A Dictionary of All Religions and Religious Denominations/Relief Kirk

by Hannah Adams

*RELIEF KIRK, a denomination of dissenters from the Sotch establishment, so far only as respects the right of the patronage; their congregations claiming the privilege of choosing their own ministers. This schism in the Scotch church was formed in 1752, when Mr. Gillespie was deposed from his living for refusing to sanction the ordination of a preacher who was disagreeable to his congregation. This exclusion served only to make him popular, and being soon joined by several other ministers, who took part with him, they formed the "Presbytery of Relief;" and the denomination continued increasing, until, a few years since, they formed a synod, including about sixty congregations, and thirty-six thousand members.^[1]

Original footnotes

1. Adam's Religious World diplayed, vol. iii. p. 223.