Argentina Church Records: Difference between revisions

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'''Introduction'''
{{CountrySidebar
|Country=Argentina
|Name=Argentina
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|Topic Type=Records
|Records=Church Records
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| link1=[[Argentina Genealogy|Argentina]]
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When referring to church records in this section, the Roman Catholic Church records are implied. These are the most important records for genealogical research in Argentina. The vast majority of Argentines were Catholic and were registered in the records of the local parish or diocese which are called registros parroquiales (parish registers). These records include entries for baptisms, marriage information, marriages, deaths, and burials. They can help you trace and link families. Often two and sometimes three generations are indicated in the records. In addition, church records may include church censuses, account books, confirmations, and other church-related records.
''For information about records for non-Christian religions in Argentina, go to the [[Argentina Religious Records|Religious Records]] page.''
=Online Resources and Websites=
*'''1645-1930''' {{RecordSearch|1520570|Argentina Baptisms, 1645-1930}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1645-1930''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30082/argentina-baptisms-1645-1930 Argentina, Baptisms, 1645-1930] at MyHeritage ($) - index
*'''1711-1911''' {{RecordSearch|1520572|Argentina matrimonios (Marriages), 1722-1911}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1722-1911''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30083/argentina-marriages-1722-1911?s=275764761 Argentina, Marriages, 1722-1911] at MyHeritage ($) - index
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*'''1635-1981''' {{RecordSearch|1972912|Argentina, Buenos Aires, Catholic Church Records, 1635-1981}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Buenos Aires, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1737-1977''' {{RecordSearch|1974184|Argentina, Capital Federal, Catholic Church Records, 1737-19771}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Capital Federal, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1724-1971''' {{RecordSearch|1974178|Argentina, Catamarca, Catholic Church Records, 1724-1971}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Catamarca, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1882-1955''' {{RecordSearch|1974180|Argentina, Chaco, Catholic Church Records, 1882-1955}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Chaco, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1884-1974''' {{RecordSearch|1974181|Argentina, Chubut, Catholic Church Records, 1884-1974}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Chubut, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1557-1974''' {{RecordSearch|1974182|Argentina, Córdoba, Catholic Church Records, 1557-1974}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Córdoba, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1734-1977''' {{RecordSearch|1974183|Argentina, Corrientes, Catholic Church Records, 1734-1977}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Corrientes, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1764-1983''' {{RecordSearch|1974185|Argentina, Entre Ríos, Catholic Church Records, 1764-1983}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Entre Ríos, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1662-1975''' {{RecordSearch|1974186|Argentina, Jujuy, Catholic Church Records, 1662-1975}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Jujuy, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1882-1976''' {{RecordSearch|1974187|Argentina, La Pampa, Catholic Church Records, 1882-1976}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, La Pampa, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1714-1970''' {{RecordSearch|1974188|Argentina, La Rioja, Catholic Church Records, 1714-1970}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, La Rioja, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1665-1975''' {{RecordSearch|1974189|Argentina, Mendoza, Catholic Church Records, 1665-1975}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Mendoza, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1874-1975''' {{RecordSearch|1974190|Argentina, Misiones, Catholic Church Records, 1874-1975}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Misiones, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1883-1977''' {{RecordSearch|1974191|Argentina, Neuquén, registros parroquiales, 1883-1977}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Neuquén, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1880-1977''' {{RecordSearch|1974192|Argentina, Río Negro, registros parroquiales, 1880-1977}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Río Negro, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1634-1972''' {{RecordSearch|1974193|Argentina, Salta, Catholic Church Records, 1634-1972}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Salta, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1886-1964''' {{RecordSearch|1974195|Argentina, Santa Cruz, Catholic Church Records, 1886-1964}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Santa Cruz, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1655-1975''' {{RecordSearch|1974194|Argentina, San Juan, Catholic Church Records, 1655-1975}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, San Juan, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1634-1975''' {{RecordSearch|1974196|Argentina, Santa Fe, Catholic Church Records, 1634-1975}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Santa Fe, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1581-1961''' {{RecordSearch|1974197|Argentina, Santiago del Estero, Catholic Church Records, 1581-1961}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Santiago del Estero, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1894-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1974198|Argentina, Tierra del Fuego, registros parroquiales, 1894-1950}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Tierra del Fuego, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1727-1955''' {{RecordSearch|1974199|Argentina, Tucumán, registros parroquiales, 1727-1955}} at FamilySearch - [[Argentina, Tucumán, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images


