Zimbabwe Church Records: Difference between revisions

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|Name=Zimbabwe
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|Records=Church Records
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''For information about records for non-Christian religions in Zimbabwe, go to the [[Zimbabwe Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''
''For information about records for non-Christian religions in Zimbabwe, go to the [[Zimbabwe Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''


==Online Resources and Websites==
=Online Resources and Websites=
*'''1690-2011''' {{RecordSearch|1392488|South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church Records (Stellenbosch Archive), 1690-2011}} at FamilySearch — index & images
*'''1898-1957:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/366686?availability=Family%20History%20Library Parish registers (baptisms, banns, marriages, burials, confirmations), Church of England in Rhodesia, Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), 1898-1957, 1898-1957] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1838-1991''' {{RecordSearch|2155416|South Africa, Netherdutch Reformed Church Registers (Pretoria Archive), 1838-1991}} at FamilySearch — index & images
*'''1890-1941:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/495723?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1890-1941] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1898-1957''' {{FSC|366686|item|disp=Parish registers (baptisms, banns, marriages, burials, confirmations), Church of England in Rhodesia, Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), 1898-1957, 1898-1957}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1890-1956:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/362046?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1890-1956] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1890-1941''' {{FSC|495723|item|disp=Church records, 1890-1941}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1892-1933:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/361924?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1892-1933] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1890-1956''' {{FSC|362046|item|disp=Church records, 1890-1956}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1896-1924:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/670206?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1896-1924] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images  
*'''1892-1933''' {{FSC|361924|item|disp=Church records, 1892-1933}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1690-2011''' - {{RecordSearch|1392488|South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church Records (Stellenbosch Archive), 1690-2011}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
*'''1896-1924''' {{FSC|670206|item|disp=Church records, 1896-1924}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images  
*'''1838-1991''' - {{RecordSearch|2155416|South Africa, Netherdutch Reformed Church Registers (Pretoria Archive), 1838-1991}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
*'''1896-2022''' {{RecordSearch|5000106|Zimbabwe, Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Catholic Church Records, 1896-2022}} at FamilySearch — [[Zimbabwe, Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]], [[Zimbabwe, Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Catholic Church Records - Inventory|Inventory]]; index & images; coverage may vary
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*'''1897-2022''' {{RecordSearch|4475014|Zimbabwe, Church Records, 1897-2021 (Archdiocese of Harare)}} at FamilySearch - [[Zimbabwe, Catholic Church Records – FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]], [[Zimbabwe,_Catholic_Church_Records_–_FamilySearch_Historical_Records#Coverage_Map|Coverage Map]]; index & images; coverage may vary


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*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british%20armed%20forces%20and%20overseas%20births%20and%20baptisms&keywordsplace=zimbabwe%20 British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms, Zimbabwe], index and images, ($)
*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british%20armed%20forces%20and%20overseas%20births%20and%20baptisms&keywordsplace=zimbabwe%20 British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms, Zimbabwe], index & images ($)
*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british%20civil%20service%20evidence%20of%20age&keywordsplace=rhodesia British Civil Service Evidence Of Age, Rhodesia], index ($)
*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british%20civil%20service%20evidence%20of%20age&keywordsplace=rhodesia British Civil Service Evidence Of Age, Rhodesia], index ($)
*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british+armed+forces+and+overseas+banns+and+marriages&country=zimbabwe British Armed Forces and Overseas Banns and Marriages, Zimbabwe], index & images ($)
*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british+armed+forces+and+overseas+banns+and+marriages&country=zimbabwe British Armed Forces and Overseas Banns and Marriages, Zimbabwe], index and images, ($)
*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british+armed+forces+and+overseas+deaths+and+burials&country=zimbabwe British Armed Forces and Overseas Deaths and Burials, Zimbabwe], index & images ($)
*[https://www.findmypast.com/search/results?datasetname=british+armed+forces+and+overseas+deaths+and+burials&country=zimbabwe British Armed Forces and Overseas Deaths and Burials, Zimbabwe], index and images, ($)


