Brechin Diocesan Library: Miscellaneous Sermons

A collection of hand-written sermons c.1730-1836. The sermons are written singly or in groups of up to seven in one volume. Dates, locations and sometimes the religious occasions on which the sermons were delivered are usually noted on the front page.

The Diocese of Brechin largely covers the counties of Kincardine, Angus and Perth. In 1792 the Diocesan Library was founded to collect books and manuscripts for the improvement of the clergy. In 1962 the library was deposited with Dundee University.

It has not been possible to establish the authorship of all the sermons in this collection; the names of Bishop Alexander, Bishop Petrie, Bishop Gerhard and John Leith of Huntly appear on some of the sermons. On others there is the occasional reference to authors from whose work part or whole sermons have been borrowed or abridged; these original authors include Joseph Mede, [George] Stanhope, [Daniel] Waterland, [Rodger] Altham and others. From what appear to be references to dates and places where the sermons were delivered it is possible to assume that a large number of the sermons were written or used by Alexander Jamieson at Luthermuir and Glasgow 1770-1823 and William Murray at Muchalls, Kearn and Duffus 1810-1830. It is also possible that some of the sermons, apparently preached at Teggerton, Balzordie and Brechin, are the work of James Sommerville (or Sommervail).

Records are arranged to reflect their original order.

Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act and any other appropriate legislation.

The records were deposited in the University Library by the diocese in 1962.

Descriptive list. Subject source lists and databases are also available.

No known copies.

Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements. Charges are made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply.

None expected.