Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland Genealogy

Glasgow (#644-1)

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Note: Tron parish was formed out of the old parish of Glasgow in 1602. St. David’s parish was divided off of the older city parishes in 1720. St. George’s parish was disjoined in 1687. St. Andrew’s parish was founded in 1765. St. Enoch’s parish was formed in 1782. St. John’s parish was formed out of three contiguous parishes in 1819. St. James’s parish was also formed in 1819.

Condition of Original Registers—
Indexed: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers. Some records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Index. Births: This record appears to have been carefully and regularly kept throughout. Marriages: Portion of the page at May 1616 and at January 1619 are torn off. There are no entries, except a few for 1656–1660, April 1654–June 1660. Prior to October 1756, the entries contain merely the names of the persons married. After October 1756, the trade or profession of the bridegroom and the name and designation of the bride’s father are frequently stated. Deaths: The burial registers for the city of Glasgow are in the custody of the registrar of the High Church District, who is warden of the Cathedral and burying grounds belonging to the Corporation of Glasgow. They consist of twenty–nine volumns. Five volumns described as the “City of Glasgow Mortality Records,” embracing the period 1699–1772, thirteen volumns which appear to apply mainly, if not exclusively, to the Cathedral, or High Church, embracing the period from 1760 to the present time. However there are no entries December 1778–January 1783. The first of these volumns and part of the second being a copy of the portion of volumn four and five applicable to the Cathedral Burying Ground from 1760–1772. There are eleven volumns applicable to the North West, Blackfriars’ and Ramshorn Burying Grounds from December 1776 to the present time. There are no records for these last mentioned grounds from May 1772–December 1776. Note: The records of births and marriages, 1820–1854, for the city of Glasgow, and also those of the Barony Parish for the same period are in the custody of the registrar of Bylthswood district. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Note: Only churches with pre–1855 records listed.

Alford
Minutes 1717–1809, 1873–1952 Poor Fund 1842–1855 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/9.

Brownfield Chapel
Minutes 1839–1848 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/643.

Calton
Managers Minutes 1823–1851 Cash Book 1791–1955 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/725.

Cathcart
Various Minutes 1701–1902 Accounts 1759–1822 Communion Roll 1838–1896 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/732.

Down
Minutes and Accounts 1769–1785 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/1052.

Laurieston
Minutes 1850–1881 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/1216.

Martyrs
Collection Book 1852–1946 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/999.

St. George’s West Parish
Minutes 1771–1780, 1812–1913 Poor Fund Debursements 1784–1798 Roll Book 1792–1818, 1823 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/818.

St. John’s
Various Minutes 1819–1840, 1848–1938 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/176.

St. Mark’s
Managers Minutes 1850–1864 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/177.

St. Matthew’s
Minutes 1852–1882 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/645.

St. Mungo’s
Minutes November 3, 1583, March 29, 1593, November 28, 1583, October 1592 North Session Minutes 1788–1975 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/550.

St. Peter’s
Various Minutes 1849–1946 Marriage Register 1849–1901 Communion Roll 1850–1858 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/665.

St. Thomas’s
Minutes 1834–1843 Cash Book 1851–1874 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/635.

Perth East Church
Minutes 1808–1892 Baptismal Register 1853–1893 Marriage Register 1853–1893 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/585.

Shettleston
Managers Minutes 1825–1903 Accounts 1833–1891 Seat Rent Accounts 1779–1853 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/178.

Springburn
Minutes 1854–1966 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH2/774.

Stockwell
Constitution of Church 1837 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/519. Minutes 1842–1843 are in CH3/954.

Tron
Formed in 1602 from the original Old Glasgow Parish Church

Minutes 1788–1925 Poor Accounts 1788–1798 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, Record CH2/594.

Nonconformist Church Records
Note: Some Glasgow area nonconformist records are housed in the collection of the Glasgow City Archives, and we do not have information on those records. Only churches founded before 1855, with surviving pre–1855 records, are listed below.

