In a message dated 17/02/2004 14:25:51 GMT Standard Time, clairerichardsonlongmoor@hotmail.com writes: > has anyone heard of Scotchchurch - Nc in South Shields? The Scotch Church, or Church of Scotland has been Presbyterian since 1560. TWAS have microfilm of the baptisms 1785-1821. Nonconformity is a term used to describe the position of those who do not confirm to the doctrine and practises of an established church. The word "nonconformist" was first used in the penal acts following the restoration, in 1660, to describe those who left the Church of England rather than submit to the 1662 Act of Uniformity. The earlier term Dissenters was superseded by "Nonconformist" and to a certain extent by "Free churchmen." In England non conforming Protestants were composed largely of the Methodists, the Baptists, the Congregationalists, and the Presbyterians, but in Scotland the Church of Scotland is Presbyterian, and the Episcopal Church in Scotland is therefore nonconformist.  Regards Stan Mapstone