Belgium Church Records: Difference between revisions

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{{Belgium-sidebar}}<br>'''[[Belgium Genealogy|Belgium]]'''  
{{CountrySidebar
''For information about records for non-Christian religions in Belgium, go to the [[Belgium Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''
|Country=Belgium
|Name=Belgium
|Type=Topic
|Topic Type=Records
|Records=Church Records
|Rating=Standardized
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[Belgium Genealogy|Belgium]]
| link2=
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| link5=[[Belgium Church Records|Church Records]]
}}
==Online Records==
*'''1580-1920''' {{RecordSearch|2138510|Belgium, Luxembourg, Civil Registration, 1580-1920}} at FamilySearch — [[Belgium, Luxembourg, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images, includes church records before 1796
*'''1582-1910''' {{RecordSearch|2139860|Belgium, West Flanders, Civil Registration, 1582-1910}}, at FamilySearch — [[Belgium, West Flanders, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, includes church records before 1796
*'''1582-1910''' {{RecordSearch|2139860|Belgium, West Flanders, Civil Registration, 1582-1910}}, at FamilySearch — [[Belgium, West Flanders, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, includes church records before 1796
*'''1582-1914''' {{RecordSearch|1482191|Belgium, Brabant, Civil Registration, 1582-1914}},at FamilySearch — [[Belgium, Brabant, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, includes church records before 1796
*'''1590-1947''' {{RecordSearch|4439347|Belgium, Liège, Church and Civil Registration, 1590-1947}} at FamilySearch - [[Belgium, Liège, Church and Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1600-1913''' {{RecordSearch|2138500|Belgium, Hainaut, Civil Registration, 1600-1913}} at FamilySearch - [[Belgium, Hainaut, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, includes church records before 1796
*'''1621-1914''' {{RecordSearch|2138505|Belgium, Liège, Civil Registration, 1621-1914}} at FamilySearch - [[Belgium, Liège, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, includes church records before 1796
*'''1621-1914''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20117/belgium-liege-civil-registration-of-births?s=275764761 Belgium, Liège, Civil Registration Of Births ] at MyHeritage - index ($), includes church records before 1796
*'''1668-1875''' {{RecordSearch|4147974|Belgium, Limburg, Lommel, Civil Registration and Church Records, 1668-1875}} at FamilySearch - index and images
*'''1925-1983''' [https://www.sa.dk/ao-soegesider/da/other/index-creator/17/797175/17118994 The Danish Seamen's Church in Ghent: Main Ministry Book (Den Danske Sømandskirke i Gent: Hovedministerialbog, 1925-1983)] at Rigsarkivet - images
* [https://genealogie.arch.be/search/ Church and Civil Records] at Belgium State Archives; index & images ($)


In the period before 1795, Church records(''Parochieregisters, Kerkelijke registers, Registres ecclésiastiques'') are the main genealogical resource in Belgium. The earliest start in the 1500s, but in many parishes they do not start until well into the 1700s. The main types of church records are:
==Catholic Diocese Information==
* Baptisms
{|
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|
|[[File:BelgischeBisdommen.png|400px]]
|style="vertical-align:top"|
|<center>'''Dioceses of Belgium'''</center><br>Antwerpen (Anvers)<br>Brugge (Bruges)<br>Gent (Gand)<br>Hasselt<br>Liège (Luik)<br>Mechelen (Malines)<br>Namur (Namen)<br>Tournai (Doornik)<br>
|}


* Marriages
==State Archives==


* Burials
The State Archives of Belgium (''Rijksarchief in België/Les Archives de l'Etat en Belgique'') has digitized church and civil status registers. In addition, there are over 42 million names in their ''Persons in the database of the State Archives.'' Searchable databases are online at [https://genealogie.arch.be/ Genealogical sources] at the State Archives of Belgium. The site is available in English, French, German or Dutch (see top right corner).


* Confirmations
===GeneaKnowHow===
The records will be written in Latin for Catholics(the vast majority of the population, and the only legal religion before 1781), or in the local language, either Dutch, French or German. There were a small number of Dutch Reformed(''Nederlands Hervormde''), French Reformed''(Egilse Reformee'') and Lutheran churches, as well as some Jews.  
Some church records can be found on the site [http://geneaknowhow.net/digi/bronnen.html Geneaknowhow], which contains many links to local genealogical websites and sources.