Greyfriars, formerly Shuttle Street
History— The Act of Assembly of 1737, concerning the election of ministers, gave great offence to a portion of the inhabitants of Glasgow. Several praying societies had formed in various towns in and around Glasgow, and they eventually joined together to form a “Correspondence” meeting group. In December 1738 they petitioned the Associate Presbytery to be taken under their inspection, which was granted. They were organized as a congregation in April 1739 and built a church on Shuttle Street in 1742. In 1821 they built a nicer church on North Albion Street, which they named Greyfriars after a monastery that used to stand at that location. Their first minister was James Fisher, one of the Four Brethren honored as founders of the Secession Church. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers. Records— FHL Film Number Baptisms 1729–1783, 1834–1870 0889485 item 1 Proclamations and Marriages 1743–1779 0889485 item 1 Session Minutes 1739–1755, 1801–1823, 1827–1836 1485255 - in vault Other: Communion Rolls 1841–1951 Congregational Register 1830–1844 Sabbath School Roll of Members 1839–1951 Various Minutes 1769–1962 Various Accounts 1801–1852, 1856–1909 Seat Letting Books 1839–1951 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow record CH3/469.

Cambridge Street United Presbyterian
History— This congregation originated in 1834 with members of different Secession congregations in Glasgow, desirous of extending the interests of their denomination in the city. They selected a site for a Secession place of worship at the boundaries of barony and St George’s parishes and built a church. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                          FHL Film Number  Baptisms,                   1835–1876         0889486 item 9 Minutes,                      1835–1863        1886221 items 4–5 Manger’s Minutes,        1833–1861        1886222 Communion Roll,          1834–1876        1886222 Other: More Communion Rolls 1834–1898 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow record CH3/535.

Duke Street, General Associate Congregation
History— This congregation originated in the Breach in 1747. The majority of Shuttle Street, now Greyfriar’s congregation, adhered to the Associate Burgher Synod and retained the property, while the minority adhered to the General Associate Anti–burgher Synod and formed the congregation of Duke Street. They first met in a hall in Queen Street until 1754 when they moved to a newly built building on the corner of Duke and Havannah Streets. Newer churches were built at the same location in 1801 and 1871. A split in the congregation occurred in 1837 when the minister was deposed and another place of worship was built in Parliamentary Road in 1839. Another separation occurred in 1840 which led to the formation of the Montrose Street congregation. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— No pre–1855 records are on deposit at the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh.

London Road
History— This congregation originated with members of different religious denominations in the eastern suburbs of Glasgow who were desirous of supplying that locality with church accommodation. After the place of worship was erected, the persons taking interest in the movement met and deliberated in reference to the religious denomination under whose inspection it should be placed, when the United Secession Church was preferred. The church opened in 1837. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                                       FHL Film Number  Baptismal Register                  1838–1887          1485046 items 1–3 Session Minutes                     1853–1868          1485046 items 1–3 Communion Roll                      1837–1866          1485046 items 1–3 Other: Session Minutes 1838–1853, 1868–1950 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow record CH3/160.

Parliamentary Road
History— A split in the Duke Street congregation occurred in 1837 when the minister was deposed and another place of worship was built in Parliamentary Road in 1839. Duke Street was a General Associate, Anti–Burgher congregation and presumably this was also. This congregation remained somewhat independent until it and its minister joined the United Presbyterian Church in 1863. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— Various Minutes 1837–1931 Cartulary 1838–1866 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow record CH3/973.

Original Secession Church
History— Unavailable

Records—                                                                                FHL Film Number  Session Minutes               1808–1812, 1823–1829,                                        1837, 1841                        1562981 items 1–6 in vault Accounts                          1807–1817, 1828–1829       1562981 items 1–6 in vault Minutes                            1829–1841                         1562981 items 1–6 in vault Baptisms                          1847–1963                         1562981 items 1–6 in vault Communion Rolls              1826–1957                          1562981 items 1–6 in vault

Regent Place
History— This congregation, of 192 members and 69 adherents, were disjoined from the Duke Street congregation in 1819. A church was built in the same year. In 1849, the minister and a large portion of the congregation removed themselves and formed the Renfield Street church. A portion of the congregation remained at Regent Place and called a new minister. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                                   FHL Film Number  Baptisms                       1825–1960              0559522 item 11 Session Minutes             1819–1863             1562982 items 9–10 in vault Congregational Minutes   1819–1865             1562983 items 1–8 in vault Other: Various other Minutes 1833–1871 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow record CH3/354.

