Trying to determine which church my ancestors belonged to

You may just need to search the records of each church. Presbyterians in Ireland did not use the parish system and which church you attended was (and still is) a matter of personal choice. Not always the closest to where you lived. The only clue I can give you is that tradition was to marry in the bride's church, so if you can find Galbraith females marrying in a particular church then that may well have been your family's. I searched 1845 to 1865 and found just 1 such Presbyterian marriage. That was in 1847 and was in Mourne.

The relevant baptism and pre 1845 marriage records are nearly all in PRONI in Belfast. Personal visit required to view them.

Kilkeel Presbyterian has records starting in 1839 (baptisms) and 1845 for marriages. It was created in 1822 and was originally a Seceder church. (Like many denominations, Presbyterianism has had various schisms over the years).  Annalong has baptisms and marriages from 1840. It was only established in 1839. Previously it’s congregation had attended Mourne Presbyterian which, though established in the 1600s, only has records from 1839.

Hi Doug

I have all the Kilkeel marriage records 1845-1921, and all 8 Presbyterian Galbraiths that married, did so in the Mourne Presbyterian church

Thank you this is a great help

doug

I should have added that I have information about the Galbraith families of Kilkeel, especially those that left for Canada.

Contact me at dermot.balson@gmail.com if you'd like to discuss.