Fenwick UP Church Register

Contributed to Ayrshire Rootsweb Mailing List by Jim Bundy  Transcribed by Jim Bundy  jbundy48@frontier.com

 (Spelling is just as written)

If you are interested in this reigister Jim has transcribed much more than appears here.

[Some other Church Registers on Film]

(1797)..."(Co)-Missioners to wait upon the Session this afternoon. The Session asked their Commission. They answered that they had no other commission than what they had already delivered. The Session agreed to take their word as sufficient and hear them accordingly. The Commissioners were fully heard in support of the paper of complaints & removed. The Session, after long reasoning among the members, unanimously approved of what the Commissoners said was the object of the complainers, viz a pledge on their part to aid the Session in every regular measure to promote good order among the members, & further agreed to exert their endevour more & more to suppress every abuse & irregularity, & express their desire that the Complainers & other members of the Congregation would be adding to the Session in their place & in this work agreeably to the word of God. In this the Commissioners also agreed. Appointed the next meeting of Session to be held here on the 25th inst at 1/2 past one o'clock afternoon. Delayed every other part of business till next meeting. 
Concluded with prayer."


"Fenwick 25th October 1797

The asso: (Associate, the name used for the UP church at this time) Session  met in the meeting house, & was constituted by the Modr (Moderator). Read the minutes of last meeting. Were present Jas. Cuthbertson, Jas. Wallace. Were absent all the other members. Resumed the consideration of Jas. Putan's? petition. After some reasoning the Session agreed to delay it till next meeting on account of the absence of some members who, as the Session think, can give some information about this affair. David Murchland came in at this stage of the business. Disscerned the consideration of the paper containing complaints mentioned in the former minutes. And unanimously agreed to call the complainers to explain what they have uttered in their paper agt. the Session, and also to receive from them the names of the persons who have been guilty of drinking to excess, & swearing in the face of all Jrail? & before the seen. Agreed to meeting in this place on the 31st of Octr at 2 o'clock 
afternoon. And ordered the complainers to be summoned by the Officer to attend. Concluded with prayer."

"Fenwick, 27th October 1797

In the meeting-house the asso: Session met & was constituted by the Revd. Robt. Jaffray Mr. Dewar (the Moderator, UP minister) being from home. All the other members were present. The Session agreed that instead of sending the officer to summon the complainers, as ordered at last meeting, every members would desire the complainers in their own quarter? to attend on Wednesday. Concluded with prayer."

"Fenwick, 31st of October 1797

The asso: Session met in the meeting house & was constituted by the Modr. Were present Nath. Crawford, Jas. Brown. Read the minutes of last meeting. Jas. Love, George Grahame, David Dunlop, Jas. Dunlop, & Rold. Lindsay sent up an excuse for them not attending, & Nath. Crawford offered Alexr. Cashus? apology for not attending, & informed the Session that Rold. Cochrane was lying (sick?) & therefore he could not come. The Session sustained the excuse (followed by ink blob). The Session saw the paper of complaint. Jas. Wardrop came forward. The Session asked him to explain what he meant by the charges in the paper now read against the Session. He answered that he meant that these things applied to Thos. Gemmel, & not to the Session as such, because he countenanced the dancing school & Balls. He was asked if he could name any member of this Congregation who had been guilty of the things complained of. He answered that he did not mean to look back to what was done, but forward to prevent the like in time to come. John Millar was asked to explain what he meant by the charges in the paper now read agt. the Session. He answered that he had an eye to no member of the Session but Thos. Gemmel, & because he gave countenance to the dancing school & Balls. Being asked the other question put to Jas. Wardrop he said that he could not prove these charges agt. any member of the Congregation. But he hath sometimes seen & heard these things & intended to speak privately to the persons himself. The questions thus put to Jas. Wardrop, & John Millar were also put to Jasper Howat, John Taylor, Jas. Calderwood, & next Wm. Wyllie. Therefore all agreed with the answers ? the five formerly examined had given, & declared that they had nothing further to add. The Session unanimously agreed to rest for the time in the explanation which the complainers had given of the charges which they had preferred in their paper agt. the Session. And after some reasoning agreed to delay determining how they shall dispose of the paper containing these complaints. The Session agreed that the ordinance of the Lord's supper should be dispensed in this Congregation on the 10th of Nov. and that the 15th of Nov. be observed as a day of fasting & humiliation in the view of the ordinance of the supper. Delayed all other causes. Concluded with prayer."

"Fenwick 13th November. 1797

The asso: Session met in Mr. Dewar's house and was constituted by the Moder. Were present Alexr. Gemmel, Jas. Cuthbertson, John Burns, Jas. Miller, David Currie, Wm. Gemmel, Wm. Taylor, & David Murchland. Were absent all the other members. Read the minutes of last meeting. Read the communicant roll. Admitted Peter Decker. Made choice of James Miller as Session Clerk. Delayed the other causes on account of the absence of several members. Appointed next meeting to be held in Mr. Dewars house to-morrow evening at 1/2 past seven 
o'clock P.M.Concluded with prayer." 

