Religious Information
Scots-Irish Background

A genealogical study of my Cathcart heritage is very much wrapped up in the history of the Presbyterian Church.  In order to understand the religious motivations of my ancestors, one must go back in time and try to decipher the meanings of various historical events, doctrinal and/or political disputes and resultant schisms—all of which impacted the Church's members.

I found this to be particularly true with respect to the Presbyterian Church's positions and actions regarding the institution of slavery in the early years in the United States.

As I was not raised as a Presbyterian, I am by no means an expert in the historical and doctrinal details of the Presbyterian Church.  However, a genealogical study of the Cathcart family not be complete without at least trying to understand the basics.