Sydney Place
History— Conditions at the Shuttle Street, later Greyfriars, church were so crowed that in 1789, 148 members disjoined themselves from that congregation and formed another in East Campbell Street with the sanction of the Relief Presbytery. That building was later sold and a new church built in Sydney Place, Duke Street, in 1857. This was a Burgher church. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—  Minutes 1788–1949 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow record CH3/847. Other: Pre–1855 Associate Secession churches with no known pre–1855 records at the National Archives of Scotland:

Wellington Street General Associate
This church originated in 1792 with members of the Duke Street congregation who lived in the western suburbs of Glasgow.

Anderston Relief Church
History— This congregation was formed in 1769 by elders from the Albion Street and Duke Street congregations. The church was built the following year. A new church was opened in1840. The congregation celebrated its centenary in 1870. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                FHL Film Number  Minutes                 1847–1866     1886223 item 3 Other: Baptismal Register 1827–1856 Register of Interments 1840–1892 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow record CH3/591.

Hutchesontown Relief Presbyterian Church
History— This congregation began with friends of a minister who was called to the Dovehill congregation but declined. They separated from Dovehill and built a church in Hutchesontown in 1799. Source: Annals and Statistics of the United Presbyterian Church, by Rev. William MacKelvie, D.D., pub. 1873. FHL Film #477618. More details in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                                   Film Number  Baptismal Register               1820–1854         1485046 items 4–5 Baptismal Register               1820–1872         1485260 items 1–3 in vault

Cathedral Street, formerly Dovehill
This church was founded in 1764.

East Campbell Street
This church was founded in 1791, branched off of Dovehill

John Street
This church was founded in 1798, with members from both Dovehill and East Campbell Street congregations

Anderston Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of Anderston church “came out” in 1843. The building they left stood vacant until 1849 when it was burned to ashes. The congregation worshipped for a time in Catherine Street Hall then in the Relief Church by courtesy of Dr. Struthers. A church was built of brick and opened in February 1844. A stone building was erected in 1849. The movement of population led, in 1876, to the removal of the church to a new site on University Avenue. From 1851 a mission was conducted in Anderston district. Membership: 1848,700, 1900, 889. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                                   FHL Film Number  Session Minutes                    1834–1862        1485261 items 2–4 Deacons Court Minutes          1844–1856         1485261 items 2–4

Bridgeton Free Church
History— Alexander Wilson, minister of Bridgeton “Chapel of Ease” and the majority of the congregation “came out” in 1843. They were deprived of the church in February 1849. The new church was opened in December of that year. The school was erected in 1874 and transferred to the School Board of Clasgow in 1874. Membership: 1848, 508; 1900, 308. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                             FHL Film Number  Session Minutes             1837–1867         1485042 items 3–5 Baptismal Register          1888–1932         1485042 items 3–5

Camlachie Free Church, later Whitevale
History— The church of Camlachie was vacant at the Disruption but the congregation “came out”. They continued to worship in the church, where they were joined for a time by the Free Church people from Shelleston, until deprived of it in 1849. Then they met in Camlachie schoolroom while their own church in the Gallowgate was being built. It was opened in 1850. A house at Whitevale was gifted by Mr. John Brown for a manse. In 1880 church hall and vestry were added. In 1890 the old manse was sold and the proceeds applied towards purchase of a new manse in Broompark Terrace. The church was several times renovated and improved. Active mission work has always been carried on. This was known as Camlachie Free Church till about 1879 when the name was changed to Whitevale. Membership: 1848, 250; 1900, 500. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                      FHL Film Number  Deacons Court Minutes 1844–1856     1886223 item 2

Kingston Free Church
See Page 74.