=Historical Background=
=Historical Background=
For a listing of many churches in Zimbabwe, see [https://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/africa/zimbabwe/zcc '''Zimbabwe Council of Churches, at World Council of Churches''']
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According to the 2017 Inter Censal Demography Survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency 69.2 percent of Zimbabweans belong to Protestant Christianity, 8.0 percent are Roman Catholic, in total 84.1 percent follow one of the denominations of Christianity.
According to the 2017 Inter Censal Demography Survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency 69.2 percent of Zimbabweans belong to Protestant Christianity, 8.0 percent are Roman Catholic, in total 84.1 percent follow one of the denominations of Christianity.
<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe, accessed 16 March 2020. </ref>
<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe, accessed 16 March 2020. </ref>
The first Christian mission arrived in Zimbabwe in 1859 because of the efforts of London Missionary Society. Their work began among the Zulu people. David Livingstone appealed to the British government to assign land and protection to Christian missions, which led to a land grant to the Universities Mission in 1888 and the center of missionary activity to the Zulu and Shona peoples. The first Methodist mission arrived in 1896, with members from the United Kingdom and the United States. The British worked with the white settlers, while the Americans worked with the native Africans. The Seventh-Day Adventists and Central African Christian Mission established their missions in 1890s. Pentecostalism and African Apostolic Churches arrived in the 1920s, and grew rapidly, with the Zion Christian Church now the largest Protestant following in Zimbabwe. In 1932, Johane Marange (born: Muchabaya Momberume) baptized many in a local river, and his efforts in the decades that followed led to African Apostolic Church, the second largest ministry in Zimbabwe.


Most Zimbabweans Christians are Protestants. The Protestant Christian churches with large membership are '''Anglican''' (represented by the Church of the Province of Central Africa), '''Seventh-day Adventist''' and '''Methodist'''.
Most Zimbabweans Christians are Protestants. The Protestant Christian churches with large membership are '''Anglican''' (represented by the Church of the Province of Central Africa), '''Seventh-day Adventist''' and '''Methodist'''.


There are about one million '''Roman Catholics''' in the country (about 7% of the total population). The country contains two archdioceses (Harare and Bulawayo), which each contain three dioceses Chinhoyi, Gokwe, and Mutare; and Gweru, Hwange, and Masvingo; respectively).  
There are about one million '''Roman Catholics''' in the country (about 7% of the total population). The country contains two archdioceses (Harare and Bulawayo), which each contain three dioceses Chinhoyi, Gokwe, and Mutare; and Gweru, Hwange, and Masvingo; respectively). The most famous Catholic churchman in Zimbabwe is Pius Ncube, the archbishop of Bulawayo, an outspoken critic of the government of Robert Mugabe, who was also Roman Catholic.


A variety of local churches and groups have emerged from the mainstream Christian churches over the years: '''Zimbabwe Assemblies of God''' and the '''Seven Apostles'''.<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 15 March 2020. </ref><br>
A variety of local churches and groups have emerged from the mainstream Christian churches over the years: '''Zimbabwe Assemblies of God''' and the '''Seven Apostles'''.
<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Brazil", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Brazil, accessed 14 March 2020. </ref><br>
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== Anglican Records ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
Most of these parish registers are housed in the National Archives in the United Kingdom. FamilySearch has a large amount of Anglican church records available online. These records are on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] for Zimbabwe, as well as several locations within Zimbabwe. So, if researching your ancestors, make sure to check both in the collections for the country as a whole and the collections for the area within Zimbabwe where they lived.
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
*'''1898-1957:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/366686?availability=Family%20History%20Library Parish registers (baptisms, banns, marriages, burials, confirmations), Church of England in Rhodesia, Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), 1898-1957, 1898-1957] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1890-1941:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/495723?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1890-1941] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1890-1956:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/362046?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1890-1956] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1892-1933:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/361924?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1892-1933] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1896-1924:''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/670206?availability=Family%20History%20Library Church records, 1896-1924] at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images


=Information Recorded in the Records=
More Anglican records are available on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/search FamilySearch Catalog]. Search for places within Zimbabwe.
Different denominations, different time periods, and practices of different record keepers will effect how much information can be found in the records. This outline will show the types of details which '''might''' be found (best case scenario):
 
