Kirk, church, chapel?

[Phil]

In Scotland the local church is called 'the kirk' if it is the Presbyterian church and either belonging to the Church of Scotland or the Free Church of Scotland (sometimes referred to as the Wee Frees). The Anglican church in Scotland is known as the Episcopalian church because it is governed by the Episcopacy (Bishops) who, in turn, look to the sovereign as the head of their church to whom they pledge allegiance. Chapels are generally regarded as the meeting places of non-conformist religions such as Methodists, Baptists etc..

[McClef]

There could be a Norse influence also as the word Kirk means Church in Norwegian.

[TheOfficialBren]

Ah! Thanks for the heads up, Neloon.

[kilted scholar]

In Scotland the local church is called 'the kirk' if it is the Presbyterian church and either belonging to the Church of Scotland or the Free Church of Scotland (sometimes referred to as the Wee Frees). The Anglican church in Scotland is known as the Episcopalian church because it is governed by the Episcopacy (Bishops) who, in turn, look to the sovereign as the head of their church to whom they pledge allegiance. Chapels are generally regarded as the meeting places of non-conformist religions such as Methodists, Baptists etc..

However, in view of the OP's question, which related to the 1600s, we should note that in the 17th century neither the Free Church nor the Methodists existed, and Baptists were only beginning to emerge.

[TheOfficialBren]

Well-spotted,McClef.

What are some other denominations popular in Scotland?

[MacRobert's Reply]

The Anglican church in Scotland is known as the Episcopalian church because it is governed by the Episcopacy (Bishops) who, in turn, look to the sovereign as the head of their church to whom they pledge allegiance.

Not quite correct. The Scottish Episcopal Church has a history that is quite distinct from the Church of England. It was implicated in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745 and was virtually banned subsequently. Scottish Episcopal clergy, including bishops, do not take an oath of allegiance to the crown or recognise the monarch as head of the church. This was why the first bishop of the Episcopal Church in the fledgling republic of the US was ordained by Scottish bishops. Only by the 19th Century were Scottish Episcopal clergy recognised in England. Although part of the world-wide Anglican communion of churches, clergy of the Scottish Episcopal church do not pledge any allegiance to the sovereign.

[Father Bill]

Aye.

Same in Canada. Our chief ecclesial officer is the Archbishop who is primate of Canada.

Not quite correct. The Scottish Episcopal Church has a history that is quite distinct from the Church of England. It was implicated in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745 and was virtually banned subsequently. Scottish Episcopal clergy, including bishops, do not take an oath of allegiance to the crown or recognise the monarch as head of the church. This was why the first bishop of the Episcopal Church in the fledgling republic of the US was ordained by Scottish bishops. Only by the 19th Century were Scottish Episcopal clergy recognised in England. Although part of the world-wide Anglican communion of churches, clergy of the Scottish Episcopal church do not pledge any allegiance to the sovereign.

[piperdbh]

The opening line of James Inwick: Ploughman and Elder is, "Ye mind the year whan the auld Kirk was dung doun?"

[Phil]

Not quite correct. The Scottish Episcopal Church has a history that is quite distinct from the Church of England. It was implicated in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745 and was virtually banned subsequently. Scottish Episcopal clergy, including bishops, do not take an oath of allegiance to the crown or recognise the monarch as head of the church. This was why the first bishop of the Episcopal Church in the fledgling republic of the US was ordained by Scottish bishops. Only by the 19th Century were Scottish Episcopal clergy recognised in England. Although part of the world-wide Anglican communion of churches, clergy of the Scottish Episcopal church do not pledge any allegiance to the sovereign.

Thanks for that clarification. As I am not a member I have no real knowledge of the Episcopal church. I do remember that the attempt to foist an episcopacy on Scotland didn't go down too well though.

[Father Bill]

Thanks for that clarification. As I am not a member I have no real knowledge of the Episcopal church. I do remember that the attempt to foist an episcopacy on Scotland didn't go down too well though.

"Foist?"