1775, 12th June
The extract below from the minutes of the Latheron kirk meeting on 12th June 1775 is an example of how the constitution of the Scottish kirk made it so easy for James Sinclair of Latheron to get away with his predatory behaviour and forced intimacy with Latheron women as recorded in the previous blogs.Showing absolutely no shame James Sinclair turned up at the meeting of the ‘heritors’ (a proprietor or landlord in a parish) and elders to vote on the appointment of the new minister for the church, the previous minister the Rev Mr Brodie having died in Dec 1774. While the heritors approved the appointment of the ministers they also usually contributed to his salary. As a heritor Sinclair brought his own vote and also proxies for the Sutherlands of Forse and his father, Sinclair of Dunbeath. And shamelessly he still owed a fine of four guineas since Mr Brodies time that yet hadn’t been paid by October 1776. So he wanted to exercise his legal privileges but not his obligations.
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The Ordination of Elders in a Scottish Kirk, by John Henry Lorimer, 1891 |
“In the Church of Latheron 12 June 1775 the session met and constitute by prayer by Rev Mr William Sutherland Minister of Wick moderating. In consequence an appointment by the presbytery of Caithness and of an edict dated at Olrick the ninth day of May last and published in the church of Latheron the twenty first day of May last, intimating this meeting to hold upon this day present with a considerable number of the elders. William Sinclair Younger of Freswick Esq. Mr John McBeath Factor to John Sinclair of Dunbeath Esq., of Freswick and acting as proxy for him. James Sinclair of Latheron Esq.,for himself and as having power to act as proxy for Mrs Sutherland of Forse and for her son John Campbell Sutherland Esq of Forse and also as proxy for his father James Sinclair Esq of Dunbeath. Likewise was presented a letter subscribed by Alexander Sinclair of Lybster Esq and by his son Captain Patrick Sinclair of Lybster concurring with the design of this meeting. Compeared also Alexander Sinclair of Risgill one of the elders as proxy for Mrs Sutherland of Swinzie and for her son. The intention of this meeting was laid before the said heritors and their proxies and the elders of the parish. And whereas a presentation was lodged and received by the said presbytery granted by Major General John Scott patron of the vacant church of Latheron in favour of Mr Robert Gunn preacher of the gospel to be minister of the said parish. The Moderator enquired in general of the heritors, proxies, elders and heads of families if any or persons had any objections to offer against the said Mr Robert Gunn at the most ‘portent hour’(?). And no objections whatever being offered it was concluded by Mr Sinclair of Freswick, Mr McBeath, Mr Sinclair of Latheron, that there was no objections about him. Whereupon the said heritors, elders and heads of families being required to subscribe a call in favour of the said Mr Robert Gunn they unanimously subscribed the same. The moderator appointed their subscriptions and closed the meeting by prayer. Subscriptor William Sutherland and moderator.”
1776, 10th October
The Session met…the state of the funds which is as follows:…There are four guineas due the Session box by Mr Sinclair of Latheron since Mr Brodie’s time, which he promises to pay without loss of time. There is no record of that money being paid.
James Sinclair, The Last, of Latheron, died in 1788, unmarried and said to be ‘without issue’.
Sketch of the Civil and
Traditional History of Caithness from the Tenth Century. electricscotland.com/history/caithness/appendix.htm
https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/virtual-volumes/ Latheron kirk session, Minutes (1734-1776, with gaps) Pages 321 & 333