==Baptisms==
=== Historical Background ===
In Catholic and Anglican records, children were usually baptized a few days after birth, and therefore, the baptism record proves date of birth. Other religions, such as Baptists, baptized at other points in the member's life. Baptism registers might give:
The first Anglican missionaries arrived in 1859. Most Zimbabweans are Protestant Christians, and the majority of Protestants are Anglican.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 6 November 2019. </ref>
{|
|-
|style="width:25%; padding-right:10px"|
*baptism date
*the infant's name
*parents' names
*father's occupation
|style="width:38%; padding-right:10px"|
*status of legitimacy
*occasionally, names of grandparents
*names of witnesses or godparents, who may be relatives
|style="width:34%"|
*birth date and place
*the family's place of residence
*death information, as an added note or signified by a cross
|}


==Marriages==
=== Information Recorded in the Records ===
Marriage registers can give:
These parish registers typically include confirmations, baptisms, burials, and marriages. Each record type contains different information.<br><br>
{|
{|
|-
|-
|style="width:33%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
|style="padding-right:50px"|
*the marriage date  
'''Confirmations usually contain:'''
*the names of the bride and groom
*Name of confirmand
*indicate whether the bride and groom were single or widowed
*Age at confirmation
*their ages
*Residence of confirmand
|style="width:27%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*Confirmation date<br><br>
*birth dates and places for the bride and groom
'''Baptisms typically include:'''
*their residences
*Name of the person being baptized
*their occupations
*Birth date
|style="width:40%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*Baptism date
*birthplaces of the bride and groom
*Parent's name
*parents' names (after 1800)
*Residence
*the names of previous spouses and their death dates
*Father's occupation<br><br>
*names of witnesses, who might be relatives.
|
|}
'''Marriages typically include:'''
*Names of the bride and groom
*Marriage date
*Age at marriage
*Marital status (condition)
*Occupation
*Residence at time of marriage
*If married by banns or by license
'''Burials usually contain:'''
*Name of the person being buried
*Residence
*Date of burial
*Age at time of death<br><br>


==Burials==
Burial registers may give:
{|
|-
|style="width:35%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*the name of the deceased
*the date and place of death or burial
*the deceased's age
*place of residence
|style="width:40%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*cause of death
*the names of survivors, especially a widow or widower
*deceased's birth date and place
*parents' names, or at least the father's name
|style="width:25%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
|}
|}
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=How to Find Records=
== Dutch Reformed Records ==
==Digital  Copies of Church Records in the FamilySearch Catalog ==
=== How to Find the Records ===
'''Watch for digitized copies of church records to be added to the collection of the FamilySearch Library.''' Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a [https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search '''FamilySearch Center'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.  To find records:
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=1927049&query=%2Bplace%3A%22Zimbabwe%22 '''records of Zimbabwe'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within Zimbabwe''' and a list of towns will appear.
:::c. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village. 
:::d. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
:::e. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the listing for the record. [[File:FHL icons.png|75px]].  The magnifying glass indicates that the record is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the records.


==Writing for Records==
==== Online Resources and Websites ====
<span style="color:darkviolet"> You will probably need to write to or email the national archives, the diocese, or local parish priests to find records. See [[Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy|'''Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy''']] for help with composing letters.</span>
*'''1690-2011''' - {{RecordSearch|1392488|South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church Records (Stellenbosch Archive), 1690-2011}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images
*'''1838-1991''' - {{RecordSearch|2155416|South Africa, Netherdutch Reformed Church Registers (Pretoria Archive), 1838-1991}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] — index and images


