Harray, Orkney, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #18

History
Harray united to Birsay in the early nineteenth century.

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: Birth registers are incomplete 1791–1795 inclusive. Irregular entries are frequent about 1800. Marriages: Marriage records were regularly kept. Deaths: Death records are Mortcloth Dues. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1796–1868, with gaps Collections 1826–1861 Note: Available on Film at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1090.

Harray and Sandwick Free Church
History— The minister of the united parishes of Birsay and Harray was in sympathy with the Non-intrusionists, and his influence told on their side, but, being old and infirm, he did not "come out" in 1843. The Free Church adherents formed a congregation and the first minister was settled in December 1843. The church and manse were built immediately after the Disruption and the school and schoolhouse about 1847. The church was rebuilt on the same site in 1874. Emigration adversely affected the membership. Membership: 1848, 286; 1900, 192. 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 1844–1946 Baptisms 1843–1877 Deacons' Court Minutes 1844–1946 Note: Available on Film at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1095.

Return to Orkney parish list.