Sorn, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Sorn, Ayr, Scotland (#613)

History
The original name of the parish was Dalgain. The sorn means a snout or projection probably from the projection, promontory, eminence, on which the castle stands. Sorn and Catrine are the nearest towns.The Sorn Castle stands upon a rock overhanging the river Ayr, and within a short distance of the church and manse. It is unknown who erected it. Mrs. A. Somervell of Sorn Castle; Miss Gray Farquhar of Gilmillscroft; Robert Campbell, Esq. of Auchmannoch; and George Rankin, Esq. of Burnhead, were the major land owners. The land was primarily used for, rye-grass, hay, turnips,  potatoes, beans, carrots, cattle, sheep, and horses. The population in 1797 was 2779, and in 1836 was 4120. The number of people belonging to the Establishment is 3360, 760 belong to other denominations, chiefly to the United Secessions.

This account was written in 1837.

source: New Statistical Account of Scotland(FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol. 5)

Established Church—Old Parochial Registers
Years Covered FHL Film Number Births: 1692–1827 1041467 1827–1854 1041468 item 1–2 Marriages: 1692–1820 1041467 1820–1854 1041468 item 1–2 Deaths: No entries

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: Births are intermixed with marriages until October 1796. Marriages: Marriages are intermixed with births until October 1796. There are no entries October 1796–December 1805. There are proclamations only 1806–1816 inclusive. Marriages again recorded after January 1817. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970 British book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1692–1741, 1752–1763, 1791–1898 Collections and Distributions 1752–1832, 1847–1907 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/403.

Catrine United Presbyterian Church
History— Catrine is a village in the western extremity of the parish of Sorn. This congregation was formed partly by members of the congregation of Mauchline in 1833, and partly by members of Auchinleck Congregation. A church was built in 1835. 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— Kirk Session Minutes 1835–1882 Other Post–1855 records Note: Available at the Aryshire Archives Centre, Ayr, Scotland, record CH3/1506.

Catrine Free Church
History— William Hutcheson, minister of the quoad sacra church at Catrine, and most of his congregation "came out" in 1843, and shortly afterwards were deprived of the church by interdict. They had little difficulty in providing a new church. At first the congregation belonged to Ayr Presbytery, but in 1861 it was transferred to that of Irvine. Membership: 1848, 546; 1900, 280. 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 a list of ministers.

Records— The extent of records is unknown.

Catrine Evangelical Union Church
History— A church was formed in 1844 and the congregation joined the union the same year. A church building was opened for public worship in 1851. The church ceased to meet in 1926. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by Harry Escott, pub. 1960. FHL British book 941 K2es. It also includes a list of ministers.

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