Compiled from my own and others' research with additions from "The Church of Rathven" by William Cramond.

1801 In this parish, there is a parochial school, in which are taught the usual branches of education, containing 60 scholars. There are likewise two Society Schools, containing 96 scholars, taught agreeably to the rules of the Society. There are also six private schools, containing 174 scholars, who are taught by women the elements of reading and the Catechism, all of whom teach on Sunday, and the emoluments are paid partly by the heritors, and partly by the parents of the scholars.

19 Feb 1804 ....Compeared Jas Smith and Katherin Flett.

10 Jun 1804 The Session being met and constitute. Compeared Jane Sinclair an unmarried Woman, upon repeated citations, who acknowledged herself guilty of a relapse into fornication but refused to give up the father of her child. The session taking her case under their consideration agreed to give her a week to think of it, and summoned her to attend a meeting of the Session this day week immediately after dismissing the congregation. Sederunt closed with prayer.

5 Dec 1805 Thanksgiving for the good harvest, and for Lord Nelson's late glorious victory. Collected £3 1s 6d, to be sent to the Patriotic fund at Lloyd's London.

1807 Collected £3 4s for the families of two seamen beloging to this parish who perished at sea.

2 Mar 1808 A pro re nata meeting of the Session being convened and constitute, Compeared Jean Sinclair who had brought forth a child about two years and a half ago, the father of whom she had hitherto refused to divulge,; who being once more seriously exhorted to an honest confession, she with some reluctance said that James Bowie an unmarried man, then residing at Buckie, but since dead, was the father of her child. She professed her penitence, submitted herself to the Discipline of the Church, promised all due satisfaction, and craved Absolution for her self and Baptism for her child, she having procured a proper Sponsor whom she had brought with her. The session taking her case under consideration, agreed that her child should be baptised which was accordingly done in their presence; but that her own case being a relapse into formication should be referred to the next meeting of Presbytery for their deliverance thereon. sederunt closed with prayer.

22 Jan 1809 The Session being met and constitute, Compeared Jean Sinclair in Buckie who confessed herself to be with Child, and gave George Stronach Cooper in Buckie a married man as the Father of her child. The Session taking her case under consideration appointed the said George Stronach to be cited before a meeting of Session next Lord's Day after dismissing the congregation. Sederunt closed with Prayer.

24 Dec 1809 James Flett and Barbara Smith in Findochty "confessed themselves guilty of Antenuptial fornication.....paid £10 Scots as a penalty for absolution.

1809 About 27 poor in receipt of money from the Session payable four times a year, in sums varying from 3s 6d to 7s 6d each distribution.

1810 The heritors, according to their valued rents, paid the expenses for maintenance of Ann Simpson's child.

1811 Given to Thomas Miller, and an old man, aged 103 years, from Elgin, 5s. Mrs Gordon of Leitcheston bequeathed £10 to the poor of the parish.

31 Mar 1811 James Flett and Helen Reid in Findochty "confessed themselves guilty of antenuptial fornication" and paid a fine of Ten Pounds Scots.

1814 Received a legacy of £15 bequeathed by Alexr. Winster, merchant of Buckie, for the poor of the parish. Donation from Major Gordon of Cluny, £10 10s. For a coffin and funeral expenses for a poor man found dead at Buckie, 15s 6d.

1815 By supply to six sailors returning from French prison, 6s. Collected for the Waterloo Fund, £7 10s.

9 Jun 1817 ....Compeared Alexr Campbell and Helen Flett in Findochty who confessed themselves Guilty of antenuptial fornication professed their penitence submitted themselves to the Discipline of the Church and craved absolution. The Session taking their case under consideration agreed to absolve them on paying ten Pounds Scots as a penalty which being done they were absolved.

