Register of the General Assembly, 1690-1915

Scope and Content

Register of the Acts and Proceedings of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Official transcripts of the Acts and Proceedings of the Assembly differing from the printed text in that the items are written in the chronological order in which the Assembly discussed them and that the text is in the form of a full minute. Roll of members present at start of each General Assembly.

Copies of manuscript papers submitted to the General Assembly in the years 1903-1915 (unbound).

Administrative / Biographical History

The Church of Scotland grew out of the Catholic church at the Reformation in the 1560’s, basing itself on Calvinist doctrine and practise to form a Presbyterian church. The following centuries saw numerous faction fights, splits and controversies over doctrine, organisation, whether or not to return to episcopacy, and control of the church by Royal and lay patrons. Struggles with Charles I and Charles II for control after the union of Scottish and English crowns in 1603 created the covenanters, following the signing of the national covenant in 1638, who were persecuted for their beliefs. The Revolution Settlement of 1690 finally established the Church of Scotland as the national church, the only Calvinist national church, but the peace did not last. The Secession Church of 1733 and the disruption of 1843 which saw a third of the church leave to form the Free Church of Scotland were only some of the divisions to split the church in later years. Many of the causes of the divisions had been addressed by the early 20th century to allow several of the main Presbyterian churches to regroup into a strong unified national church.

Arrangement

Single item

Access Information

By appointment with the Keeper of Manuscripts. Access to records containing confidential information may be restricted.

Other Finding Aids

Individual Manuscripts and Small Collections database available as part of Manuscripts Database.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Binding, calf.Paper: 24.5x34.8cm

Archivist's Note

Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database

Conditions Governing Use

Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the Keeper of Manuscripts. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.

Accruals

None

Corporate Names