Thurso, Caithness, Scotland Genealogy

Thurso # 41

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 “Databases on the Network.” Births: No entries exist for October 1648-August 1660, February-August 1663, August 1666October 1670, June 1696-November 1699, May 1706-Sep 1713, March 1718-May 1721, November 1725-May 1726, and August 1743-January 1744. Only two entries exist between March 1748 and November 1755. Marriages: There are no entries between June 1675-June 1684, November 1695-December 1697, October 1704-October 1707, February 1713-February 1721, July 1733-April 1736, and July 1747-May 1782. Deaths: All entries are contained on two pages. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1647-1648, 1655-1684, 1707-1750, 1782-1944 Collections and Disbursements 1670-1684 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/414.

Thurso Secession Congregation, Original Seceders
History— The Secession congregation began in 1772, and a church was built in 1777. In 1820 the congregation and minister protested the Union of the two branches of the Secession and did not join. Later they joined the Synod of Original Seceders, which split in 1852 when part of the congregation joined the Free Church. See the West Free Church below. An Original Seceder congregation was still active in 1882. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. Film #477618. More details are given in the source. Other sources were also consulted.

Records— The extent of the records is unknown.

Thurso First Free Church
History— In 1843, the minister and his large congregation adhered to the Free Church and erected a church soon after. Membership: 1855, 1200 including adherents; 1900 352. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843-1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. Film #918572. More details are given in the source.

Records— No known pre-1855 records exist.

Thurso West Free Church
History— This congregation, formerly Original Secession, joined the Free Church in 1852. After they lost in a lawsuit regarding the property, they erected a new church in 1860. Membership: 1859, 400 including adherents; 1900, 132.

Records— There are no known pre-1855 records.

Thurso Congregational Church
History— In 1799, this congregation began meeting in a newly built chapel close to the beach on Esplanade/Market Street. Later, in 1873, a new chapel was built on Castle Street. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960; FHL book 941 K2es. It includes lists of ministers.

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

Thurso Baptist Church
History— A congregation was formed in 1805 and ceased after the death of its only minister in 1840. No further details are known. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. 1926; FHL book 941 K2hi. It includes lists of ministers.

Records— The extent of the records is unknown. For information write to: The Baptist Union of Scotland 12 Aytoun Road Glasgow G41 5RT Scotland