1819 Collected £4.9s.3d for the families of the seamen belonging to this parish who perished in March last.

1821 GEORGE DONALDS0N;A.M. (1791-1821). Translated from Kennethmont. He married (20th Ap. 1782) Jean Dunbar, daughter of Wm. Dunbar, Esq. of Nether Buckie, who died 11th Aug. 1846. His eldest daughter Margaret maried Mr John Masson, writer, Edinburgh. He died 12th Nov, 1821 in the 79th year of his age and 42nd of his ministry. His other children were Jean and Mary Janet. "He was a man of exemplary piety, strict integrity, and mild and benevolent manners, and was most sincerely esteemed and respected by all who knew him, particularly by the parishioners of Kenethmont and Rathven, to whose edification and instruction in the course of his ministry his best endeavours were successively exerted, and to whom he furnished in his own conduct and example most worthy of imitation."- "Scots Magazine," 1821.

1821 Collected £5 13s. for the families of the seamen of Portknockie.

3 Apr 1822 Presentation to the church of Rathven in favour of the Rev, John Farquharson, M.D. , assistant minister at Logie-Coldstone, from General Alex. Hay of Rannes.

JOHN FARQUHARSON, M.D. (1822-25), son of Rev. Robert Farquharson, Logie-Coldstone, took the degree of A.M. at King’s college, Aberdeen, 1809, was ordained by the Presbytery of Kincardine O’Neil, 1816, as assistant to his father. He died unmarried, 12th Feb., 1825, in the 32nd year of his age and 9th of his ministry.

Collected for behoof of the Irish poor, £3 1s 7d.

1823 Given to Wm. Loban, a travelling beggar, 2s.

1824 Donation of £3 10s from Rev Robert Copland, minister of Durris.

1825 Donation from Rev Jn. Farquharson to this parish, £10.

11 Dec 1825 Alexander Flett and Margaret Smith.."confessed themselves guilty of antenuptial fornication"

JAMES GARDINER, A.M. (1825-61) son of Bailie John Gardiner of Lochmaben, became tutor in Auchintour, was licensed by the Presbytery of Strathbogie, 1812. He married (1) Miss Jane Reid, daughter of Mr Reid, merchant, Fochabers. His son, John died in infancy. His wife died 1833. He married (2) Miss Anne Young, daughter of Mr John Young, surgeon, Edinburgh. She died 1856. Their family - Anne, m, to John Fleming, Esq., late factor, Ballindalloch; Isabella, m. to Rev James Ledingham, minister of Boyndie; Mary Morrison, died 1856; Helen Anderson, m. to Rev A.M. Gibson, minister of Portsoy; James, died 1864; Eliza, m. to the late Alex. Bremner, Esq., bank agent, Buckie, and [son] Morrison, died 1865.

1827 John Stirling, Wm. Murray, and Alex. Slater, in Buckie; Jas. Paterson, in Muiryhill; and Jas. Reid, in Connage, ordained elders.

4 Apr 1830 Antenuptial fornication: John Smith, John Cowie, others confessed.

10 Jun 1832 Alex. Smith confessed to antenuptial fornication with his wife Katherine Farquhar.

1833 Geo. Flett, Findochty, Wm. Smith, Portessie, Wm. Copland, Brencomeys, John Davidson, merchant, and John Cowie, whitefisher in Buckie, Wm. Slater, whitefisher, and Alex. Winster, tailor in Nether Buckie, elected elders. George Coull, merchant, in the village of Rathven, elected Session Clerk.

25 Jun 1837 John Smith "confessed to be the author of Isabel Christie's pregnancy."

11 Mar 1838 William Smith and Ann Garden confessed to antenuptial fornication and were given absolution.

27 Sep 1840 "This day the session being met and constituted compeared on citation Margt. Smith and being interrogated confessed pregnancy to John Mackintosh who being also present acknowledged guilt the Session took this case under consideration and delayed further procedure..."

29 Nov 1840 "...compeared ultraneously John Mackintosh and Margt. Smith who had formerly confessed guilt of formication they professed penitence submitted to discipline and craved absolution..."

11 May 1841 Alexander Smith and Jane Garden confessed to antenuptial fornication and were given absolution.

16 May? 1841 "... Wm Smith and his wife Janet Smith, John Smith and his wife Ann Flett, Alex. Smith and his wife Jane Garden confessed guilt of antenuptial fornication, the Moderator after a suitable rebuke and serious admonition ordered them to wait on him at the Manse on Wednesday and Friday that he may have an opportunity of private conversation with him..."