*[https://maps.me/catalog/attractions/amenity-place_of_worship-christian/country-zimbabwe/ '''Maps.me Churches in Zimbabwe''']: addresses for 165 churches.
=== Historical Background ===
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='''African Apostolic Church Records'''=
=== Information Recorded in the Records ===
==Writing for Records==
'''African Apostolic Church'''<br>
8 Jefferson Road, Hatfield<br>
Harare, Zimbabwe 0001<br>
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Phone: +263 77 328 4867
*[http://www.theafricanapostolicchurch.com/ '''Website''']
==Historical Background==
In 1932, Johane Marange (born: Muchabaya Momberume) baptized many in a local river, and his efforts in the decades that followed led to the African Apostolic Church, the second largest ministry in Zimbabwe.<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 15 March 2020. </ref><br>
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= '''Anglican Church Records''' =
== How to Find the Records ==
Most of these parish registers are housed in the National Archives in the United Kingdom. FamilySearch has a large amount of Anglican church records available online.
=== Online Resources and Websites ===
*'''1898-1957:''' {{FSC|366686|item|disp=Parish registers (baptisms, banns, marriages, burials, confirmations), Church of England in Rhodesia, Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), 1898-1957, 1898-1957}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1890-1941:''' {{FSC|495723|item|disp=Church records, 1890-1941}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1890-1956:''' {{FSC|362046|item|disp=Church records, 1890-1956}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1892-1933:''' {{FSC|361924|item|disp=Church records, 1892-1933}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
*'''1896-1924:''' {{FSC|670206|item|disp=Church records, 1896-1924}} at [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch] – images
===Writing for Records===
For more recent records (in the last 75-100 years), you may need to write to the individual church:
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/anglican++churches+in+Zimbabwe/@-18.799074,29.8704373,7.28z '''Google Maps search results for Anglican churches in Zimbabwe''']
*[http://masvingo.anglican.org/list-of-churches/ '''Church address list for Diocese of Masvingo''']
*[https://hreanglicancpca.org.zw/contact-us/ '''Anglican Diocese of Harare''']
*[https://centralzim.org.zw/contact-us/ '''Anglican Diocese of Central Zimbabwe''']
*[http://www.anglicancommunion.org/structures/member-churches/member-church/diocese.aspx?church=central-africa&dio=matabeleland '''Contact information for Diocese of Matabeleland''']
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== Historical Background ==
The first Christian mission arrived in Zimbabwe in 1859 because of the efforts of London Missionary Society. Their work began among the Zulu people. David Livingstone appealed to the British government to assign land and protection to Christian missions, which led to a land grant to the Universities Mission in 1888 and the center of missionary activity to the Zulu and Shona peoples. Most Zimbabweans are Protestant Christians, and the majority of Protestants are Anglican.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 6 November 2019. </ref>
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='''Assembly of God Church Records'''=
==Writing for Records==
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/Assembly+of+God+church+zimbabwe/@-18.9249004,28.3048825,7z/data=!3m1!4b1 '''Google Maps search results for Assembly of God churches in Zimbabwe''']
==Historical Background==
Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) is one of Africa’s most significant pentecostal movements. It numbers 300,00-400,000 members in Zimbabwe and has branches in at least a dozen other African countries. It was founded by artisans and casual workers living in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare [Salisbury], during the late 1950s. The movement itself emerged from the South African derived pentecostal church,the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM). <ref>"Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa''', at What-When-How:In Depth Tutorials and Information, http://what-when-how.com/religious-movements/zimbabwe-assemblies-of-god-africa-religious-movement/, accessed 16 March 2020.</ref>
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= '''Catholic Church Records''' =
[[File:Dioceses of Zimbabwe.png|500px|thumb|right|<center>Catholic dioceses of Zimbabwe</center>]]
*'''1896-2022''' {{RecordSearch|5000106|Zimbabwe, Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Catholic Church Records, 1896-2022}} at FamilySearch — [[Zimbabwe, Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]], [[Zimbabwe, Archdiocese of Bulawayo, Catholic Church Records - Inventory|Inventory]]; index & images; coverage may vary
*'''1897-2022''' {{RecordSearch|4475014|Zimbabwe, Church Records, 1897-2021 (Archdiocese of Harare)}} at FamilySearch - [[Zimbabwe, Catholic Church Records – FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]], [[Zimbabwe,_Catholic_Church_Records_–_FamilySearch_Historical_Records#Coverage_Map|Coverage Map]]; index & images; coverage may vary
 