== Baptisms  ==
==Information Content==
*Church records (''Parochieregisters / Kerkelijke registers / Registres paroissiaux'') are vital records kept by priests and are often called parish registers or church books. They include records of christenings (baptisms), marriages, and deaths (burials).
*Records are written in Latin for Catholics (legal religion before 1781) or in the local language, either Dutch, French or German.
*Besides the Catholic majority, there were a small number of Dutch Reformed (''Nederlands Hervormde''), French Reformed ''(Église Réformée'') and Lutheran churches, and Jews.
*For most localities, digital copies of church records are included in the civil registration online collection.
*In about 1796, Church records were used by the civil government to keep vital records.
*Roman Catholicism has been the pre-dominant religion in Belgium.
*Church records can start as early as the 1500s, but in many parishes they do not start until well into the 1700s.


Catholics traditionally baptised children a few days after birth. A typical baptism record includes:
=== Baptisms===
Catholics traditionally baptized children a few days after birth. A typical baptism record includes:
* The name of the baptized
* The name of the baptized
* The date of baptism, and sometimes the birth date
* The date of baptism, and sometimes the birth date
* The names of the parents, often including the mother's maiden name
* The names of the parents, usually including the mother's maiden name  
* The names of godparents or witnesses
* The names of godparents or witnesses
* Sometimes the residence of the parents, the relationship between witnesses and child, and whether the child was illegitimate.  
* Sometimes the residence of the parents, the relationship between witnesses and child, and whether the child was illegitimate  
 
Always note the witnesses, as they often are a close relative such as an aunt/uncle, grandparent or an older sibling, even if it is not stated that they are related.  
== Marriages ==
[[File:Belgium, Oost Vlaanderen, Parish Registers DGS 4455752 46 Baptism.jpg|thumb|A Latin baptism record]]
===Marriages ===
A typical marriage record includes:
A typical marriage record includes:
* The names of the bride and groom
* The names of the bride and groom
* The date of marriage
* The date of marriage
* Sometimes place of origin
* Whether they were single, divorced or widowed. Any previous spouses may be named
* Whether they were single, divorced or widowed. Any previous spouses may be named
* The witnesses to the marriage
* The witnesses to the marriage
* Sometimes parent's names, birthplaces and residences
* Sometimes parents' names, birthplaces and residences
 
=== Marriage Contracts and Banns    ===
== Burials ==
*Couples’ names
*Marriage intention dates
*Residences
*Occupations
*Witnesses’ names
*Sometimes parents’ names and sometimes other relationships.
=== Burials ===
A typical burial record includes:
A typical burial record includes:
* The name of the deceased
* The name of the deceased
* The date of burial
* The date of burial
* The spouse or widow of the deceased for married women, and the parent's names for children.
* The spouse or widow of the deceased for married women, and the parents' names for children
* Sometimes additional information such as age or residence
* Sometimes additional information such as age or residence
[[File:Map of Eparchies of Serbian Orthodox Church in Europe.png|300px|thumb|right|<center> Eparchies of Serbian Orthodox Church in Europe (including Belgium)</center>]]


== Other records ==
===Confirmations===
*'''Confirmation records:''' Children were confirmed between the ages of 7 and 12. Candidates name, age, residence and father’s name. Church censuses, membership lists, family registers: Names of married couples, their ages or birth dates and places, sometimes marriage dates, childrens’ names, ages or birth dates, death or burial dates of children. Sometimes marriage dates and names of spouses of children are given.
Children were confirmed between the ages of 7 and 12.  
*'''Donations before death or for masses for the dead:''' Names of husbands and wives, and sometimes other family members. 
*Candidates name
 
*Age
== Marriage contracts and banns (Huwelijksvoorwaarden en bijlagen, Contrats de mariage)  ==
*Residence
 
*Father’s name
'''Research use:'''Gives marriage information, identifies family relationships, shows places of residence not shown in parish registers.
 
'''Record type:''' Marriage information and documentation.
 
'''Time Period:''' 1300-present.
 
'''Content: '''Couples’ names, marriage intention dates, residences, occupations, witnesses’ names, often parents’ names and sometimes other relationships.
 
'''Location: '''City, state and church archives.
 
'''Population coverage:''' Possibly 5-10%.<ref name="profile">The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: Belgium,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1987-1999.</ref>
 
Alphabetical indexes by parish are available and could comprise more than one village. All of these records are generally kept at the National Archives (Archives générales du Royaume) for the Brabant Province, and at the State Archives in each of the other Provinces (see list above for addresses). They are sometimes found in City Archives (Brussels, Antwerp, and Mechelen for example).
 