Church records are crucial for genealogical research, since civil authorities did not begin registering vital statistics until after 1886. After this date one should search in both church and civil records as there may be information in one that does not appear in the other. For instance the church records may only list the godparents whereas the civil records may list the grandparents.  
=Historical Background=
The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Although it enforces neither an official nor a state faith, it gives Roman Catholicism a preferential status. According to a 2008 CONICET poll, Argentines were 76.5% '''Catholic''', 11.3% Agnostics and Atheists, 9% '''Evangelical Protestants''', 1.2% '''Jehovah's Witnesses''', and 0.9% '''Mormons''', while 1.2% followed other religions, including Islam, Judaism and Buddhism.<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Argentina", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina, accessed 6 March 2020. </ref><br>
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For civil vital records of births, deaths, and marriages after 1886, see [[Argentina Civil Registration]]'''(Registro Civil).'''
=Information Recorded in the Records=
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==
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:
{|
|-
|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
|}


'''General Historical Background'''
==Marriages==
Marriage registers can give:
{|
|-
|style="width:33%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*the marriage date
*the names of the bride and groom
*indicate whether the bride and groom were single or widowed
*their ages
|style="width:27%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*birth dates and places for the bride and groom
*their residences
*their occupations
|style="width:40%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*birthplaces of the bride and groom
*parents' names (after 1800)
*the names of previous spouses and their death dates
*names of witnesses, who might be relatives.
|}


Catholic clergy have documented the history of Argentina in their church records from the very start of the exploration of Argentina. There are ecclesiastical documents of an administrative, judicial, financial, and pastoral nature dealing with the work of the church starting in 1557 from the diocese of Cordoba. There are other such records for the early colonial period. In 1563 the Council of Trent formalized record–keeping practices that were already being followed in much of the Catholic world. Separate records books were to be maintained for baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and deaths or burials and the format was standardized. Following the format that the Council of Trent outlined, the Catholic Church was the primary record keeper of Argentina until civil registration started. A large percentage of the populace is listed in these records.
==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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<br>


Some church records have been lost or have deteriorated due to natural effects, such as humidity and insects, and more dramatic events such as fire, floods and earthquakes. Civil and political strife have also caused the destruction of parish books. Some records were destroyed or damaged because of poor storage. However, many records considered lost are simply misplaced or misidentified.  
=How to Find Records=
==Digital  Copies of Church Records in the FamilySearch Catalog ==
'''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://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/ '''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=1927135&query=%2Bplace%3A%22Argentina%22 '''records of Argentina'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within Argentina''' 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.


== Information Recorded in Church Registers  ==
==Writing for Records==
<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 the [[Spanish Letter Writing Guide|'''Spanish Letter Writing Guide''']] for help with composing letters.</span><br>
*[https://maps.me/catalog/attractions/amenity-place_of_worship-christian/country-argentina/ '''Maps.me Church Listings for Argentina''']


The type and amount of information and detail recorded in church books varied over time. The later records generally give more complete information than the earlier ones. The most important church records for genealogical research are baptisms, marriage information, marriage, and burial registers. Other helpful church records include confirmations and church censuses. Most records were recorded in Spanish. Some Catholic records were also kept in Latin.
= '''Catholic Church Records''' =
==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=Argentina&country_sn=AR&location_type=country&stateSearch=&swlat=-55.1250224&nelat=-21.7810459&swlng=-73.5603601&nelng=-53.637481&lat=-38.416097&lng=-63.61667199999999&faddress=Argentina&place_id=ChIJZ8b99fXKvJURqA_wKpl3Lz0#/ '''The Catholic Directory: Argentina''']


'''''Baptisms [bautismos]:'''''Children were generally baptized within a few days of birth. Baptismal records usually give the place and date of baptism, infant's name and parent's names, status of legitimacy, names of godparents, and sometimes grandparents. You may also find the child's age, racial distinction, and the family's place of residence. If the child died within a few days of baptism, death information has sometimes been added as a note. At times a note added to the margin will state who the child married.  
== Historical Background ==
Estimates for the number of Roman Catholics vary from low as 70% of the population, to as much as 90%. The CIA Factbook lists 92% of the country as Catholic.


