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Scotland Church Records Union Lists (view source)
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In 1746, a division arose among the ministers and members of the Secession Church over a religious clause in the oath taken by burgesses (tradesmen and citizens) in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. The oath required them to accept the "true religion presently professed within this realm." Opinion differed as to whether this referred to the Protestant religion in general or to the Established Church. Those who understood the oath in the first sense came to be known as the 'Burghers.' Opposed to them were the 'Anti-Burghers' who refused to take the oath. In 1747 the church split into two synods: The Associate (Burgher) and the General Associate (Anti-Burgher) Synods. This occurrence is known as the ‘Breach.’ | In 1746, a division arose among the ministers and members of the Secession Church over a religious clause in the oath taken by burgesses (tradesmen and citizens) in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. The oath required them to accept the "true religion presently professed within this realm." Opinion differed as to whether this referred to the Protestant religion in general or to the Established Church. Those who understood the oath in the first sense came to be known as the 'Burghers.' Opposed to them were the 'Anti-Burghers' who refused to take the oath. In 1747 the church split into two synods: The Associate (Burgher) and the General Associate (Anti-Burgher) Synods. This occurrence is known as the ‘Breach.’ | ||
In about 1800 both of the synods had divisions again over the question of the role of secular authorities. Those who held that secular authorities should uphold the actions of the church came to be known as ‘Old Lights.’ Those who believed that secular authorities had no power in matters of religion were known as ‘New Lights.’ In 1820, the New Lights from both the Associate and General Associate synods came together and formed the ''United Secession Church''. In 1839, most of the General Associate Old Lights rejoined the Church of Scotland. There were some in each case who did not accept the decisions of the majority, but their history is too complicated to discuss in this brief outline. A more detailed history is given in Don Steel’s ''Sources for Scottish Genealogy and Family History'' ( | In about 1800 both of the synods had divisions again over the question of the role of secular authorities. Those who held that secular authorities should uphold the actions of the church came to be known as ‘Old Lights.’ Those who believed that secular authorities had no power in matters of religion were known as ‘New Lights.’ In 1820, the New Lights from both the Associate and General Associate synods came together and formed the ''United Secession Church''. In 1839, most of the General Associate Old Lights rejoined the Church of Scotland. There were some in each case who did not accept the decisions of the majority, but their history is too complicated to discuss in this brief outline. A more detailed history is given in Don Steel’s ''Sources for Scottish Genealogy and Family History'' (FHL book 942 V26ste vol. 12). Much of the information in this background overview is taken from this source. | ||
'''The Relief Church:''' | '''The Relief Church:''' | ||
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In 1876 many of the ministers and membership of the Reformed Church (Cameronians) united with the Free Church. In 1900 the United Presbyterian Church and the Free Church joined together to form the ''United Free Church of Scotland''. | In 1876 many of the ministers and membership of the Reformed Church (Cameronians) united with the Free Church. In 1900 the United Presbyterian Church and the Free Church joined together to form the ''United Free Church of Scotland''. | ||
In 1874 patronage was finally abolished in the Established Church of Scotland. Since the main cause of secession was removed, intermittent negotiations for re-union were held for several years between the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church. They finally bore fruit in 1929 when the two churches were reunited. Minorities of the Free Church and the Reformed Church which did not participate in the re-union still exist under those names. | In 1874 patronage was finally abolished in the Established Church of Scotland. Since the main cause of secession was removed, intermittent negotiations for re-union were held for several years between the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church. They finally bore fruit in 1929 when the two churches were reunited. Minorities of the Free Church and the Reformed Church which did not participate in the re-union still exist under those names. | ||
=== Other nonconformist groups === | === Other nonconformist groups === | ||
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In 1560, '''Roman Catholicism''' was abolished in Scotland by Act of Parliament. However, it survived in the Highlands and islands and in some areas in the South. Throughout the 17th century there were periods of great persecution and many priests fled abroad. After the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, all Catholics were declared rebels and outlaws and many were killed or banished. Some fled to Canada. The Catholic Relief Act was finally passed in 1793, and the last of the Penal laws were abolished in 1829. The 19th century saw extensive immigration of Irish Catholics into Scotland. Few pre-1793 records survive. | In 1560, '''Roman Catholicism''' was abolished in Scotland by Act of Parliament. However, it survived in the Highlands and islands and in some areas in the South. Throughout the 17th century there were periods of great persecution and many priests fled abroad. After the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, all Catholics were declared rebels and outlaws and many were killed or banished. Some fled to Canada. The Catholic Relief Act was finally passed in 1793, and the last of the Penal laws were abolished in 1829. The 19th century saw extensive immigration of Irish Catholics into Scotland. Few pre-1793 records survive. | ||
'''Methodism''' began in Scotland in 1751 when John Wesley visited Musselburgh. Four circuits were formed by 1765. By 1790 there were eight chapels, several preaching rooms, sixteen ordained preachers, and a membership of 1179. The church’s peak year was 1819 when membership stood at 3786, but there were only twenty-five preachers and some small societies suffered and died from lack of attendance. By 1856, official membership had dropped to 2143, though the number of persons attending meetings may have been considerably higher. At that time the circuits were deeply in debt and the work in Scotland was almost abandoned. | '''Methodism''' began in Scotland in 1751 when John Wesley visited Musselburgh. Four circuits were formed by 1765. By 1790 there were eight chapels, several preaching rooms, sixteen ordained preachers, and a membership of 1179. The church’s peak year was 1819 when membership stood at 3786, but there were only twenty-five preachers and some small societies suffered and died from lack of attendance. By 1856, official membership had dropped to 2143, though the number of persons attending meetings may have been considerably higher. At that time the circuits were deeply in debt and the work in Scotland was almost abandoned. | ||
== Accessing the Records == | == Accessing the Records == | ||