Introduction
When we set out to write the story of the Old Parish Church in its bicentenary year we were very conscious of the richness of its records and the importance of its place in the history of the Royal Burgh of Montrose. These factors have persuaded us to write a much fuller account than we might otherwise have done. It seemed to us that the opportunity and motivation for extensive research of the subject might not arise again for a considerable time and that we should attempt, therefore, to cover it as fully as possible.
We have described not only the construction and modification of the Church and its associated buildings but also the life and work of the congregation and the people who led it through the years from the Reformation in the 16th century. Since the documents which have survived are very full and lively, we have thought it best, wherever possible, to let them speak for themselves. The principal sources used have been the minutes and other records of the Kirk Session of the Old Parish Church which are virtually complete from 1633 to the present day, the minutes of the Presbytery of Brechin and the minutes of Council and other records of the Burgh. These are acknowledged throughout the text as are quotations from various secondary sources which are listed in the bibliography.
We are aware that in one or two peripheral areas our coverage has been less full. Mention is made of the Church's landed property, which was of great importance in providing revenue for poor relief, but we have not attempted to quantify it or to describe its location in the Parish. The Church's responsibility for developing and maintaining the Church Yard and Rosehill cemeteries which lasted until the end of the 19th century, has not been referred to in detail.
When we set out to write the story of the Old Parish Church in its bicentenary year we were very conscious of the richness of its records and the importance of its place in the history of the Royal Burgh of Montrose. These factors have persuaded us to write a much fuller account than we might otherwise have done. It seemed to us that the opportunity and motivation for extensive research of the subject might not arise again for a considerable time and that we should attempt, therefore, to cover it as fully as possible.
We have described not only the construction and modification of the Church and its associated buildings but also the life and work of the congregation and the people who led it through the years from the Reformation in the 16th century. Since the documents which have survived are very full and lively, we have thought it best, wherever possible, to let them speak for themselves. The principal sources used have been the minutes and other records of the Kirk Session of the Old Parish Church which are virtually complete from 1633 to the present day, the minutes of the Presbytery of Brechin and the minutes of Council and other records of the Burgh. These are acknowledged throughout the text as are quotations from various secondary sources which are listed in the bibliography.
We are aware that in one or two peripheral areas our coverage has been less full. Mention is made of the Church's landed property, which was of great importance in providing revenue for poor relief, but we have not attempted to quantify it or to describe its location in the Parish. The Church's responsibility for developing and maintaining the Church Yard and Rosehill cemeteries which lasted until the end of the 19th century, has not been referred to in detail.
These omissions have been dictated by the need to keep the scope of the book within reasonable bounds. One of the subjects, the Church Yard, is described in a work which is mentioned in the bibliography.
We are indebted to many individuals and agencies for help with our researches. Mr G. N. Drummond, Director of Libraries and Museums in Angus, and the staffs of the Montrose Library and the Montrose Museum have been of immense help in arranging access to a wide range of books and documents. In particular, we wish to thank Mr N. K. Atkinson, District Curator, Mrs F. Scharlau, District Archivist, and the Montrose Librarian, Mr J. Doherty, for their help and advice. The Montrose Society has made its rich archive of photographic and other material available to us and has helped financially. The Keeper of the Records of Scotland (Register House) and the Church of Scotland authorities have made it possible for us to use the records of the Kirk Session and the old Presbytery of Brechin without the necessity of travelling to Edinburgh. In this, the assistance of our former minister, the Reverend James Weatherhead, has been invaluable. We are indebted also to the Reverend Laurence Whitley and the fellow members of the Bicentenary Committee for their constant support and encouragement during the preparation of the book.
On behalf of the Bicentenary Committee, we express gratitude to the Provost and Councillors of Angus District for the generous grant which has made it possible for the book to be published at a price which we hope will encourage many people to buy it.
DOROTHY MORRISON
ALEX I. MOUAT
Montrose, May 12, 1991.
We are indebted to many individuals and agencies for help with our researches. Mr G. N. Drummond, Director of Libraries and Museums in Angus, and the staffs of the Montrose Library and the Montrose Museum have been of immense help in arranging access to a wide range of books and documents. In particular, we wish to thank Mr N. K. Atkinson, District Curator, Mrs F. Scharlau, District Archivist, and the Montrose Librarian, Mr J. Doherty, for their help and advice. The Montrose Society has made its rich archive of photographic and other material available to us and has helped financially. The Keeper of the Records of Scotland (Register House) and the Church of Scotland authorities have made it possible for us to use the records of the Kirk Session and the old Presbytery of Brechin without the necessity of travelling to Edinburgh. In this, the assistance of our former minister, the Reverend James Weatherhead, has been invaluable. We are indebted also to the Reverend Laurence Whitley and the fellow members of the Bicentenary Committee for their constant support and encouragement during the preparation of the book.
On behalf of the Bicentenary Committee, we express gratitude to the Provost and Councillors of Angus District for the generous grant which has made it possible for the book to be published at a price which we hope will encourage many people to buy it.
DOROTHY MORRISON
ALEX I. MOUAT
Montrose, May 12, 1991.