'''''Marriage Information [información matrimonial]:'''''''' '''The marriage information document can consist of several parts. This document is sometimes three or four pages long. It&nbsp; includes an introduction that states the intent of marriage and sometimes the date of the banns. The marriage banns were announced on three separate occasions. These announcements, gave opportunity for anyone to come forward who knew any reasons why the couple should not be married.'''  
The society, culture, and politics of Argentina are deeply imbued with Roman Catholicism. The Church solidified its hold on the territory of modern-day Argentina during the period of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to early 19th centuries. Although Roman Catholicism is not the official religion of the state, and freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution, Catholic representatives take part in many state functions. <ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Argentina", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Argentina, accessed 6 March 2020. </ref><br>
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The marriage information will then include personal information on the bride and groom. They may include the following:
='''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.''']


***name of bride/groom
==Historical Background==
***age
Two Latter-day Saint families emigrated from Germany to Argentina in about 1923. They began sharing their beliefs through local newspapers and wrote letters to the First Presidency requesting missionaries. Church Apostle Melvin J. Ballard was sent to Argentina in December 1925 and six people were baptized. The South American Mission was created. Elder Ballard later prophesied that "the work will go forth slowly just as the oak grows from an acorn...[But] the South American Mission will become a power in the Church."
***whether they are single or widowed
***place of residence
***sometimes place of birth
***parents’ names
***sometimes grandparents’ names<br>


If this is a second marriage for one of them, it will give the name of the deceased spouse and how long he or she had been deceased. If the bride or groom was from another parish, documents will be enclosed showing good standing in that parish. These documents can include baptismal records and references to banns that were publish in another parish.  
Argentina initially was part of the Church's South America Mission. Then, in 1936, that mission was divided into the Brazilian and Argentine missions. Membership grew slowly for the first 20 years, in 1945 membership in Argentina was 800. The Argentine Mission was divided in 1962, and additional missions have been created since then. In 1998 there were ten missions in Argentina.


The records may also show a dispensation (exemption from restriction of marriage) for the fourth degree of blood relationship, indicating that bride and groom were related. If this is the case genealogical graphs and interesting biographical information about the families involved will be included. This will sometimes give you a line of ascent up to the common progenitors.  
The first stake (diocese) in Argentina was organized in Buenos Aires in 1966 with Angel Abrea, now a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, as stake president. By 1978, membership had reached about 40,000 members. The Buenos Aires Argentina Temple was announced in 1980 and dedicated January 17, 1986.


Two to four witnesses were then listed who testify of the good standing of the bride and groom. This may include the witnesses’ age, occupation, and residence as well as how long they have known the bride or groom. The witnesses may be related to the bride or groom.  
Buenos Aires was designated area presidency headquarters of the South America South Area in 1984. Three new missions in 1990 — Mendoza, Resistencia, and Trelew, and the Buenos Aires West Mission in 1992 — reflect the continuing growth in Argentina.
<ref> The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Facts and Statistics: Argentina, https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/argentina, accessed 27 March 2020.</ref>


Generally there is a last note stating the date of marriage or if they did not get married.  
='''Evangelical and Pentecostal Church Records'''=
==Writing for Records==
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/evangelical+churches+in+Argentina/@-36.0794313,-70.8621511,5z/data=!3m1!4b1 '''Google Maps search results for Evangelical churches in Argentina''']
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/pentecostal+churches+in+Argentina/@-35.4052644,-70.9103968,5z/data=!3m1!4b1 '''Google Maps search results for Pentecostal churches in Argentina''']