Depending on the parish, the records go back to the early 18th century, and in some cases, to the 17th and 16th centuries. Although some may not have been available, all of Belgium’s Parish registers that are extant have been microfilmed, along with their indexes (Tables). In an effort to preserve the records in Brussels (AGR), using the microfilms is preferred over handling the originals.


Parish records sometimes give minimal information, such as missing parents’ names on christening records. In such cases, it is vital to take note of the godparents or sponsors to establish kinship.


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has microfilmed and is continuing to microfilm these records for all of Belgium for the Archives Générales du Royaume (AGR) as the privacy laws permit. The microfilms can be viewed at the Archives’ facilities or through a Family History Center. Check the FamilySearch Catalog at [http://www.familysearch.org/ http://www.familysearch.org] to find the one you need.
== References  ==
== References  ==


Latest revision as of 09:56, 10 April 2024


Belgium Wiki Topics
Flag of Belgium
Belgium Beginning Research
Record Types
Belgium Background
Belgium Genealogical Word Lists
Local Research Resources

Online Records[edit | edit source]

Catholic Diocese Information[edit | edit source]

BelgischeBisdommen.png
Dioceses of Belgium

Antwerpen (Anvers)
Brugge (Bruges)
Gent (Gand)
Hasselt
Liège (Luik)
Mechelen (Malines)
Namur (Namen)
Tournai (Doornik)

State Archives[edit | edit source]

The State Archives of Belgium (Rijksarchief in België/Les Archives de l'Etat en Belgique) has digitized church and civil status registers. In addition, there are over 42 million names in their Persons in the database of the State Archives. Searchable databases are online at Genealogical sources at the State Archives of Belgium. The site is available in English, French, German or Dutch (see top right corner).

GeneaKnowHow[edit | edit source]

Some church records can be found on the site Geneaknowhow, which contains many links to local genealogical websites and sources.

Information Content[edit | edit source]

  • Church records (Parochieregisters / Kerkelijke registers / Registres paroissiaux) are vital records kept by priests and are often called parish registers or church books. They include records of christenings (baptisms), marriages, and deaths (burials).
  • Records are written in Latin for Catholics (legal religion before 1781) or in the local language, either Dutch, French or German.
  • Besides the Catholic majority, there were a small number of Dutch Reformed (Nederlands Hervormde), French Reformed (Église Réformée) and Lutheran churches, and Jews.
  • For most localities, digital copies of church records are included in the civil registration online collection.
  • In about 1796, Church records were used by the civil government to keep vital records.
  • Roman Catholicism has been the pre-dominant religion in Belgium.
  • Church records can start as early as the 1500s, but in many parishes they do not start until well into the 1700s.

Baptisms[edit | edit source]

Catholics traditionally baptized children a few days after birth. A typical baptism record includes:

  • The name of the baptized
  • The date of baptism, and sometimes the birth date
  • The names of the parents, usually including the mother's maiden name
  • The names of godparents or witnesses
  • Sometimes the residence of the parents, the relationship between witnesses and child, and whether the child was illegitimate

Always note the witnesses, as they often are a close relative such as an aunt/uncle, grandparent or an older sibling, even if it is not stated that they are related.

A Latin baptism record

Marriages[edit | edit source]

A typical marriage record includes:

  • The names of the bride and groom
  • The date of marriage
  • Sometimes place of origin
  • Whether they were single, divorced or widowed. Any previous spouses may be named
  • The witnesses to the marriage
  • Sometimes parents' names, birthplaces and residences

Marriage Contracts and Banns[edit | edit source]

  • Couples’ names
  • Marriage intention dates
  • Residences
  • Occupations
  • Witnesses’ names
  • Sometimes parents’ names and sometimes other relationships.

Burials[edit | edit source]

A typical burial record includes:

  • The name of the deceased
  • The date of burial
  • The spouse or widow of the deceased for married women, and the parents' names for children
  • Sometimes additional information such as age or residence
Eparchies of Serbian Orthodox Church in Europe (including Belgium)

Confirmations[edit | edit source]

Children were confirmed between the ages of 7 and 12.

  • Candidates name
  • Age
  • Residence
  • Father’s name


References[edit | edit source]

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