Martyrs Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of Martyrs parish “came out” in 1843. They were deprived of the church in 1849. During the six years 1843–1849 they paid a rent per annum to the Church Building Society for use of the church. Ejected on a week’s notice they worshiped with Free St. Andrew’s until 1850 when their new church was opened. A gallery was added in 1879 and halls etc. were erected in 1899. Membership: 1848, 118; 1900, 571. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1843–1855 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/968.

Renfield Free Church
History— This was formerly the East Campbell Street Old Light congregation. A church was built in 1823 at the northwest corner of Renfield and Gordon Streets. They joined the Church of Scotland in 1839, taking their property with them. The minister and congregation adhered to the Free Church in 1843, again carrying their property with them. The church site was sold in 1853. A new church was erected and opened in 1858 at the corner of Bath and Elmbank Streets. Membership: 1748, 713; 1900, 506. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers. Records— Various Minutes 1839–1923 Communion Rolls 1848–1852 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/1166.

St. Enoch’s Free Church
History— Dr. James Henderson, minister of St. Enoch’s and many of his people “came out” in 1843. They built a church forthwith on Waterloo Street. The church on Dumbarton Road, at Overnewton was erected in 1873. For some time it was known as the Melville Church. Membership: 1848, 385; 1900, 750. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                FHL Film Number  Baptisms,             1844–1911      0889486 item 7 Communion Roll,   1843–1934      1886221 item 2 in vault Sunday School Society Minutes 1846–1861 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/525.

St. John’s Free Church
History— Dr. Thomas Brown, minister of St. John’s parish, and many of his people “came out” in 1843. Their new church was opened in June 1845. The church hall was built in 1874. This congregation also had to contend with losses caused by migration of members to the suburbs. Membership: 1848, 800; 1900, 516. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1852–1923 Deacons Court Minutes 1852–1923 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/1162.

St. Mark’s Free Church
History— St. Mark’s, a Church Extension charge, was vacant at the Disruption. The congregation united with that of Brownfield church, the minister of which remained in the establishment. The united congregation worshiped in St. Mark’s Church as a congregation of the Free Church until 1848 when they were deprived of the building. In 1843 the new church in Anderston was erected. Membership: 1848, 731; 1900, 548. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— Minutes 1846–1915 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/660.

St. Matthew’s Free Church
History— In September 1843 those who adhered to the Free Church in St. Matthew’s parish were formed into a congregation. Their first church, afterwards known as West Church, was built in 1844. In 1850 a new church was erected on Bath Street. Cranstonhill and Queens Cross congregations both arose from missions conducted by St. Matthew’s. In 1886 mission premises erected in Doncaster Street became the centre of their mission work at Springbank. Membership: 1848, 750; 1900, 1128. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—  Minutes 1844–1953 Formula Book 1843–1948 Accounts 1852–1953 Communion Roll 1844–1910 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/971.

St. Paul’s Free Church
History— The minister of St. Paul’s Church, and most of his congregation “came out” in 1843. Anticipating the Disruption, certain leading members of St. Paul’s formed the Free Presbyterian Church Association which secured a site and arranged for the building of the new church at the corner of Frederick Street and Cathedral Street. In 1891 St. Andre’s congregation united with that of St. Paul’s retaining the name of the latter for the united congregation. See St. Andrews and worshiping in St. Paul’s Church. Membership: 1848, 530; 1900, 800. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records— Various Minutes 1843–1937 Treasurers Accounts 1843–1865 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/1140.

St. Peter’s Free Church
History— The minister of St. Peter’s along with his congregation adhered to the Free Church at the Disruption. The church belonged to the Church Building Society. They continued to worship in it paying a rent per annum until 1847. They then worshiped in winter in the City Hall and in summer in Albion Chapel until their new church was opened in 1850. Membership: 1848, 965; 1900, 576. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—  Deacons Court Minutes 1844–1855 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/1266.

