Halkirk, Caithness, Scotland Genealogy

Halkirk # 37

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: The irregular entries are found on two pages at 1781. There is a separate record for the Mission District for 1790-1819. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1781-1972 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/186.

Nonconformist Church Records
The 1840 New Statistical Account of Scotland for Halkirk states: “The total of all denominations who do not attend public worship in the Established Church is about 33 individuals. Some of these are Seceders, others Independents, and a few Baptists and Episcopalians.” They would have attended worship services in neighboring parishes.

Halkirk, West Free Church
History— The minister of Halkirk left the Established Church in 1843 with a large congregation. However, this congregation declined due to emigration, and eventually in 1933, they rejoined the Church of Scotland. Membership: 1855, 630 including adherents; 1900, 136. 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— Minutes 1843-1933 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/898.

Westerdale Free Church
History— In 1843, the missionary at Auchrenny adhered to the Free Church, and in 1844, the charge was sanctioned. Membership: 1855, 600 including adherents; 1900, 68. 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—  Minutes 1849-1965 Collections 1849-1941 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/905.