Kirk, church, chapel?

[Arrowyn]

What would be the appropriate name for a church(referring to the building itself)? (in the 1600's, Lowlands).

[ThistleDown]

As in 'the one down the road in the village'? Kirk.

[TheOfficialBren]

I have often wondered that, myself.

Correct me if I'm wrong here:
Kirk- the wee church down the road
Church- the religious establishment, the institution as a whole in concept
Chapel- a small, private area designated for intimate religious functions, usually in a castle, home, or other larger complex.

[neloon]

Agree with Bren though, of course, the Church of Scotland as an establishment is also referred to as "the Kirk". In the 1600s, a chapel in a big house might well have been secret with a secret priest so that the owner could have private Catholic or Episcopalian Services.
Alan

[TheOfficialBren]

Thanks, Neloon. It seemed logical.

[jfraser]

Don't know about the wee church down the road. Muckle (large) kirk in Peterhead has a spire of 118 ft.

In our family in Scotland, church was never used in referance to the House of God, it was always kirk. No matter how big or small.

[TheOfficialBren]

Perhaps I should have said:
Kirk- the local place of worship for the general public.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

According to the Concise Scots Dictionary the word kirk was used to refer to a church from the late 14th century on. So you are good for 17th century usage.

I would encourage anyone writing historical fiction set in Scotland who would like to get the Scots terminology correct to obtain a copy of the CSD.

[neloon]

The Scottish National Dictionary is available online.

http://www.scots-online.org/dictionary/

Or you could get in touch with me. My wife is a lexicologist and was/is involved in producing all the Scots dictionaries (and others).
Alan

[TheOfficialBren]

Neloon,
How would one go about learning Scots? I understand (correct me if I'm wrong) that it share similarities with English. Thank you.