Marriages [matrimonios]: Marriage registers give the date and place of the marriage and names of the bride and groom. They may also indicate whether they were single or widowed. If they are widowed, sometimes it will give the name of the deceased spouse and how long the spouse had been deceased. If they are minors, often a note is made whether a parent<br>or other party gave permission for the marriage. The record will list the names of witnesses. Often marriage records include other information about the bride and groom such as their ages, residences, names of parents, and sometimes birthplaces.  
==Historical Background==
Protestant churches have been gaining ground since the 1980s. In Latin America, most Protestants are called Evangélicos (Evangelicals). One survey in 2008 found approximately 9% of the total population were Protestant; most of whom, 7.9% of the total population, Pentecostal. While Pentecostal churches originally attracted mostly the lower class, they show an increasing appeal to the urban middle class. Middle class congregations develop a distinctive style of Pentecostalism, more adapted to society.<ref> Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Argentina", in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia,'' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Argentina, accessed 6 March 2020. </ref><br>
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Marriage registers may also give the dates on which the marriage banns were announced. Couples were generally married in the home parish of the bride. Typically, girls married young, between 14 and 20. Men married in their 20s.  
='''Jehovah's Witnesses Church Records'''=
==Writing for Records==
*[https://www.google.com/maps/search/jehovah's+witnesses+churches+in+Argentina/@-34.7363345,-70.9586788,5z/data=!3m1!4b1 '''Google Maps search results for Jehovah's Witnesses churches in Argentina''']
='''Lutheran Records'''=
==Online Records==
'''Church books from The Norwegian Seamen's Mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina''' - images, Digitalarkivet.no<Br>
(Some of these records are restricted for privacy, but are still listed on the Norway National Archive's website)<br>
{|
|-
|style="width:33%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5276/26763/1 Baptisms 1888-1898]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5277/26773/1 Baptisms 1899-1919]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5277/26772/1 Stillborn 1918]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/2213/13803/1 Baptisms 1920-1938]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/38859/120426/1 Baptisms 1938-1978]
<Br>
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5276/26765/1 Confirmations 1889-1897]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5277/26775/1 Confirmations 1899-1919]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/2213/13805/1 Confirmations 1921-1938]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/38859/120432/1 Confirmations 1941-1967]
|style="width:33%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5276/26768/1 Marriages 1889-1898]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5277/26778/1 Marriages 1899-1919]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/2213/13807/1 Marriages 1920-1938]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/38859/120438/1 Marriages 1939-1977]
<Br>
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5276/26762/1 Deaths/burials 1888-1898]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/5277/26770/1 Deaths/burials 1899-1919]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/2213/13801/1 Deaths/burials 1920-1938]
*[https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/38859/120422/1 Deaths/burials 1938-1977]
|style="width:33%; padding-right:10px; vertical-align:top"|
|}


'''''Deaths, Burials [defunciones, entierros]:'''''Burials were recorded in the church record of the parish where the person died. Death registers give the name of the deceased person, and the date and place of burial and/or death. Often the age, place of residence, marital status, cause of death, and/or names of survivors of the deceased are given. At times the priest will note if the deceased person died testate, meaning he left a will. Occasionally the date and place of birth and parents' names are given if the deceased person is a minor. Early death registers failed to record as much information and are not as complete as later death records. In some death records the women are recorded by their maiden name, listing the name of their surviving spouse or stating that they were widows and mentioning the name of the deceased spouse.  
==Historical Background==
In 1923, George Young, from Canada, came to South America. After extensive witnessing in Brazil, he turned his attention to Argentina. Within months, 1,480 books and 300,000 copies of other Bible publications were distributed in 25 principal towns and cities of Argentina. In 1924, J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, assigned a Spaniard named Juan Muñiz to serve in Argentina. Two years later Brother Muñiz established a branch office of the Watch Tower Society in Buenos Aires to look after the Kingdom-preaching work in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.


If you are looking for a burial record in the late 1800s through 1930 and do not find it, check the civil registration death records.  
Brother Muñiz realized that there was a large German-speaking population in Argentina, so he requested help... In response, Brother Rutherford sent Carlos Ott, a German full-time minister, to assist that language group. There were also many Greeks in the country. In 1930, Nicolás Argyrós, of Greek origin, learned the Bible’s message and began preaching to the hundreds of Greek-speaking people in the Buenos Aires area. Around the same time, a Polish man, Juan Rebacz, became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and along with another Polish Witness, he entered the full-time ministry. Accompanied by two other full-time ministers, they covered the territory in the southern part of Argentina.<ref>'''Argentina''' in 2001 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/302001011, accessed 7 March 2020.</ref>