St. Stephen’s Free Church
History— Dr. King, the minister of this Extension Charge, and his congregation adhered to the Free Church in 1843. They continued to worship in their church until deprived of it in 1848. The church on New City Road was opened in 1850 and halls were built in 1872. At first this was a West End congregation but the growth of the city made it a central charge. Membership: 1848, 500; 1900, 719. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                                               FHL Film Number  Baptismal Register              1850–1883                      0889474 item 8 Communion Roll                  1838–1875 - with gaps     0889474 item 8 Marriages                            1850–1852                     0889474 item 8 Session Minutes                  1837–1871                     1562981 items 7–10 in vault Deacons’ Court Minutes       1843–1851                      1562981 items 7–10 in vault Treasurers Cash Book          1849–1921 Fund Accounts                    1843–1934 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/162.

Stockwell Free Church
History— A portion of East Campbell Street Old Light congregation joined the Church of Scotland in 1839 and formed Stockwell Church. They “came out” in 1843 and formed Stockwell Free Church carrying their buildings with them. Owing to changes of population the church was sold in 1886 and the congregation moved to a new church on Albert Road, Polloksheilds. Membership: 1848, 680; 1870, 810. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in source including a list of ministers.

Records— Various Minutes 1842–1964 Note: Available at the Glasgow City Archives, Glasgow, record CH3/954.

Tron Free Church
History— The congregation of the Tron Church “came out” at the Disruption. They worshiped in the City Hall until their church was opened in 1844. In 1857 the minister and part of the congregation were transferred to form the College Church. Membership: 1848, 700; 1900, 611. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in source including a list of ministers.

Records—                                                                    FHL Film Number  Scroll Minutes                        1843–1847        1485042 items 6–8 Deacons’ Court Minutes          1844–1852        1485042 items 6–8

Kingston Free Church
History— The minister and congregation of Kingston Church Extension charge “came out” at the Disruption in 1843. The congregation ceased in 1884 and the members dispersed. Membership: 1848, 110; 1884, 164. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in source including a list of ministers.

Records— Births 1848–1861 - Included in the Glasgow OPRs Pre–1855 Free Presbyterian Churches with no known pre–1855: Duke Street, Gaelic Street, East Campbell Street, Hope Street, Hutchesontown, John Knox, Kingston, Lyon Street, Maryhill, Millerston, Milton, St. Andrew’s, St. David’s, St. George’s, St. Jame’s, St. Luke’s, Shettleston, Tollcross, Tradeston, Union (Laurieston), Victoria (formerly East Gorbals), Wellpark, West, Wynd, Young Street

Reformed Presbyterian Churches

Great Hamilton Street

History— The congregation in Glasgow and neighborhood dates back traditionally to the time of the institution of the Praying Societies in 1681. After the division of the various societies into two congregations in 1763, it was constituted a part of the Northern congregation. In 1787 the Glasgow members were included in the west congregation that met first in Sandhills then acquired a building in Calton. The congregation grew and a new church was provided on Great Hamilton Street and opened in 1819. A mission was conducted from this church beginning in 1840 and eventually obtained its own premises. A day school was also begun the same year, which was handed over to public authorities in 1870. At that time it was the second largest school in Glasgow. During the nineteenth century Great Hamilton Street was the most influential church in the denomination. It has rightly been called Aa mother of churches, for most of the Reformed Presbyterian congregations in the west of Scotland drew their origin from it. Those in the Glasgow area include: West Campbell Street (later Dover Street) formed in 1835 it became St. Vincent’s Church of Scotland in 1876 while most of the Reformed congregations joined with the Free church in that year. Southern Cumberland Street formed in 1853 it later became Renwick Free Church. St. George’s Road was formed in 1859 and it later became Grant Street Free Church. Landressy Street formed in 1863 it later became Barrowfield Free Church. Source: The Reformed Presbyterian Church in Scotland, by W.J. Couper, pub. 1925. FHL Book 941 K2c. This book includes a list of ministers.