"Fenwick 14th November. 1797

In Mr. Dewars house the asso: Session met & was constituted by the Modr. Were present John Burns, William Taylor, & Jas. Miller. Were absent all the other members. William Taylor & Jas. Miller reported that they could find nothing agt. James Stirling in the report spread abroad. The offence? was therefore drop'd. Admitted Peter Decker Concluded with prayer"

                                                For the time being, we now skip to 1805:

"Fenwick, 21st March 1805

The asso: Sess: being met & constituted were present John Burns, Jas. Millar, Jas. Brown, David Murchland, David Currie, Wm. Gemmel, compeared John Wardrop Pokelly & Marg. Wallace his spouse, acknowledged themselves guilty of antenuptial fornication. The Sess: appointed them to appear before the Congr. next sabbath to be rebuked for said sin & scandal and appointed David Murchland & Jas. Brown w/ the Modr. a Committee to converse with these love? persons sometime next week & report to the Sess: at next meeting. Compeared Jas. Todd? and acknowledged the charge preferred agt. him by many relaton as recorded in a former minute. The Sess: agreed to delay this business till they showed new more certain information whether her husband was alive (bigamy?) Concluded w/ prayer"

    With the 1805 entries, the handwriting becomes easier to read (for me anyway) but the Spelling!

"Fenwick 7 April 1805

The assocat session met in the meating house being Constute wer present John Burns Nathan Crafourd James Millar Andrew Picken James Wallace John Taylor Compeared John Wardrop and his wife the Moderator give in the Report of the Comatie apointed to Convers with them and after som qastions being put to them as to there Knolage the session agreed to absolve them from the sin and scandel of antienupchal fornication and apointed them to apaire befor the Congreation next sabath Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 14th April 1805

The asso: Session of Fenwick met in the meeting-house & being constituted by the Modr. were present John Burns, Jas. Millar & resumed the affair of John White Farmer in Brunt land & Marg Wardrop now his wife by an irregular marriage. The Modr. read a line to the Session attesting that John White & Marg Wardrop his spouse were fined by a magistrate for their irregular marriage. Compeared John White & his spouse & acknowledged their marriage, John White also acknowledged himself the father of the child his wife had brought forth before marriage. The Session appointed a Committee to speak w/ John White & his spouse, the Modr. Jas. Millar Wm. Gemmel Jas. Wallace, & John Taylor & ordered them to report. Concluded w/ prayer "

"Fenwick, 20th April 1805

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & been constituted by the Modr. appointed the Lords supper to be dispensed in this Congr. on the 1st sabbath of June Concluded w/ prayer"

"May 23d 1805

The asso: Sess: met & been constituted were present John Burns, Jas. Millar, Jas. Brown, And. Picken, David Currie, Jas. Wallace, David Murchland, Wm. Gemmel & John Taylor. Appointed the fast before the sacrament to be observed on the 31st. Read the communicant roll & admitted a few members. Made choice of John Burns as Commissioner to the Mtg. & Synod (at Glasgow or Edinburgh?). Compeared Agnes Orr and declared that she had lately brought forth a child & that John White farmer in Bruntland was the father of it. Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick, 9th June 1805

The asso: Sess: met & being constituted compeared John White farmer in Bruntland & acknowledged himself the father of Agnes Orr's child. The Committee appointed to speak to John White & his wife reported that they had met with these persons & were pretty well pleased w/ them in this interview. The Session referred the affair of John White & his wife to the mtg. for advice. Concluded w/ prayer"

            This being the end of the John White, Margaret Wardrop, Agnes Orr business

"Fenwick, 20th June 1805

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted received the Mtgs. advice in the affair of John White & his wife. Which was that John White & his wife appear together and that John White shall be rebuked first for fornication w/ Marg. Wardrop, now his wife, second for prosecuted her at law for saying the child she brought for was his, third for an irregular marriage & for fornication w/ Agnes Orr, and that Marg Wardrop shall be  rebuked for fornication w/ John White & for her irregular marriage. The Sess: agreed to adopt the Mtgs. advice & ordered these persons to appear before the Congr. on sabbath first to be rebuked Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick, 23d June 1805

The asso: Sess: met & being constituted compeared Jas. Wright & Janet Craig his spouse acknowledged themselves guilty of antenuptial fornication. The Sess: ordered them to appear before the Congr. sab: first to be rebuked. Appointed the Modr. David Murchland, & Jas. Wallace a Committee to meet in the meeting house to speak w/ Jas. Wright & his wife & to report to the Sess. which is appointed to meet in the meeting house on the 10th of July. Appointed the Modr. Jas. Millar, Jas. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel & John Taylor a Committee to speak w/ John White & his wife & report Concluded w/ prayer"

                                Sorry, they're not quite done with John White, et al 

"Fenwick 29th July 1805

The asso: Sess: met & being constituted were present John Burns, N. Crawford, Jas. Millar, David Murchland, And. Picken, Jas. Brown, David Currie, John Taylor, Jas. Wallace. The Committee appointed to speak w/ John White & his wife gave in a favourable report. The Sess: agreed that John White & his wife do attend the Session next sabbath evening. Concluded w/ prayer."

