Nigg, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Nigg # 78

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: There are no entries October 1836–May 1750, except one for 1747 and November 1751–September 1779, only two entries 1772–1776. After November 1783 except for six irregular entries 1773–1791, there are no baptisms recorded until 1801. Record commencing at the latter date contains many entries applicable to previous years, some of them reaching back to about 1780. Marriages:There are no entries December 1734–November 1735, October 1736–November 1747, and March 1750–April 1777. There are only two marriage entries October 1779–May 1782 and except for four entries for 1783–1787, December 1782–December 1801. Source:Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1705–1709, 1729–1736, 1778–1841 Poor Fund Accounts 1788–1844 Minutes 1844–1978 Certificates Anent Lairs (plots) in Burying Ground 1810–1849 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, records CH2/1438.

Nigg or Chapelhill General Associate Anti-burgher Church
History— "Chapelhill," by which name this congregation is better known, is a place in the parish of Nigg and county of Ross. In April 1738, this congregation formed themselves into a society for prayer and mutual exhortation called "The Society of Ross, in connection with the Secession Church." In July 1739, several children were baptized at Bogbarn, in the Black Isle. In 1752 the church and parish of Nigg became vacant. In July 1756 the entire session and the whole congregation, with the exception of three or four heritors, withdrew from the Established Church and formed themselves into a worshiping assembly without any ecclesiastical connection. They had been ministered to for about six years by the Rev. Roderick MacKenzie. He began his official ministry in Nigg in the early part of 1758, and resigned his appointment after three years' ministry. The Seceders in Nigg attended the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Porteous of Kilmuir, who refused to baptize their children and perform other pastoral duties for them. They therefore applied to the Secession Church for supply of sermon. A petition was presented to the General Associate Anti-burgher Presbytery of Perth, craving that the petitioners be taken under their inspection, which was granted in 1764. First church built at Ankerville, in 1765. The second church was built at Chapelhill in 1803. A new church was opened in 1872. The congregation became United Secession in 1820 then United Presbyterian in 1847. 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 ministers.

Records— Baptismal Register 1767–1866 Marriage Registers 1807–1816, 1848–1851, 1858–1867 Minutes 1765–1843, 1849–1867 Manager’s Minutes 1848–1865 Seat Rent Accounts 1850–1861 Accounts 1848–1908 Other post-1855 records Note:Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1433.

Nigg Free Church
History— The minister and the whole congregation "came out" in 1843. The church was built in 1844 and renovated in 1880 when a hall was added. The manse was erected in 1849. The population eventually decreased greatly. Membership:1853, 167; 1900, 90. 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 ministers.

Records— Baptismal Register 1843–1922 Other post-1855 records Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/1434.