'''''Confirmation Registers [confirmaciones]:''&nbsp;'''Confirmation records were not consistently recorded. In larger parishes a separate book was usually maintained, and in smaller parishes the confirmation entries may be intermingled with baptisms. Confirmations were normally performed by the bishop or his authorized representative when they managed to visit the parish. In some parishes confirmations were performed every year but in the smaller parishes, where it was difficult for the bishop or his representative to visit, the confirmations would take place once every few years. It could be a long time before the bishop could visit so in these records you will find that several members of the family were confirmed at the same time.
=References=
 
<references/>
Confirmation entries normally include the name of the parish, the individual, the godparents, and sometimes the parents. The value of the confirmation record is the primary lead to locating information from other vital records.
[[Category:Argentina]][[Category:Church Records]]
 
[[Category:Argentina Church Records]]
== Other Ecclesiastical Records  ==
 
''''''Many other records were kept by the Catholic church which are valuable for genealogical research. These include:'''''
 
'''''Censuses and Enrollments (Censos, Matrículas, Padrones):'''''Ecclesiastical censuses and enrollments were taken periodically, sometimes listing complete families living within the parish with their ages, place of residence and/or place of origin. The information listed varies from census to census. There are parish, diocese, and archdiocese censuses, each including the families under their jurisdictions.
 
'''''Wills, Testaments, and Intestates (Testamentos y intestados):'''''These can contain a wealth of information such as offices, positions, and titles held by the deceased, a listing of their possessions, list of names of spouses and children with their ages and place of residence. These documents go back to the times of the earliest land records (encomiendas).
 
'''''Parish account books (libros de fábrical):'''''Inventories of church property.
 
'''''Chaplaincies (Capellanías):'''''Records of monetary and property grants to the church.
 
'''''Lawsuits (Pleitos):'''''Records of property and privilege claims involving the church.
 
'''''Fraternal order books (Libros de Cofradías):'''''Record books of lay societies that assisted in parish activities.
 
'''''Inquisition Records (Registros de La Inquisicíon):''''' In 1480, Ferdinand and Isabella established the Inquisition in Spain. Through the Inquisition, the Spanish Crown sought to achieve both religious unity and civil control throughout the empire. The Holy Office of the Inquisition was established throughout the Catholic world in order to prosecute heretics and religious criminals. Because of the long Spanish struggle during the reconquest of Spain from the Moors, the Crown suspected non–Christians of conspiracy or plotting with foreign enemies. Spanish Jews and others of Jewish ancestry, as well as religious and political heretics, suffered from the campaigns of the Inquisition.
 
Under the Council of the Supreme Inquisition headed by Tomás de Torquemada, Courts of the Holy Office were instituted throughout the Spanish empire. Those who aspired to serve as officials of the Inquisition were required to submit genealogical proof of their blood purity.
 
Records of the Council and the Courts are housed in the Archivo Histórico Nacional in Madrid.
 
== Locating Church Records  ==
 
In Argentina, Catholic church records are kept in different levels the church. The highest level of government in the Catholic church is the archdiocese [arquidiócesis]. There are three divisions under the archdiocese: prefectures [prefecturas], diocese [diósesis], and apostolic vicarage [vicariatos apostólicos]. The parishes [parroquias] are under the jurisdiction of the diocese. The parishes have jurisdiction over both vice–parishes [vice–parroquias] and chapelries [capillas foraneas]. Parishes are local congregations that may include smaller villages within their boundaries. A large city may contain several parishes. All these jurisdictions have their own records.
 
In searching for your ancestors you must know the town where they lived. You must also determine the parish to which your ancestor belonged. If he or she came from a large city that has several parishes you will need to know in what section of the town he or she lived to determine to what parish he or she belonged.
 
However, in a large city such as Buenos Aires you may find that even if you know the home parish there were times that the family would go to the cathedral for the baptism of a child or to the parish where a relative belonged in the same city. If you do not find the complete family in the home parish, search the surrounding parishes of the city. If your family lived in a very small village or ranch that did not have an established parish you will need to check a map and determine which nearby town had a parish.
 
Parish boundary maps can be extremely helpful when determining what specific parish records to search. They can help you identify neighboring parishes if you need to search through the various parishes in a given region.
 