"Fenwick 1? Augt. 1805

The asso: Sess: being met & constituted were present John Burns, N. Crawford, And. Pickan, Jas. Brown, Jas. Millar, Wm. Gemmel, David Currie, Jas. Wallace, & John Taylor. Compeared John White & his spouse. The Modr. asked a few questions at them respecting the nature of their sin & their knowledge of the method of forgiveness. The Sess: then agreed that these persons shall appear before the Congr. on sab first & have the sentence of absolution intimated to them. Agreed that a collection be made for the Synod fund. Concluded w/ prayer"

Handwriting change here for this one meeting

"Fenwick 15 Septr. 1805

The Ass(o) Session met in the Meating house being Constute by the modrator was praisent John Burns David Corie David Murchland James Wallace William Gemmel John Taylor and James Millar. David Corie reported that David Broun and his wife had been Guilty of Antenupchal fornication and wished to be taken under the Disiplin of the Church the Sesion after some reasionin agreed to take them under Disiplin Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 29th Septr. 1805

The asso: Session met in the meeting house & being constituted were present John Burns, Nath: Crawford & compeared David Brown & Margt. Templeton his spouse & acknowledged themselves guilty of antenuptial fornication. The Sess: appointed them to appear before the Congr. ("Session" lined out) next sab: to be rebuked. Compeared also Agnes Calderwood & acknowledged that she had been guilty of fornication with John (blank) she also presented a line in which the young man acknowledged himself the father of Agnes Calderwood's child. 
The Sess: ordered her also to appear before the Congr next sab: to be rebuked. Appointed John Burns, Wm. Gemmel, & John Taylor a Committee to meet in the meeting house sometime after next sab: to converse with these persons with a view to their absolution, & report Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 20 Octr. 1805

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted were present John Burns, Nath. Crawford, Jas. Brown, David Currie, Jas. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel, David Murchland. The Committee appointed at last meeting made a favourable report. David Brown, Margt. Templeton, & Agnes Calderwood appeared. The Modr. put a few questions to these persons. After which the Sess: stated a vote absolve them or not & ?earried absolve. Absolved accordingly and ordered them to appear before the Congr. next sabbath. Appointed the sacrament to be on the 2d sab of Dec. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 29th Nov. 1805

The asso: Sess: met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted were present John Burns, Nath. Crawford, Jas. Miller, David Currie, Jas. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel, David Murchland, John Taylor, Jas. Brown, And: Pickan. Read the Com: roll, admitted a few members, appointed the fast before the sacrament to be on the 5th of Decr. & made choice of Jas. Millar Commissioner to the Mtg. & Synod Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick 22d Decr 1805

The asso: Sess: met & being constituted were present John Burns, Nath: Crawford, Jas. Millar, David Currie, Wm. Gemmel, Jas. Wallace, David Murchland, John Taylor, Jas. Brown, & And. Pickan. Compeared Jas. Todd & 
petitioned the Sess. to take his case under their consideration. The Modr. read a letter in which the Sess: received certain information that Margt. Ralstons husband was alive. The Sess: after some reasoning agreed to refer Jas. Todds affair to the Mtg: & ordered Jas. Todd to attend. Appointed a Committee to converse w/ Jas. Todd said Committee to meet in the meeting house on Friday next w/ John Burns, Nath: Crawford, Wm. Gemmel & John Taylor the Committee & ordered them to report. Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick 27th Dec 1805

The asso: Sess: met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted were present John Burns & Wm. Gemmel. Read the minutes of Mtg. laying Jas. Todd under the sentence of the less excommunication. The Sess. ordered Jas. Todd to appear before the Congr. on sabbath next. Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick 2d Feby 1806

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted were present Nath: Crawford, Jas. Millar, David Currie, Jas. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel, David Murchland, & Jas. Brown. Compeared Jas. Todd. The Com: (committee) appointed to converse w/ him made a favourable report. The Modr. put a few questions to Jas. The Sess: agreed to refer Jas. Todds affair to the Mtg & recommended him for absolution. Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick, 7th Feby 1806

The asso: Sess: met in the house of John Burns & being constituted were present John Burns, Jas. Millar, & John Taylor. Received the report that the Mtg had absolved Jas. Todd from the sentence of the less excommunication. The Sess: ordered him to appear before the Congr. on sab: next Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick 27th Feby 1806

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & was constituted by the Modr. Were present John Burns, Jas. Millar, Wm. Gemmel, Jas. Wallace, David Currie, John Taylor, & David Murchland. It was reported in the Sess: that Allan Todd had been guilty of an outrage (what would be called an outrage?) upon Mathew Steel. The Sess: appointed Jas. Millar & John Taylor, a Committee, to speak with Allan Todd, & if they shall find that the report is well found they are to disere him to attend next meeting of Session. Agreed that there be a public collection at the meeting house door some time during the summer for the Bible Society. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 16th March 1806

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members. The Committee appointed to speak with Allan Todd reported that they had desired him to attend the Session. Allan Todd being called was present. Allan Todd acknowledged the charges mentioned in the former minute & expressed his sorrow for it. The Sess: agreed that he be rebuked before the Session. He was rebuked and absolved(?) Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 27th April 1806

The Asso: Sess: met in the meeting-house, & was constituted by the Modr. Were present all the members except Jas. Brown, & John Taylor. Agreed that the Lords supper be observed here on the first sabbath of June.
Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick, 21st May 1806

The Asso: Sess: met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted by the Modr. Were present all the members except And: Pickan. Read the communicant roll & admitted some members. Appointed the fast before the sacrament to be on the 28th of this month, and made choice of Jas. Millar as their Elder to the Mtg: & Synod Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick, 29th May 1806

The Asso: Sess: met in the meeting-house & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members. John Wallace farmer in Gainford was called & acknowledged that he had been(g) guilty of intoxication & expressed his 
sorrow for it. The Sess: agreed that he be admonished for the same, suspend from the Lords supper at this time. Admonished accordingly Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick, 17th Sept 1806

The asso: Session met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted by the Modr. were present John Burns, Jas. Millar, Jas. Wallace, & Wm. Gemmel. Were absent the other members. Compeared Wm. Cuthbertson farmer in Gainhill and acknowledged that he had been overtaken with drunkness for which he expressed himself sorry. He was judicially admonished for the same. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 12th Octr 1806