Records— FHL Film Number Baptisms 1794–1861 0304671 item 6

Glasgow Congregational Churches

History— In 1799, Robert Haldane purchased the Circus on Jamaica Street, Glasgow, and converted it into a Tabernacle and opened it for public worship. A congregation was soon formed and a Sunday school begun. When the Haldanes converted to Baptist principles in 1809, this congregation was deprived of its building and constructed a new church called the Nile Street Chapel. Another new church was built in 1857 at the corner of West Campbell and Waterloo Streets and was named the Ewing Place Chapel. Later the congregation moved still further west to the Hillhead district in 1890. Other congregations, an Independent congregation formed about 1800 and ceased to meet in 1807. In 1803 another congregation was formed from members of the Nile Street Chapel. It met in various locations until a new church was built in 1856 and was called Elgin Place. (See next page for records.) Another congregation was formed in 1825 and worshiped at various locations until a church was acquired in Eglinton Street in 1866. Another congregation was formed in 1834 by members of the Elgin Place Church who eventually worshiped on North Hanover Street. This church ceased in 1878 when the majority of the members transferred to the Parkgrove Church on Paisley Road. This congregation became the Church of Scotland in 1886. Another congregation was formed in 1843 and worshiped on Muslin Street. It became sympathetic with the Evangelical Union and the Union in 1861. The congregation’s name was changed to Hood Memorial in 1886 after the death of its greatly esteemed minister. A church on Montrose Street was formed in 1844 by members of the North Albion Street, Elgin Place, congregation who were sympathetic to the Evangelical Union. They formally joined the Union in 1863. Another congregation formed in 1848 and eventually located on Dundas Street. This was an Evangelical Union congregation and from 1853 it was the nerve center of the Union. In 1850 a church was formed on Bath Street by members of the West George Street, Elgin Place congregation. It ceased to meet after 1873. A church on Great Hamilton Street originated in 1849. It was closed in 1917. A congregation was formed in 1849 on the south side of the City on Nelson Street by members of the Montrose Street church and others. This church formally joined the Evangelical Union in 1855. This church ceased in 1938. This completes the list of pre–1855 churches. Source: A History of Scottish Congregationalism, by harry Escott, pub. 1960. FHL Book 941 K2es. This book includes a list of ministers.

Records— Elgin Place Congregational Church, Roll of Members 1835–1962 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH14/2.

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

Glasgow Baptist Churches

John Street

History— The First Baptist congregation in Glasgow was formed in 1770 and met on High Street. In 1776, the congregation suffered from a bitter controversy over the subject of the Godhead, but the issue was resolved with the loss of only three members. About 1802 a handsome new church was built on George Street. In 1810 there was another division over the question of attending to the Lord’s Supper in the absence of an appointed elder. The result was that about 160 members formed themselves into a separate body and met in Morrison’s Court for about ten years, when they rented a hall on North Portland Street. The two congregations were reconciled in 1834 and were reunited in 1841. The George Street chapel was sold and the reunited congregation met in Portland Street Hall. When they were joined by members of the Albion Street congregation in 1841, total membership stood at 287. The Portland Street accommodations grew too small and the congregation took possession of new premises on John Street in 1845.

Other Baptist congregations: An English Baptist church was formed in Glasgow in 1801 but it ceased about 1806. The English form dictated that a pastor should be dedicated solely to his congregation and preaching duties and should be supported entirely by his congregation. Another English Baptist church was formed about 1820. They met in various places including from 1835 in George’s Place and later on South Portland Street. This was never a strong congregation and it ceased about 1876, shortly after the death of its first minister. Another congregation formed about 1823 and met on Albion Street. They were a Scotch Baptist church and merged with the North Portland Street church in 1841. Another English Baptist church was formed in 1829 and met first on Inkle Factory Lane, North Albion Street. A chapel was built on Hope Street in 1835, and 41 years later a new chapel was built in Adelaide Place. A Scotch Baptist church formed in 1834 and built a chapel on Brown Street, Anderston. Another of the Scotch order formed in 1844 and met on Hill Street, Garnethill and an English Baptist church was formed in 1845 by 15 members of the Hope Street church. They met on Blackfriars Street until 1877 when they moved to a new chapel on John Knox Street. In 1851 sixty–two members of the Blackfriars Street church withdrew and formed a new church first meeting in the Trades Hall, Glassford Street. A church was built in 1859 on North Frederick Street, and membership was 243. A Sabbath School was also formed and by 1859 there were 114 scholars. This congregation moved to a new chapel in Dennistoun in 1909. By the 1860s there were three Scotch Baptist and four English Baptist churches in Glasgow. Source: History of the Baptists in Scotland, by Rev. George Yuille, pub. 1926. FHL Book 941 K2hi.

