Dalziel, 9th July 1820
[The Session] proceeded to take under their consideration the case of John Weir, Weaver in Motherwell, Precentor in the Church, who had been guilty of beating his wife in a shameful manner and in conducting himself towards his whole family so as to occasion their separation from him. The Session were of opinion that there must have been some irregular behaviour on the part of his wife or family before he would have acted in the manner aforesaid. They therefore unanimously resolved to cite the said John Weir and his wife before them, in order to acquaint them that they are excluded from sealing ordinances till they give evidence of repentance by conducting themselves in a quiet and Christian manner.
In the mean time, they discharge the said John Weir from the office of Precentor in the church. The officer was ordered to cite John Weir and his wife to appear before the session on Wednesday the 19th curr[en]t.
19th [July 1820]
Compeared John Weir and Agnes Watson his wife, agreeably to citation. In conformity with the resolution entered into at last meeting of Session, the Session informed the said John Weir and Agnes Watson that in consequence of what had happened they were excluded from sealing ordinances till they gave some evidence of repentance, and of living together in a quiet and Christian manner. The Session at the same time told them that they would receive notice when to appear before them in order to be absolved from scandal. Agnes Watson solemnly declared that she entertained no suspicions of her husband John Weir having had a criminal connexion with Margaret Stewart, wife of John Bond, Labourer, Motherwell.
10th September 1820
Appeared John Weir Weaver in Motherwell and craved to be absolved from the scandal under which he was lying on account of irregular conduct towards his Wife and Family. The Session understanding that the said John Weir had been conducting himself regularly towards his Wife an Family, and thereby giving evidence of repentance, agreed to grant the same. The said John Weir was accordingly rebuked by the Moderator, was exhorted to walk as becometh a Christian, and was absolved from the scandal under which he was lying.
Closed with prayer.
13th [September 1820]
The Session granted a certificate to John Weir.
26th [February 1821]
Appeared Agnes Watson wife of John Weir Weaver Motherwell and was absolved from Scandal.