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present John Burns, Jas. Millar. Agreed that the Lords supper be dispensed here on the 23d Nov. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 7th Nov. 1806

The asso: Session met in Mr. Dewars house, & being constituted by the Modr. were present John Burns, Nath. Crawford, David Murchland, David Currie, John Taylor, Wm. Gemmel, and Jas. Millar. Read the communicant roll and admitted a few members, agreed that John Anderson Smith be suspended from the Lords supper, & appointed John Taylor to inform him - made choice of David Currie as Elder to the Mtg. & Synod - appointed the fast day to be on the 19th. Mr. Dewar, Jas. Millar, Wm. Gemmel, & John Taylor a Committee to examine the 
Ureas?etrs? books. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 16 Nov. 1806 
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house being constituted by the Moder. were present all the members. It was reported that some difference had arisen between John Browns, & John Gemmils families. The Sess: appointed James Millar, Wm. Gemmil, James Wallace, & John Taylor a committee to meet in John Browns & convince? the two families & Arg to heal the difference & report. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 19th No. 1806
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members. The Committee appointed to meet in John Browns reported that they met with the two families, & they promised to bury their past differences. The Session appointed Nath. Crawford to tell John Wallace in Gainford not to come forward for a token at this time. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 15th Jan. 1807
The ass: Session met in the meeting - house & being constituted by the Modr. were present John Burns, Jas. Millar. The Session was informed that James Gemmil weaver in Fenwicktown, & Jean Anderson had expressed a desire to several of the members to be received by the Session in order to be purged from the scandal of fornication. The Session agreed to appoint John Burns, Wm. Gemmil & John Taylor a committee to converse with these two persons in order to remove some scruples that some members had about the propriety of receiving them for discipline. Compeared Jean Gemmil daughter of John Gemmil farmer in Arnress Parish of Fenwick, and declared that on the first of April 1804 she was delivered of a male child and that James Roxburgh servant with 
John Gemmil wrighter in Fenwick was the father of her child. The Session agreed to delay this affair till it should be known whether the said James Roxburgh could be found & examined concerning said charge. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 19th March 1807
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present John Burns, Nath. Crawford, And. Pickan, David Murchland, Wm. Gemmel, & John Taylor. Were absent all other members. The Committee appointed to converse with Jas. Gemmel & Jean Anderson reported that they thought the Session might take them under discipline. The Session agreed to enter them on discipline. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 22d march 1807
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & was constituted by the Modr. were present all the members except Jas. Brown. Compeared Jean Anderson & declared that she had been lately delivered of a child & that James Gemmel weaver in Fenwicktown was the father of said child. James Gemmel was called & being informed of the charge Jean Anderson had preferred against him, acknowledged that he had at two different times had criminal commerce with the said Jean Anderson, and that for all that he knew he might be the father of said child. 
The Session ordered them to appear before the Congregation on sabbath first to be rebuked for said sin & scandal. Concluded" 

"Fenwick, 26th April 1807 The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted agreed that the Lords supper shall be observed in this Congr. on the first sabbath of June. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick,10th May 1807
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house, & being constituted, compeared Alexr. Gemmel and acknowledged that he had been guilty of fornication with Elis: Findlay. The Sess: agreed to take him under discipline & ordered him to appear before the Congr. next sab: Appointed John Burns, Jas. Millar, Wm. Gemmel & John Taylor a Committee to converse with Jean Anderson & report Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 26th May 1807 The asso: Sess met in the meeting house, & being constituted, the Committee appointed to converse with Jean Anderson, & Alexr. Gemmel reported favourably of them. These persons being called were present. Sess: after putting a few questions to them about their knowledge of their sin, & of the way of forgiveness, agreed to absolve them, & ordered them to appear before the Congr. on sabbath first.
Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 26th May 1807
The asso: Sess: met in Mr. Dewar's house, & being constituted by Mr. Dewar Modr., all the members were present. Read the Communicant roll & admitted a few members. Appointed the 3d of June to be observed as a day of fasting before the sacrament. Reelected David Currie Elder to the Mtg: & Synod Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 24th July 1807
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted Compeared Elis: Findlay and acknowledged that she had sometime ago brought forth a child to Alexr. Gemmel. The Sess: agreed to take her under discipline & ordered her to appear before the Congregation to be rebuked on sabbath first. Compeared also 
Jas. Gemmel mentioned in a former minute & having satisfied the Session why he did not appear before the Congr. as formerly appointed, he was ordered to appear on sabbath first. Compeared also James Cuthbertson Farmer Burnfoot. It had been reported to the Session that the said Jas. Cuthbertson had given some woman a piece of money as a bribe to make her conceal some improper conduct between him & her. See his confession as pened above. Appointed John Burns, Jas. Millar, Wm. Gemmel & John Taylor to converse with Betty Findlay & 
Jas. Gemmel & report. Concluded with prayer"

The following note is undated, but follows the previous one "money as a bribe":
"The other page (to follow) is the acknowledgment of me (signed) James Cuthbertson
The Sess: urged Jas. Cuthbertson if he could with a good conscience to acknowledge guilt. He said that he could not do that at present. The Sess: advised him to think on it a few days & make up his mind before he came 
before the Session. The Sess. unanimously agreed that Jas. Cuthbertson shall be suspended from Church fellowship till this affair is settled."