==Writing to a Local Parish==
Earlier records can be held at the diocese, with more recent records still kept in the local parish.  To locate the mailing address or e-mail address for a diocese or local parish, consult:
*[https://www.catholicdirectory.com/search_results?q=&location_value=Zimbabwe&country_sn=ZW&location_type=country&stateSearch=&swlat=-22.4219117&nelat=-15.6093188&swlng=25.237368&nelng=33.068236&lat=-19.015438&lng=29.154857&faddress=Zimbabwe&place_id=ChIJYXGxBuekMRkR7r_LxV84wKE#/ '''The Catholic Directory: Zimbabwe''']
 
== Historical Background ==
There were 1,145,000 Catholics in the country (about 9% of the total population) in 2005. There are eight dioceses, including two archdioceses.
<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 14 March 2020. </ref><ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Catholic Church in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church__in_Zimbabwe, accessed 14 March 2020. </ref>
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='''The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Records'''=
==Online Records==
Online information is available to current members,  for deceased members and immediate family members who are still living. [https://www.familysearch.org/en/ '''Sign in to FamilySearch and then select Family Tree in the drop-down menu.''']


==Historical Background==
Total Church Membership: 32,937. Congregations: 80.
Missionary work began in what was then Southern Rhodesia in the early 1930s, but soon slowed. It was continued only by short visits by missionaries from South Africa. In 1950, eight missionaries were sent to Salisbury and Bulawayo, and the first convert was baptized in February 1951.
On April 17, 1951 missionaries distributed 3,000 handbills and a fairly large crowd attended an introductory meeting. The first services were held in a preschool building, and prospective members sat on tiny chairs. Later they met in the cloak room of a primary school.
In 1980 the government changed and the nation of Zimbabwe was formed. A new mission was established in Zimbabwe. At that time, membership was a little more than 1,000. Missionary work increased as local missionaries began serving full-time missions.
<ref> The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Facts and Statistics: Zimbabwe, https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/Zimbabwe, accessed 16 March 2020.</ref>
='''Dutch Reformed Church Records'''=
== Online Resources and Websites ==
*'''1690-2011''' {{RecordSearch|1392488|South Africa, Dutch Reformed Church Records (Stellenbosch Archive), 1690-2011}} at FamilySearch — index & images
*'''1838-1991''' {{RecordSearch|2155416|South Africa, Netherdutch Reformed Church Registers (Pretoria Archive), 1838-1991}} at FamilySearch — index & images
== Historical Background ==
The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe was founded by Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa missionaries in 1891. Andrew A. Louw begun to preach among Shona people. The worship language of churches was Afrikaans and English. Later the denomination expanded among Nyanja people. In 1995, a new center was opened in Dete. It had 46 congregations and 150 house fellowships and about 90,000 members in 2004.<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Reformed Church in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_Church_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 15 March 2020. </ref>
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='''Eastern Orthodox Church Records'''=
[[File:Dioceses and Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and of All Africa.png|350px|thumb|right|<center>Dioceses and Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and of All Africa</center>]]
Zimbabwe is included in the Archdiocese of Zimbabwe and Angola.
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='''Methodist Church Records'''=
==Writing for Records==
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/methodist+church+zimbabwe/@-18.897928,28.2936384,7z/data=!3m1!4b1 '''Google Maps search results for Methodist churches in Zimbabwe''']
==Historical Background==
The first Methodist mission arrived in 1896, with members from the United Kingdom and the United States. The British worked with the white settlers, while the Americans worked with the native Africans.<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 15 March 2020. </ref><br>
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='''Pentecostal Church Records'''=
==Writing for Records==
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/pentecostal+church+zimbabwe/@-18.8440947,28.2822539,7z/data=!3m1!4b1 '''Google Maps search results for Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe''']
==Historical Background==
Pentecostalism  arrived in the 1920s, and grew rapidly, with the Zion Christian Church now the largest Protestant following in Zimbabwe.<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 15 March 2020. </ref><br>
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='''Seventh-day Adventist Church Records'''=
==Writing for Records==
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/seventh-day+Adventist+church+zimbabwe/@-18.9519055,28.3161266,7z/data=!3m1!4b1 '''Google Maps search results for Seventh-day Adventist churches in Zimbabwe''']
*[http://ezc.adventist.org/pastors/ '''Website''']
==Historical Background==
The Seventh-Day Adventists and Central African Christian Mission established their missions in 1890s. <ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 15 March 2020. </ref><br>
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== References ==
== References ==


[[Category:Zimbabwe]]
[[Category:Zimbabwe]]

Revision as of 16:33, 16 March 2020

Zimbabwe Wiki Topics
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Country Background
Local Research Resources

For information about records for non-Christian religions in Zimbabwe, go to the Religious Records page.