1841 David and Jas. Flett Findochty, elected elders.

22 Dec 1844 ...Alex Mackintosh confessed guilt of formication with Jane [McCuy?] of which she accused him some time ago the session having considered the case he is directed to wait on Minister for private communing... "

23 Feb 1845 Minister preached text Psalm cxxvi, 12345. Session being Met and Constituted Compeared on Citation Mary Murray confessed guilt of fornication and accused William McKay as being guilty with her, the said William McKay being also present acknowledged himself the father of her Child, the Session having considered this case the parties were suitably rebuked by the Moderator and dismissed for the present.

6 Apr 1845 ...also George Flett and his wife Ann Smith confessed Guilt of Antenuptial fornication they prefessed penitence and craved to be absolved whereupon both parties having received a Serious Admonition from the Moderator they were absolved accordingly. Closed with prayers. [Signed] J Gardiner Modr.

20 Apr 1845 ...Compeared also George Smith and Helen Thain whose case had been already before the Session the parties severally expressed penitence and craved absolution from Scandal and restoration to the privileges of the Church whereupon being solemnly admonished by the Mod. they were absolved and restored accordingly.

8 Jun 1845 Same day the Session being Met and Constituted Compeared on Citation Jane Thain and confessed guilt of fornication and gave William McKay as the father of her Child, who being also present acknowledged guilt and this on the part of the man being a relapse they were seriously rebuked and solemnly admonished by the Moderator and dismissed for the present.

6 Dec 1846 "...John Mackintosh and his wife Jane Imlah confessed guilt of antenuptial fornication professed penitence and craved to be absolved"

7 Feb 1847 "...compeared ultraneously Wm. Mackay confessed guilt of antenuptial fornication with his wife Jane Thain...

1847 Royal proclamation read enjoining a national Fast in consequence of the scarcity of provision and particularly the loss of the potato crop, and the dearth of many of the articles of food.

14 Jan 1849 "...Alex McKintosh confessed guilt of antenuptial fornication with his wife Isabel Geddes..."

1849 Compeared ultroneously Ann Flett who had been guilty of fornication and had some time ago brought forth a child. Alexander Craib who is now gone to America had acknowledged himself the Father of and transmitted a sum of money for its maintenance. The professed penitent submitted to discipline and craved absolution. The session having considered this case, this was suitably administered and cohorted by the Moderator and also absolved accordingly. Closed with prayer. James Gardiner Mod'r.

3 Jan 1850 ...Ann Flett confessed herself with Child and accused James Flett Fishcurer as the author of her pregnancy. Also Jane Davidson confessed herself with Child and accused James Wood as the author of her pregnancy, the said James Flett and James Wood to appear before session on this day week.

19 May 1850 Same day the Session being Met and costitute a letter was laid before the Minister from James Flett acknowledging himself the father of Ann Flett's Child. Confessed also James Wood and acknowledged himself the father of Jane Davidson's Child; he acknowledged his sin and dismissed for the present.

23 Jun 1850 Jas Flett professed, rebuked and absolved.

23 Feb 1851 Elders elected include William Smith Whitefisher Porteasy nominated and proposed.

9 Mar 1851 Elders ordained.

5 Oct 1851 Lillias Reid confessed herself pregnant in Findochty and accused William Taylor as the father of her child.

1851 Rathven Par. School, 66 scholars present, four side school, 54, 42, 37, and 28 scholars respectively.

25 Jan 1852 Lillias Reid whose case was before the Session in October last it being perfectly understood that William Taylor whom she then accused had acknowledged himself the father of her Child but had since absconded she submitted to discipline professed penitence and craved absolution and that her child Might be baptised. The Session after Mature deliberation agreed to her request whereupon She was solemnly admonished by the Moderator and returned to the priveleges of Christian Society. Meeting closed.

1853 Mr J Crichton elected minister at Buckie.

9 Oct 1853 James Wood and his wife Jane Mackintosh confessed to antenuptial fornication.

23 Apr 1854 Royal proclamation read for a national Fast on account of Cholera.

21 Mar 1855 National Fast on account of the war, [Crimean War].

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