"Fenwick, 24th July 1807 The asso: Sess: met & being constituted compeared Jas. Cuthbertson, Burnfoot. And being desired to state the truth about the report that was gone abroad about him, He declared that he had been several times in Mr. Crones in Kilmarnock that one night when he was somewh(at) intoxicated he was in said house, but could not say whether he had used any indecent prud?ms with any woman that night because he was in drink, declares that he gave the woman who reproached him money long ago & that about the new 
year he gave the same woman money in Stewarton not that he is conscious of guilt but to prevent her from slandering him unnecessarily. Declares from the state he was in that night he was in Mr. Crones he could not make oath on whether he was guilty or not."

The following note is out of date order, written 9 years later, apparently for some school fees?

"Fenwick, 24 Decr 1816
Revd. James Dewar
To Wm. Gemmill
James Gemmill's Son 5 months Figuring at 3/3 per Quarter (pound sign) 0/5/5
Thomas Anderson's Son One Quarter (pound sign) 0/2/3
Reading (total) 0/7/8
By both Wm. Gemmil (signature)"

"Fenwick, 23d Augt 1807 The Sess: met in the meeting house, & being constituted, the Committee appointed to converse with Elis: Findlay, & Jas. Gemmel gave a favourable report. The Sess: agreed to absolve them, & ordered them to appear before the Congr. on sabbath first. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 11th Octr. 1807
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present John Burns, Jas. Millar, & agreed that the Lords be dispensed in this congregation on the 13th decr. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 30th Nov. 1807
"The asso: Sess: met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted by the Modr. all the members were present except Andw. Pickan. Read the communicant roll, admitted a few young members suspended John Fowlds in the Midland till his affairs with his creditors are settled, appointed Wm. Gemmel to inform John Kirkland that the Session advise him to suspend himself at this time, and appointed the Fast before the sacrament to be on the 10th of Decr., appointed Wm. Gemmel, John Taylor, & James Wallace be Committee, to meet with a 
Committee of the Crooked Holm Session with a view to Arg to accommodate a difference subsisting between Alexr. Thomson one of our members, & John Lindsay Serv. one of their members & made choice of Wm. Gemmel as Commissioner to the Mtg. & Synod Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 6th Decr. 1807
The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house, & was constituted by the Modr. All the members were present except Wm. Gemmel. The Committee appointed at last meeting gave a favourable report, & expressed their hope then that the difference was settled Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, Janr. 21st 1808

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. all the members were present except Jas. Brown & And. Pickan. Compeared Wm. Howie & asked that the Session would take his case into consideration, the Session appointed Mr. Dewar to inform him that they had agreed to delay his affair for sometime, & also desired Mr. Dewar to hint to him what unfavourable reports they had heard of him about Stewarton sacrament. Compeared Margt. Sheddan & declared that she was with child & that John White Junr. in Whitehall was the father of her child. Compeared John Anderson junr. Smith & expressed his sorrow for the things laid to his charge. The Session agreed that he be rebuked for them with ? , & ordered this to be intimated to the congregation. He was rebuked accordingly. Appointed a fast on 19th Feby Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 10th April 1808

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members but John Taylor appointed a collection for Synod fund on this day three weeks. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 24 April 1808

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & was constituted by the Modr . were present all the members. Agreed that the Lords supper shall be dispensed in this Congr. on the 5th day of June Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 26th May 1808

The asso: Sess: met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted were present N. Crawford, James Millar, David Murchland, Jas. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel, & And. Pickan. Were absent all the other members. Read the communicant roll, admitted a few members, & appointed the fast before the sacrament to be observed on the 2d June Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 31st July 1808

The asso: Session met in the meeting house & being constituted were present Nath: Crawford, Jas Millar, Andw. Pickan, Jas. Brown, David Murchland, Wm. Gemmel & John Taylor. Compeared Richard Camron petitioning to be readmitted to Church fellowship. The said Richard Camron had for sometime past been in the habit of carrying the mail between Stewarton & Kilmarnock on the sabbath, & therefore the Session agreed to delay his cause till he shall make up his mind whether he will continue to carry the mail on sabbath Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 29th Augt, 1808

The asso: Session met in the meeting house & being constituted. All the members were present except Andw. Pickan. Entered on the consideration of Richard Camerons affair. Richard declared that he was determined not to carry the mail on sabbath. The Session finding that Richard Cameron in consequence of carrying the mail on sabbath had deprived himself of an opportunity of availing on public ordinances for nearly nine years agreed to rebuke him for said conduct before the Session, & to admit him to church fellowship hoping that he will abide by his promise not to carry the mail on sabbath. Rebuked accordingly. Concluded w/ prayer"

"Fenwick, 2d Octr. 1808

The asso: Session met in the meeting house, & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members. Compeared Margt. Calderwood & declared that she was pregnant & that John Galt was the Father of her child. Compeared Jean Gemmel and petitioned the Session to take her under their consideration as the young man Jas. Roxburgh who she declared the father of her child was out of the country, compeared also Margt. Shedden & declared that John White, son of John White in Fenwick was the father of her child, read a letter signed John White in which he acknowledges himself the father of her child Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 16th Octr. 1808

The asso: Session met in the meeting house, & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members except Wm. Gemmel & Andw. Pickan. Compeared John Galt & he being informed of the charge Margt. Calderwood had preferred agt. him denied every having any unlawful commerce with said woman. Agreed that the Lords supper be dispensed in this Congr. on the 30th of this month. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 21st Octr. 1808