Online Resources and Websites[edit | edit source]


Historical Background[edit | edit source]

According to the 2017 Inter Censal Demography Survey by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency 69.2 percent of Zimbabweans belong to Protestant Christianity, 8.0 percent are Roman Catholic, in total 84.1 percent follow one of the denominations of Christianity. [1]

The first Christian mission arrived in Zimbabwe in 1859 because of the efforts of London Missionary Society. Their work began among the Zulu people. David Livingstone appealed to the British government to assign land and protection to Christian missions, which led to a land grant to the Universities Mission in 1888 and the center of missionary activity to the Zulu and Shona peoples. The first Methodist mission arrived in 1896, with members from the United Kingdom and the United States. The British worked with the white settlers, while the Americans worked with the native Africans. The Seventh-Day Adventists and Central African Christian Mission established their missions in 1890s. Pentecostalism and African Apostolic Churches arrived in the 1920s, and grew rapidly, with the Zion Christian Church now the largest Protestant following in Zimbabwe. In 1932, Johane Marange (born: Muchabaya Momberume) baptized many in a local river, and his efforts in the decades that followed led to African Apostolic Church, the second largest ministry in Zimbabwe.

Most Zimbabweans Christians are Protestants. The Protestant Christian churches with large membership are Anglican (represented by the Church of the Province of Central Africa), Seventh-day Adventist and Methodist.

There are about one million Roman Catholics in the country (about 7% of the total population). The country contains two archdioceses (Harare and Bulawayo), which each contain three dioceses Chinhoyi, Gokwe, and Mutare; and Gweru, Hwange, and Masvingo; respectively). The most famous Catholic churchman in Zimbabwe is Pius Ncube, the archbishop of Bulawayo, an outspoken critic of the government of Robert Mugabe, who was also Roman Catholic.

A variety of local churches and groups have emerged from the mainstream Christian churches over the years: Zimbabwe Assemblies of God and the Seven Apostles. [2]


Anglican Records[edit | edit source]

How to Find the Records[edit | edit source]

Most of these parish registers are housed in the National Archives in the United Kingdom. FamilySearch has a large amount of Anglican church records available online. These records are on the FamilySearch Catalog for Zimbabwe, as well as several locations within Zimbabwe. So, if researching your ancestors, make sure to check both in the collections for the country as a whole and the collections for the area within Zimbabwe where they lived.

Online Resources and Websites[edit | edit source]

More Anglican records are available on the FamilySearch Catalog. Search for places within Zimbabwe.

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

The first Anglican missionaries arrived in 1859. Most Zimbabweans are Protestant Christians, and the majority of Protestants are Anglican.[3]

Information Recorded in the Records[edit | edit source]

These parish registers typically include confirmations, baptisms, burials, and marriages. Each record type contains different information.

Confirmations usually contain:

  • Name of confirmand
  • Age at confirmation
  • Residence of confirmand
  • Confirmation date

Baptisms typically include:

  • Name of the person being baptized
  • Birth date
  • Baptism date
  • Parent's name
  • Residence
  • Father's occupation

Marriages typically include:

  • Names of the bride and groom
  • Marriage date
  • Age at marriage
  • Marital status (condition)
  • Occupation
  • Residence at time of marriage
  • If married by banns or by license

Burials usually contain:

  • Name of the person being buried
  • Residence
  • Date of burial
  • Age at time of death

Dutch Reformed Records[edit | edit source]

How to Find the Records[edit | edit source]

Online Resources and Websites[edit | edit source]

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Information Recorded in the Records[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Zimbabwe", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe, accessed 16 March 2020.
  2. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Brazil", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Brazil, accessed 14 March 2020.
  3. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Zimbabwe," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia", https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Zimbabwe, accessed 6 November 2019.

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