Westray and Stronsay. In 1831 it contained a population of 961. It is ecclesiastically connected with the neighboring Island of Stronsay, from which it is separated by a sound 3 miles broad at the ferry. From time immemorial this island had been in a state of great religious destitution. The only supply of religious instruction they received was a sermon every third or fourth Sabbath from the minister of the island of Stronsay. No minister resided among them. From all the benefits of pastoral superintendence, visitation, and private instruction, they were entirely shut out. The home mission committee of the United Associate Synod taking the destitute condition of this place into consideration, sent missionaries to it in 1828, by whom the gospel was preached and Sabbath schools were formed. In 1831 the people, with the aid of Christian friends, built a place of worship. A congregation consisting of 120 members was formed. While matters were in this harmonious state, a missionary minister was sent by the Church of Scotland and located on the island with a grant of £50 a year from the Royal Bounty. Through contributions made in Edinburgh and elsewhere, a dwelling house was built for him and every effort made to keep him on the island. In this manner the once long neglected island inhabitants came to be supplied with a superabundance of the means of grace. 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— Minutes 1839–1916 Note: Available On Film at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, Record CH3/1091.

Eday Baptist Church
History— William Tulloch, of the Westray Church, was the first preacher to bring Baptist teaching to Eday. For several years the converts in the islands were regarded as forming one church, about 1827 those in Eday and Sanday were formed into a church of nine members. Eday shared with other islands a monthly visit from Mr. Tulloch, but the brethren met regularly, kept a Sabbath School, and even went a field to Sanday. In 1840 a proper meeting house was built. A new one was built in 1881. The membership never numbered much more than 60. They combined with Sanday in 1910. The church was closed in 1954. Sources: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. c.1926, FHL British Book 941 K2hi; and The Baptists in Scotland, ed. D.W. Bebbington, pub. 1988, FHL British Book 941 K2bs. Further details will be found in these sources including a complete list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For more information write to: The Baptist Union of Scotland Baptist Church House 14 Aytoun Road Glasgow, G41 5RT Scotland

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