The asso: Session met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted by the Modr. were present N. Crawford, Jas. Millar, David Currie, Wm. Gemmel & John Taylor. Read the communicant roll & admitted a few members. Appointed the fast before the sacrament to be on the 25th. Made choice of James Millar as Elder to the Mtg: & Synod Appointed Mr. Dewar, Wm. Gemmel, Jas. Millar, & John Taylor a Committee to examine the Treasurers books Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 6th Novr. 1808

The asso: Session met in the meeting house and being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members except Wm. Gemmel. Appointed Margt. Shadden & Jean Gemmel to appear before the Congr. next sabbath to be rebuked for the sin of fornication. Appointed Mr. Dewar, Jas. Millar, Wm. Gemmel, & John Taylor a Committee to meet with these two women & report to the Session. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, Decr. 15th 1808

The asso: Session met in the meeting house and being constituted by the Modr.  were present all the members except Andw. Pickan. The Committee appointed to meet with the two young women recommended them to the Session for absolution. Margt. Shaddan, & Jean Gemmel being called in about their knowledge of the nature of their sin & the way of forgiveness, the Session agreed to absolve them and ordered them to appear before the Congregation next sabbath Concluded with prayer" 

"Fenwick, 21st Feby 1809

The asso: Session met in the meeting house and being constituted by the Modr were N. Crawford, James Millar, D. Currie, Wm. Gemmel, A. Pickan, & John Taylor. It was proposed that we shall make another collection for the Bible Society. Agreed that it shall stand over for sometime on account of the priuteanly? distressing times. Appointed a collection to be made on a sabbath mid day for purchasing some tracts for the Boys & Girls for encouraging them to diligence in acquiring useful knowledge. Agreed to propose to the Congregation that they shall look out from among them eight men to be elected to take part with us in the office of the Eldership. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 9th March 1809

The asso: Session met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members except David Murchland agreed that there shall be an election of Elders held in the meeting house here on the 19th April. Eight, one for the Kirktown, one for Gardrum, two for Marshanock? & Warnock land, one for Crawfordland, one for the Tenpoundland & two for Fenwick town. Appointed the annual collection for the Synod to be made on sabbath the 16th of April. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 19th April 1809

The asso: Session met in Mr. Dewars house & being constituted were present N. Crawford, D. Currie, J. Millar, J. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel, & J. Taylor. After spending some time in prayer adjourned to the meeting house, and after sermon the Congregation made choice of Hugh Hopkin, Thos. Taylor, Wm. Taylor, John Dunlop, Jas. Taylor, Jas. Taylor, Wm. Wyllie & Hugh Bicket for Elders. Appointed next meeting to be held in the meeting house on the 20th & agreed to call these men to attend said meeting. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 20th April 1809

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present J. Millar, Jas. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel, & J. Taylor. Compeared John Pickan & Agnes Gemmel his spouse & acknowledged that they had been guilty of antenuptial fornication. The Session ordered them to appear before the Congr. next sabbath to be rebuke for said sin. The men elected to the office of Elder were all present except Wm. Taylor who sent a letter to the Session declining his acceptance of the office. After some conversation with these men the Session adjurned to meet again in the meeting house on the 27th & desired these men also to attend. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 27th April 1809

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present N. Crawford, J. Millar, D. Currie, Jas. Wallace, Wm. Gemmel, & John Taylor. The seven men elected for Elders mentioned in last minute were present. Agreed that the Lords supper shall be dispensed in this Congr. on the first sabbath of June. Appointed Mr. Dewar, J. Millar, Wm. Gemmel, & J. Taylor a Committee to converse with J. Pickan & his wife & report. Concluded with prayer" 

"Fenwick, 30th April 1809

The asso: Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members but D. Murchland & D. Currie. Appointed the edict of the seven men elected for Elders & who had attended the Session to be served next sabbath Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick, 7th May 1809

The aso Sess: met in the meeting house & being constituted by the Modr. were present all the members except D. Murchland. The Com: appointed to converse with J. Pickan & his wife report that they were very well satisfied with them and recommended them to the session for absolution. J. Pickan & his spouse were called & a few questions being put to them respecting the nature of their sin & the way of forgiveness, the Sess. stated a vote absolve or not. It carried absolve and ordered them to appear before the Congr. next sabbath. Appointed next meeting to be held in the meeting house on the 19th Current at half past seven afternoon to received the return of the edict ordered intimation hereof to be made to the Congr. next sabbath Concluded with prayer"

The asos Session met in the meating house & being Constituted by the Moderator present William Gemmel John Taylor & c to heare objections against the men Elected for Elders bot no objections being prefered they apointed the Session to meat in Mr. Deuars on the 25 to Examin the Comuioncants Roll Concluded with prayer"

The asos Sess met in Mr. Deuars house and being Constituted by the Modr. present Nathinal Crafourd & James Brown & c. Red the Comunicants Roll admitted a few members suspended Richard Camron from silling(sitting?) ordinance for Carring letters as a post on the sabbath day apointed Nathinal Crafourd to speke to James Wardrop for not atending the preatching of the Gospel Re Elected James Millar presbrity Elder for the next half year apointed the fast before the sacrament on the first of June Concluded with prayer"

The following entry is really special for me, as my ggggrandfather is ordained. 

