Belgium Church Records: Difference between revisions

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{{Belgium-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
{{CountrySidebar
|Country=Belgium
|Name=Belgium
|Type=Topic
|Topic Type=Records
|Records=Church Records
|Rating=Standardized
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[Belgium Genealogy|Belgium]]
| link1=[[Belgium Genealogy|Belgium]]
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| link5=[[Belgium Church Records|Church Records]]
| link5=[[Belgium Church Records|Church Records]]
}}In the period before 1795, Church records(''Parochieregisters, Kerkelijke registers, Registres ecclésiastiques'') are the main genealogical resource in Belgium. The main types of church records are: baptisms, marriages, burials, and confirmations. 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. Besides the Catholic majority, there were a small number of Dutch Reformed(''Nederlands Hervormde''), French Reformed''(Egilse Reformee'') and Lutheran churches, as well as some Jews.  
}}
==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 ($), includes church records before 1796
*'''1668-1875''' {{RecordSearch|4147974|Belgium, Limburg, Lommel, Civil Registration and Church Records, 1668-1875}} at FamilySearch - index and images
*'''1925-1983''' [https://www.sa.dk/ao-soegesider/da/other/index-creator/17/797175/17118994 The Danish Seamen's Church in Ghent: Main Ministry Book (Den Danske Sømandskirke i Gent: Hovedministerialbog, 1925-1983)] at Rigsarkivet - images
* [https://genealogie.arch.be/search/ Church and Civil Records] at Belgium State Archives; index & images ($)
 
==Catholic Diocese Information==
{|
|-
|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>
|}
 
==State Archives==
 
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).
 
===GeneaKnowHow===
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.


The earliest start in the 1500s, but in many parishes they do not start until well into the 1700s. In 1795 [[Belgium Civil Registration|Civil Registration]] becomes the major source for births, marriages and deaths in Belgium. 
==Information Content==
==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.
=== Baptisms===
=== Baptisms===
Catholics traditionally baptised children a few days after birth. A typical baptism record includes:
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  
Line 22: Line 64:
* 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    ===
=== Marriage Contracts and Banns    ===
*Couples’ names
*Couples’ names
*marriage intention dates
*Marriage intention dates
*residences
*Residences
*occupations
*Occupations
*witnesses’ names
*Witnesses’ names
*often parents’ names and sometimes other relationships.  
*Sometimes parents’ names and sometimes other relationships.  
=== Burials ===
=== 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>]]
===Confirmations===
===Confirmations===
Children were confirmed between the ages of 7 and 12.  
Children were confirmed between the ages of 7 and 12.  
*Candidates name,
*Candidates name
*age
*Age
*residence
*Residence
*father’s name.
*Father’s name
===Other Records===
'''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. <br>
'''Donations before death or for masses for the dead:''' Names of husbands and wives, and sometimes other family members. 
 
==Catholic Diocese Information==
{|
|-
|style="vertical-align:top"|
|[[File:BelgischeBisdommen.png|400px]]
|style="vertical-align:top"|
|<center>'''Dioceses of Belgium'''</center><br>Brugge (Bruges)<br>Gent (Gand)<br>Antwerpen (Anvers)<br>Mechelen (Malines)<br>Tournai (Doornik)<br>Hasselt<br>Liège (Luik)<br>Namur (Namen)<br>
|}
== Accessing Records ==
===Online  at the State Archives===
 
The State [i.e. Federal] Archives of Belgium/Rijksarchief in België/Les Archives de l'Etat en Belgique has images and some indexes of church records . Free [https://search.arch.be/en/login/registration registration] is required to view the records The site comes in English, French, German or Dutch(see top left corner)
 
Most of the records are available only as images. They can be [https://search.arch.be/en/themas/tips/507-church-registers-en browsed here]. A few have been indexed. They can be [https://search.arch.be/en/zoeken-naar-personen searched here]. The images placed online are not necessarily the entirety of the records are available- the remaining records would need to be viewed in person at the archives. Nonetheless, the vast majority have been placed online.
 
===GeneaKnowHow===
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.
 
=== FamilySearch Catalog ===
:::a. Click on this link to see the  [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=145&query=%2Bplace%3ABelgium '''Belgium'''] page in the FamilySearch Catalog
:::b. Click on '''"Places within Belgium"''' and a list of towns and cities will open.
:::c.  Click on the '''province.''' Open '''Places within....''' that province.
:::d. Click on the '''town or city''' you wish to search.
:::e. Click on '''"Church Records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
:::f. Choose the correct '''event and time period''' for your ancestor.
:::g. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the film listed for the record. [[File:FHL icons.png|75px]].  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 microfilm.The microfilm image means that the film has not yet been digitized. You can view the microfilm at the Family History Library at Salt Lake City. All microfilms should be digitized by 2020.
 
=== Writing to a Catholic Priest for Church Records ===
When you cannot locate the records online or in a microfilm, baptism, marriage, and death records may be found by contacting or visiting local parish priests. 
 
Write a brief request to the proper church using this address as guide replacing the information in parentheses:<br>
::Reverend Pastor<br>
::(Street address, if known: see [http://www.thecatholicdirectory.com/directory.cfm?fuseaction=show_country&country=BE The Catholic Directory]) <br>
::([http://zip-codes.nonsolocap.it/ Postal code]) (City) <br>
::(province), BELGIUM
 
*[http://zip-codes.nonsolocap.it/ '''Find the Belgian postal code here.''']


'''Send the following:''' <br>
*Cashier’s check or international money order (in local currency) for the search fee. Usually $10.00.
*Full name and the sex of the person sought.
*Names of the parents, if known.
*Approximate date and place of the event.
*Your relationship to the person.
*Reason for the request (family history or medical).
*Request for a complete extract of the record


== 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]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

This website requires a paid subscription for full access. Some subscription websites are available for free at your local FamilySearch Center or Affiliate Library.

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