I recently mentioned the Balchristies in a post and wanted to start a search on the roots and attributes of them as a church/group. They seem to have a link to the Culdees an Irish group from many years ago,- long before the reformation, who have their roots in Druidism. It would seem that at some point the Catholic Church tried to influence them and make them more mainstream. Culdees had a site in, or near Colinsburgh at Newburn their Chapel is a ruin all underground or indeed flattened. The Culdees had a estate called balchristies and I am assuming that a group was formed in the area and took their name from the estate. " something like those who worship at Balchristie....which becomes Balchristies for short.
So now doing a search on my machine I discover this little bit from a document in 2006.
"
Balchristie,
which is close to the eastern side of the parish, and only a mile to
the south-west of Colinsburgh, cannot be called a village now.
Malcolm Canmore and St Margaret gave the village of Balchristie to
the Culdees of Loch-Leven eight hundred years ago. Last century the
proprietor "dug up the foundation-stones of an old edifice near
the western wall of his garden, and in the very place where,
according to the best accounts, the church of the Culdees stood."
Mr Laurie was told that "this was the first Christian church in
Scotland," and he appears to have thought that the tradition was
not baseless; but the more matter-of-fact people of the present day
will soon set aside its claims to such antiquity. Ecclesiastical
associations of a more recent date are also connected with this
place. James Smith—"a well-favoured person, of good manners,
unquestionable piety, and good report; of a tender holy walk, and
sweet natural temper; zealous and prudent, with a good stock of
learning "—having adopted Independent views of
church-government, resigned his charge of the parish, after
thirty-three years’ faithful service, and, with Robert Ferrier of
Largo, started a meeting-house at Balchristie. In 1795, Laurie says:-
"It has been often remarked, that Newburn, for many years past,
has been a nursery of Seceders; and remarked with surprise, that a
small arm of the sea should be the boundary between moderation and
fanaticism. Cameronians, Independents, persons belonging to the
Burgher Congregation, and also to what is called the Relief
Congregation, are to be found here. The number of Independents is
about 20. They are the only sect who have a place of meeting for
public worship in the parish." In spite of their dissenting
propensities the parishioners were sober, regular, industrious, and
humane, and their diversity of sentiments did not prevent social
intercourse nor mutual good offices. The Seceders had not increased
of late, and one of the Relief elders had returned to the Established
Church; and so, to Mr Laurie, "rational religion" seemed to
be gaining ground, and he fondly hoped that "the small remainder
of enthusiasm" would most probably die with those who cherished
it. His hopes were so far realised, in 1836, that the Independent
Congregation had removed their place of meeting to Earlsferry, their
church at Balchristie being turned into a granary, and there were
only three dissenting families in the whole parish."
So now what is the connection to Perth and a group in the town. Now it all comes back to me ....Perth Baptist Church The History the People and or an extract from a possible new book yet to be published about the Scottish Church..
Perth Baptist Church fire, The old Opera House Tay Street.July 1984
Brian Robertson says,
"David Dale set up a Chapel of
ease*
which in 1769 became an independent Church with Dale as one of the
elders. Both Dale and the Balchristies historically known as Old
Scots Independents- small, and sharing Glasite ideas of Church life
and practise.... Berean Church- John Barclay 1734 1798 John Barclay of Muthill was from the Church of Scotland and leader of a small
connection, Congregational in principle in 1772. It was not great in
the national context but, it is worthy to mention that in Perth the
gathering, Berean Church based on Acts 17 - "Mortgaged their
meeting place to supply the want of the poor". Churches were
also present in Crieff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Arbroath,
Montrose and Brechin."
Further research required!
*Chapels
of Ease were set up and funded by the Church of Scotland and the
local Christians. In 1827 there were 55 set apart ministers of
Chapels of ease in the Highland Presbyteries.(36 missionaries at the
same time) They were set up for the poor and needy and were used
for accommodation as well as worship.
Who are the Culdees (wiki) general background
Culdees Castle , Methill Perthshire, a "Listed" castle and house for sale on Galbraiths Summer 2018.
Culdees Eco village Group near Aberfeldy roots unknown but using the name.