"Fenwick 1 Jun 1809

The asos Sess met in the meating house and being Constutited by the Moderator all the members present John Dunlop was ordened Elder and had the Right hand of felloshipe as a Brother Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 11 Jun 1809

The asos Sess met in the meatting house and being Constutited by the Moderator all the Members present James Wallace give in a letter from (blank) Thomson in which he Confesed that he was the Father of Margrat Torrance Child Margrat present the Modrator asked a few things at hir Concerning her Knolage after which the vot being put Receive or and Rebock not it Caried Receive Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 20 Agoust 1809

The asos Sess met in the meating house all the members present and being Conustutited by the Modr. apeared Margrat Torrance Mod. stated a few quastiens to her after which the vot being put absolve or not it Caried absolv absolved acordingly Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 15 October 1809

The asos Session met in the meating house and beinge Constitu(ted) by the Mod. Nathanial Craford Andrew Picken & c and take into Considration when the Lords supper should be Despenced bot could not fix the time till they knew when Kilmarnocks should be Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 22 October 1809

The asos Sess met in the meating house and being Constutited by the Mod. Nat. Crafourd and James Brown present Mr. Deuar informed the Session that Mr. Tellis(?) Minister Salt Coats was to Call John Galt befor there Session and aske him if ever he had Carnal Dellings with Margrat Calderwood and if he acknoleged guilt to send him to Fenwick Session apoited the sacrament to be on the third of Desembr Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 23 October 1809

The asos Sess met in the (meating lined out) Mr. Deurars house and being Constutited by the Moderator present James Millar and William Gemmel Mr. Deuar red a letter from Mr. Tillis stating that John Galt had apired befor there Session and acknolleged himself Guilty with Margrat Calderwood the Session apointed them to apire befor the Congreation on sabath the 23 Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 21 Novr 1809

The asoss sess met in the meating house all the members present Except John Dunlop, and being Constutited by the moderator the moderator brought forward three petitions for colections one from the Bible Socity one from the Glasgow Infirmre & one from Mr. Dicksons Congeration Eglsham the session agreed to make one for the bible socity on Sabbath the 26 present and agreed to meat in Mr. Dewars on the 22 Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 22 Novembr 1809

The assos session met in Mr. Deuars house present Daved Cory Willeam Gemmel John Taylor John Dunlop and James Millar and being Constuteted by the moderator  Red the Commucants Rol admited some yonge members apointed the fast befor the sacrament on Thursday the forineth of Desember apointed a Comatie to Convers with Margrat Calderwood when they found it Convenint Elected john Dunlop presbitry Elder for half a year Red the pettion from Edenbrough Bible Sosity a pettion from Glasgow Infirmery and a pettion from Egelsham Congreation Each asking a publicke Colection Concluded with prayer" 

The following is a short note with no date written in tiny writing between the previous entry and the next dated one. 

"Fenwick, the Comatie met in the meating house and Conversed with Margrat Calderwood Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 23 November 1809

The asso session met in Mr. Deuars House for Religious Exercise present Willeam Gemmel John Taylor John Dunlop and James Millar and after prais and prayer Examined the Clark and Tresorrs Books and Concluded with prais and prayer" 

"Fenwick 30 Desember 1809

The Comatie apointed to Convers with Margrat Calderwood met in the meatting house and being Constutited by the modrator Compeared Margrat Calderwod and being Examined by the moderator they agreed that she should apair before the Session on Sabath first Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 31 Desember 1809

The asos sess met in the meatting house Daved Corry James Wallace & c present and being Constutited by the Moderator Apired Margrat Calderwod the Modr put a few questions to her after which the session stated a vot absolve or not it Caried absolv absolved Accordingly and ordered her to wait on Mr. Deuar next sabath morning w(h)o is to inform her if John Galt was Com from Salt Coats to apair befor the Gongreation with her Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 19 January 1801(10)

The sess met in Mr. Deuars house for Religious Exercise and after prais and prayer took Margrat Calderwod Case into Consideration and a vot being stated Call her befor the Congreation on sabath first for absolution or refer it for another weak if John Galt came to apair with her it caried refer a line was also presented by the Moderator from Doctor Smith that he had inspected Robert Gibsons Child and that it was his opionen that it might be Born on the Eight month signed Ebenezer Smith surgend the session Delayed the Consideration of it till a fuller meating Concluded with prais and prayer"

"Fenwick 19th Febry 1810                            

The asso Session met for prayer an Conference and being constiude by the kind Mr. Deuar Mod. were present James Millar Willeam Gemmel James Wallace John Taylor John Dunlop Were absent all the other members Red the minutes of last meatting Sally Robertson an unmarried woman appreid declared that she had Brought forth a Child in fornication She Declared that the father of her Child is nether a member of this Congregation nor was within the parish. The Session disered her eather to bringe foruard the father or a line from him Agreed that the first of march be observed as a Day of Thanksgiven in this Congreation Rede the Synods accounts from the Acount Resumed the afair of Robert Gibson and his wife and after some resenoning agreed to delay it Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 18 March 1810

The session met in the meating house present Andrew Picken James Broun James Wallace William Gemmel John Taylor and James Millar and beinge Constuted by the Moderator Resumed the affair of Robert Gibson and after some Reassoning wither Rest on Doctor Smiths lin or aske Robert Gibson and his wife if she was with Child when they were married they agreed to ask them and apointed James Wallace to speke to them Concluded with prayer"

The ass sess met in Mr.Deuars house and being constutited by the Rev. Mr. Deuar Mod. present Willeam Gemmel James Wallace John Taylor John Dunlop James Millar James Wallace at a former meatting was apointed to speke to Robert Gibson and his wife if they were gulty of fornecation befor marrage James Informed the Session that confessed that he had bein gultie of antinuptial fornecation Agreed to apove of and pay something to the fund the Pby. proposes to Raise for pious and Reigo? porposes. Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 25 March 1810