'''Church Record Inventories'''
 
An inventory is a listing of available church records and their location and what years they cover. Sometimes they include information on which parishes served which towns at different periods of time. Church record inventories are available for a few areas in Argentina. Inventories of church records are listed in the Family History Library Catalog under:
 
ARGENTINA - CHURCH RECORDS - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
 
ARGENTINA, PROVINCE - CHURCH RECORDS - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS
 
== Records at the Family History Library  ==
 
The Family History Library has records from many parishes throughout Argentina to 1930, and in some parishes they go to a later date. The specific holdings of the Family History Library are listed in the Family History Library Catalog. You can determine whether the library has records for the locality your ancestor came from by checking the locality section of the Family History Library Catalog. However, if a record was destroyed, was never kept, has not been microfilmed, or is restricted from public access by the laws of the country, the Family History Library does not have a copy.
 
In the Family History Library Catalog, look under the name of the town where the parish was, not necessarily the town where your ancestor lived. Look in the Family History Library Catalog under:
 
ARGENTINA - CHURCH RECORDS
 
ARGENTINA, [PROVINCE] - CHURCH RECORDS
 
ARGENTINA, [PROVINCE], [TOWN] - CHURCH RECORDS
 
New records are continually added to Family History Library collection from numerous sources. Don't give up if records are not available yet. Check the Family History Library Catalog again every two or three years for the records you need. Records not at the Family History Library Baptism, marriage, and burial records may be found by contacting or visiting local parishes. Argentina has no single repository of church records. Write your request in Spanish whenever possible.
 
Information about how to write for genealogical information to local parishes in Argentina is given in the Genealogical Letter Writing Guide: Spanish (Number 02362–45000). When requesting information, send the following:
 
*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, medical, etc.).
*Request for a photocopy of the complete original record.
 
Check or money order for the search fee, usually $10.00.
 
If your request is unsuccessful, search for duplicate records that may have been filed in other archives, or in civil registration offices.
 
== Search Strategies  ==
 
Effective use of church records includes the following strategies.
 
*Search for the relative or ancestor you selected. When you find his birth record, search for the births of his brothers and sisters.
*Then, search for the marriage of his parents. The marriage record will often help you find the birth records of the parents.
*You can estimate the ages of the parents and search for their birth records.
*Then repeat the process for both the father and the mother.
*If earlier generations are not in the record, search neighboring parishes.
*Search the death registers for all family members.
 
[[Category:Argentina]]

Latest revision as of 17:55, 21 May 2024


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

Online Resources and Websites[edit | edit source]


Historical Background[edit | edit source]

The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Although it enforces neither an official nor a state faith, it gives Roman Catholicism a preferential status. According to a 2008 CONICET poll, Argentines were 76.5% Catholic, 11.3% Agnostics and Atheists, 9% Evangelical Protestants, 1.2% Jehovah's Witnesses, and 0.9% Mormons, while 1.2% followed other religions, including Islam, Judaism and Buddhism.[1]


Information Recorded in the Records[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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:

  • baptism date
  • the infant's name
  • parents' names
  • father's occupation
  • status of legitimacy
  • occasionally, names of grandparents
  • names of witnesses or godparents, who may be relatives
  • birth date and place
  • the family's place of residence
  • death information, as an added note or signified by a cross

Marriages[edit | edit source]

Marriage registers can give:

  • the marriage date
  • the names of the bride and groom
  • indicate whether the bride and groom were single or widowed
  • their ages
  • birth dates and places for the bride and groom
  • their residences
  • their occupations
  • birthplaces of the bride and groom
  • parents' names (after 1800)
  • the names of previous spouses and their death dates
  • names of witnesses, who might be relatives.

Burials[edit | edit source]

Burial registers may give:

  • the name of the deceased
  • the date and place of death or burial
  • the deceased's age
  • place of residence
  • 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



How to Find Records[edit | edit source]

Digital Copies of Church Records in the FamilySearch Catalog[edit | edit source]

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 FamilySearch Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations. To find records:

a. Click on the records of Argentina.
b. Click on Places within Argentina 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. FHL icons.png. 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[edit | edit source]

You will probably need to write to or email the national archives, the diocese, or local parish priests to find records. See the Spanish Letter Writing Guide for help with composing letters.