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

Scottish Episcopalian Churches

St. Andrew-By-The-Green

History— This church was built in 1750 and finally consecrated in 1808. It was saved from the penal laws by the fact that its congregation was mostly English.

Records— FHL Film Number Minute Book 1750–1927 0559191 Other: Christenings 1754–1854 Marriages 1758–1854 Burials 1798–1854 Note: Copies available at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow

St. John The Evangelist Anderston

History— This church was built in 1850 at Cranstonhill.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to the minister at: Glasgow East End Scottish Episcopal Church 21 Swinton Road Baillieston Glasgow G69 6DS Scotland E–mail: johnmcluckie@highlander.tfnet.org

St. Mary The Virgin

History— This church was built in the early 1800s and became the Cathedral church of Glasgow Diocese in 1869.

Records— The extent of records is unknown. For information write to the minister at: St. Mary’s Cathedral 45 Rowallan Gardens Glasgow G11 7LH Scotland E–mail: provost@glasgow.anglican.org

Roman Catholic Churches

St. Andrew’s

History— This parish had a resident priest from 1792. The church was built on Great Clyde Street in 1816. By 1822 there were an estimated 15,000 Catholics in Glasgow. St. Andrew’s became the cathedral church when the Diocese of Glasgow was created in 1878.

Records— Baptisms 1795–1856 Marriages 1795–1869 Deaths 1807–1818 Confirmations 1810–1812, 1851–1853 Easter Communicants 1826–1827, 1831–1837 Sick Calls 1827–1832 Note: Copies available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/62.

St. Mary’s

History— This church was built on Abercromby Street in 1842. There was a churchyard at Calton. Records— Baptisms 1842–1857 Note: Copies available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/66.

St. John’s

History— This church was built on Portugal Street in 1846. It closed in 1982.

Records— Baptisms 1846–1861 Marriages 1846–1885 Note: Copies of the above are available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/92. The original records, plus confirmations from 1856, are in the hands of the parish priest of St. Luke’s church, Ballater Street, Glasgow. There are no death or burial records.

St. Alphonsus

History— This church was built on Great Hamilton Street in 1846.

Records— Baptisms 1847–1856 Marriages 1847–1884 Note: Copies available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/64.

St. Patrick’s

History— This church was built on Hill Street in Anderston in 1850.

Records— Baptisms 1850–1869 Marriages 1850–1886 Note: Copies available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/68. St. Joseph’s

History— This church was built on North Woodside Road in Cowcaddens in 1850. It closed in 1984.

Records— Baptisms 1850–1877 Marriages 1851–1920 NOTE: Copies Available at the National Archives Of Scotland, Record RH21/65.

St. Mungo’s

History— This church was built on Parson Street in Townhead in 1850.

Records— Baptisms 1851–1866 Marriages 1851–1878 Note: Copies available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/67.

St. Aloysius

History— This church was built in Springburn in 1856 and was known as the Springburn Catholic Church until 1873.

Records— Baptisms 1854–1875 Marriages 1854–1910 Note: Copies available at the National Archives of Scotland, record RH21/72.

St. Peter’s

History— This church was built on Partick Hill in 1855 and was known as the Partick Catholic Church until 1877. Source: Catholic Missions and Registers, 1700–1880, by Michael Gandy, pub. 1993. FHL Ref. Book 942 K24gm Records— Baptisms, marriages, and confirmations from 1855 are in the hands of the parish priest. There are no deaths or burials.