The ass Sess met in the meatting house and being Constuted by the Rev. Mr. Deuar mod. all the members present Except Andrew Picken Compeared Robert Gibson and and his wife and Confessed that they had been gultie of antienuptial fornication fornication the Session ordered them to apair befor the Congreation on Sabath first to be Rebooked and apointed Mr. Deuar James Wallace and Daved Corrie as a Commatie to Converse with them at a Convenant time Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 8 Aprill 1810

The ass Session met in the meatting house and being Constuted by the Rev. Mr. Deuar Mod. present all the members Except Andrew Picken Compeared Robert Gibson and his wife the Comatie apointed to speak with them give in a favorable Report of them a few qastions Concerning there Knolage was then put to them by the Mod. to which they give satisfainge Answers a vot was stated absolve or not it Carried absolve them from the sin and scandel of antinuptial fornication and ordered them to apare befor the Congeration on sabath first to be absolved Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick April 13th 1810

The ass Session met in Mr. Deuars house present James Wallace Willeam Gemmel Daved Corrie John Taylor John Dunlop and James Millar Red the minintt of the former meatting and agreed that the sacrament be on the first sabath of Jun Apointed the Treasour to pay the tracts bought and destributed amonge the Childring stiring them to dilligenc in acquering usful knolage & delayed for the time making a Colection for said purpos till a futer day Concluded with prais & prayer" 

"Fenwick, 21 Aprill 1810

The ass Sess met in the meatting house and being Constutited by the Rev. Mr. Deuar Mod. James Broun Daved Corry James Wallace Willeam Gemmel John Taylor John Dunlop and James Millar Compeared James Campble Desairing to be purged from the sin and scandel of antiuptial fornecation the Session after some reassineng agried to Receve him & his wife and ordered them to apaire befor the Congreation on sabath first to be Reboked and apointed Mr. Deuar Daved Corry and James Wallace as a Comatie to Converse with them at a Convenent time  Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 6 May 1810

The ass Sess met in the meatin house and being Constutetd by the Rev. Mr. Deuar Mod. present Nathinal Crafourd Andrew Pickan James Broun James Wallace John Taylor James Millar Compeared James Campbel and his wife the Comatie apointed to Converse with them give a favorable Report the Modr. put a few quastions to them Concerning the nature of there sin the opinone of the Sess was then asked absolve them from the sin and scandel of antiuptial forneaction the Sess agreed to absolve them and ordered them to apaire befor the Congreation on sabath first Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 25 May 1810

The ass Sess met in Mr. Deuars house and being Constutetd by the Rev. Mr. Deuar moderator present all the members Except James Wallace Red the Comucants Role admited some yonge members suspended James Wardrop and apointed Nathenal Crafourd to inform him that if he did not atend more Regulay upon Diven ordinance that his name would soon be scored from the list of members suspended the two James Dunlops apointed the fast Day before the sacrament on thursday the Therty first of May apointed Andrew Picken and John Taylor to Convers with James Cauthbertson and tray to bring him to atend the Sess next meating and Elected James Broun presbetry Elder for the Enshuing half year  Concluded with prayer" 

"Fenwick 15 Jun 1810

The Sess met in the meatting house and beinge Constutetd by the Rev Mr Deuar met present James Broun Willeam Gemmel John Taylor John Dunlop and James Millar Resumed the afair of James Cauthbertson James being present a quastion was put to him was he Conscious of having bein gulty of uncleanss with the woman who had Charged him with scandel he said he was intoxicated and might have been gulty of imprudeness with said woman bot refeused that he was Conscious of gult the Sess agried to Rebook him on his own Confession and intimate to the Congreation Rebooked acordingly  Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 27 July 1810

The asso Session met in the meatting house and being Constutetd by the Rev. Mr. Deuar mod wer present Willeam Gemmel John Taylor John Dunlop Jas. Millar all the other members absent Compeared Jean Wallace Daughter of Willeam Wallace in Glenletch acknolagein that she had brought forth a child and that Hug(h?) Gray servant with James Yonge in Mosside was the Father bot that he had not acklolegde it the Session apointed James Millar to Convers with him at a Convenent time befor next meatting of Session and Report  Concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 27 July 1810

The asso Session met in the meatting house and being Constuteted by the Revd. Mr. Deuar Mod present Andrew Picken James Broun Willeam Gemmel James Wallace John Taylor and John Dunlop wer absent all the other members It was mouved and unanimously agreid upon that  there sha(ll?) be a publick colection made at the meatting house Door on the second sabath of Agaust for the behoof of the Revd. Mr. Dickson in Egelsham becaus his Congreation heath fallen in arriars with his stipend ordred accordingly  Concluded with prayer" 

"Fenwick 3 Agoust 1810

The ass Session met in the meatting house and being Constutetd by the Mr. Deuar Mod present Nathinal Crafourd Jas. Broun James Wallace and James Millar the Mod Rede a line from Mrs. Craige stating that Daved Dickies wife had brought forth a child that she was shure was Born in the Eight month the Session after some Reassinong agreed that Daved Corrie and James Wallace Convers with them and if they Denay having any Criminal Convers befor marrage to Rest without farther ingurrce(?) concluded with prayer"

"Fenwick 13 Nov. 1798

Jas. Miller made choice of as Clerk Election of Elders Ap 1809"

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