Catholic Church Records[edit | edit source]

Writing to a Local Parish[edit | edit source]

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:

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Estimates for the number of Roman Catholics vary from low as 70% of the population, to as much as 90%. The CIA Factbook lists 92% of the country as Catholic.

The society, culture, and politics of Argentina are deeply imbued with Roman Catholicism. The Church solidified its hold on the territory of modern-day Argentina during the period of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to early 19th centuries. Although Roman Catholicism is not the official religion of the state, and freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution, Catholic representatives take part in many state functions. [2]


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Records[edit | edit source]

Online Records[edit | edit source]

Online information is available to current members, for deceased members and immediate family members who are still living. Sign in to FamilySearch and then select Family Tree in the drop-down menu.

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Two Latter-day Saint families emigrated from Germany to Argentina in about 1923. They began sharing their beliefs through local newspapers and wrote letters to the First Presidency requesting missionaries. Church Apostle Melvin J. Ballard was sent to Argentina in December 1925 and six people were baptized. The South American Mission was created. Elder Ballard later prophesied that "the work will go forth slowly just as the oak grows from an acorn...[But] the South American Mission will become a power in the Church."

Argentina initially was part of the Church's South America Mission. Then, in 1936, that mission was divided into the Brazilian and Argentine missions. Membership grew slowly for the first 20 years, in 1945 membership in Argentina was 800. The Argentine Mission was divided in 1962, and additional missions have been created since then. In 1998 there were ten missions in Argentina.

The first stake (diocese) in Argentina was organized in Buenos Aires in 1966 with Angel Abrea, now a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, as stake president. By 1978, membership had reached about 40,000 members. The Buenos Aires Argentina Temple was announced in 1980 and dedicated January 17, 1986.

Buenos Aires was designated area presidency headquarters of the South America South Area in 1984. Three new missions in 1990 — Mendoza, Resistencia, and Trelew, and the Buenos Aires West Mission in 1992 — reflect the continuing growth in Argentina. [3]

Evangelical and Pentecostal Church Records[edit | edit source]

Writing for Records[edit | edit source]

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Protestant churches have been gaining ground since the 1980s. In Latin America, most Protestants are called Evangélicos (Evangelicals). One survey in 2008 found approximately 9% of the total population were Protestant; most of whom, 7.9% of the total population, Pentecostal. While Pentecostal churches originally attracted mostly the lower class, they show an increasing appeal to the urban middle class. Middle class congregations develop a distinctive style of Pentecostalism, more adapted to society.[4]


Jehovah's Witnesses Church Records[edit | edit source]

Writing for Records[edit | edit source]

Lutheran Records[edit | edit source]

Online Records[edit | edit source]

Church books from The Norwegian Seamen's Mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina - images, Digitalarkivet.no
(Some of these records are restricted for privacy, but are still listed on the Norway National Archive's website)


Historical Background[edit | edit source]

In 1923, George Young, from Canada, came to South America. After extensive witnessing in Brazil, he turned his attention to Argentina. Within months, 1,480 books and 300,000 copies of other Bible publications were distributed in 25 principal towns and cities of Argentina. In 1924, J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, assigned a Spaniard named Juan Muñiz to serve in Argentina. Two years later Brother Muñiz established a branch office of the Watch Tower Society in Buenos Aires to look after the Kingdom-preaching work in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Brother Muñiz realized that there was a large German-speaking population in Argentina, so he requested help... In response, Brother Rutherford sent Carlos Ott, a German full-time minister, to assist that language group. There were also many Greeks in the country. In 1930, Nicolás Argyrós, of Greek origin, learned the Bible’s message and began preaching to the hundreds of Greek-speaking people in the Buenos Aires area. Around the same time, a Polish man, Juan Rebacz, became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and along with another Polish Witness, he entered the full-time ministry. Accompanied by two other full-time ministers, they covered the territory in the southern part of Argentina.[5]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Argentina", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina, accessed 6 March 2020.
  2. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Argentina", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Argentina, accessed 6 March 2020.
  3. ↑ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Facts and Statistics: Argentina, https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/facts-and-statistics/country/argentina, accessed 27 March 2020.
  4. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in Argentina", in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Argentina, accessed 6 March 2020.
  5. ↑ Argentina in 2001 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/302001011, accessed 7 March 2020.

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