Methodist Churches

History— The first Wesleyan Methodist chapel was erected in Glasgow in 1787. A circuit was established in 1765, but the cause was never strong in Scotland. Four new chapels were built in Glasgow between 1813 and 1819, but by 1841, only the original chapel on John Street still was open for Methodist worship. The Great Hamilton Street chapel existed 1816–1821 and the Anderston chapel 1819–1826. The Bridge Street chapel in Tradeston existed 1813–1839. A Primitive Methodist circuit existed in the Glasgow area from about 1827. A Methodist New Connexion society existed in Glasgow from about 1810. By 181? membership had risen to 97 and a chapel was built in East Clyde Street. In 1827 membership was 123, but thereafter rapidly dwindled. There were three Independent Methodist chapels in Glasgow, Charlotte Street 1832–1896, Suffolk Street 1840–1850, and Low Green Street 1854–1896. The Methodist Union took place in 1932. Source: Sources for Scottish Genealogy and Family History, by D. J. Steel, pub. 1970. FHL Ref. Book 942 D27ste, vol. 12.

Records— List of Members 1806–1825 Circuit Account Book 1785–1887 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH11/23.

Society of Friends-Quakers

History— Quakerism was established in Glasgow in the latter half of the 17th century. During the 18th century the cause suffered due to lack of leadership. Membership in Glasgow was so low that no records were kept for 50 years and their meeting house was sold in 1791. By 1851 they had purchased a new meeting house but membership was only about 50. A burial ground in Shawtonhill near Glassford was used by Glasgow Quakers until in 1711 when they started their own at Partick. Internments there were discontinued in 1857. No gravestones exist. Source: Sources for Scottish Genealogy and Family History, by D. J. Steel, pub. 1970. FHL Ref. Book 942 D27ste, vol. 12. Records— FHL Call Number Registers of Births, Marriages, Proposals of Marriage and 941 V26q Deaths1647–1878 (Glasgow and other places in Scotland) 0823635 Duplicate of Early Years, 1647–1728 0441406 item 3 A List of Internments at Partick, in the Scottish Genealogist, 941 B2g, vol. 4, April 1967 No. 2 Other: Preparative Meeting Minutes 1801–1903 Digest of Births, Marriages, and Burials for Scottish Congregations, including Glasgow, 1669–1867 Glasgow Monthly Meeting Minutes 1728–1733 Hamilton Men’s Meeting Minutes 1695–1739 Accounts 1743–1748 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, record CH10/17, 26, 64, 66.

Glasgow Area Branches, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–Day Saints

History— A branch was organized in the industrial center of Glasgow in 1840. By 1855, there was a conference in Glasgow with 20 branches and a total membership of 1442 (compared to a population of over 345,000). The branches included Tollcross in Barony. Membership throughout Scotland dropped in the latter 1850s, due in part to excommunications. Also, between 1852 and 1856, more that 1000 Scottish converts emmigrated to America. Membership continued to decline through the remainder of the 19th century and did not begin to climb again until the mid–20th.

Records— FHL Film Number Record of Members 1847–1947 0104152 item 1 District Records, 1840–1887 0104152 item 2 Tollcross Record of Members 1847–1861 0104156 item 2

Other Nonconformist Church Records

Lewis’s Topographical Dictionary of Scotland for 1846 also shows that there was at least one congregation of the following types of nonconformist churches in the Glasgow area:

Bereans

The Glasgow congregation was founded in the 1790’s. A burial ground in was established in Old Calton. The congregation still existed in 1843, but the denomination died out by 1855.

Jews

At the beginning of the 19th century there were barely ten Jewish families in Glasgow. After worshiping in several locations, a synagogue was consecrated at the corner of George Street and John Street in 1858. There were then 26 Jewish families in Glasgow. The first Jewish burial ground was established in a corner of the Necropolis in 1830.

Swedenborgians

The New Jerusalemites, A society was formed in Glasgow in 1813. A church was built in 1848 and a new one in 1907.

Unitarians

A congregation was established in Glasgow about 1800 and still exists today. When Unitarianism became legal in 1813, the Scottish Unitarian Christian Association was formed, and from 1830 onwards it was largely dominated by the minster of the Glasgow congregation, who in 1841 transferred to Edinburgh.

Records— The existence and extent of records for the above churches is unknown.