Elder

[Poppy62]

Afternoon All

Possible ancestor death OPR

James Stevens an elder died here age 80 1850 New Luce

I'm wondering what is  ""An Elder" in 1850, Is it just because he was old?( other deaths for males similar on same record did not state this)

help appreciated

[Elwyn Soutter]

It's a term used in the Presbyterian church. Explanation here. Happens to be for a Presbyterian church in Ireland, but the ideology is the same as in Scotland:


https://knockpresbyterian.church/elders-committee/

[Rockford]

Hello

It means that he would have been an elder within his Church of Scotland congregation, and would have been a member and eligible to participate in the kirk session, which was the local governing body for the parish.

https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/get-involved/serve/office-bearers/eldership

Best wishes

Rockford

[Jebber]

I agree, I am Elder in the United Reformed Church.

[GR2]

If it turns out that he is an ancestor, it would be worthwhile looking through the minutes of the New Luce kirk session, which are available to read free on Scotland's People. Here is an example of what you will find.

1839 Nov[embe]r 17 Post preces (= Latin for "after prayers") Sed[eru]nt (= Latin for "there sat", introducing a list of those present) The Minister and Elders with the Cl[er]k The Session proceeded to the Election of an Elder to represent them in the Presbytery of Stranraer and Synod of Galloway during the curr[e]nt half year when Mr James Steven one of their Number, a bona fide working Elder, was unanimously chosen for the above purpose and the Cl[er]k was desired to give Mr Steven an extract of his election when required Closed with prayer

[goldie61]

Good find GR2.
I've found ancestors mentioned like this in the Kirk records - (at a different church).
It does help give you some insight into the sort of people they were, rather then just the bare facts of their birth and death.

Have you looked in the Scottish papers for an obituary for him Poppy?

[Poppy62]

Thank you very much every one for your replies.

You have all been very helpful, given me some useful idea's on researching further.

Kirk sessions and Scottish papers will be a good start.