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Manitoba Church Records: Difference between revisions

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Church records may be consulted for birth, death, or marriage information prior to 1882. Civil registration of vital statistics was not generally practiced in Canada until provincial governments took responsibility in the late nineteenth century. The first Catholic parish was founded at Red River in 1818 by two priests. The Church of England (Anglican) began in the same area in 1820. The Methodists were established at Rossville in 1840, and the Presbyterians first arrived in Assiniboin in 1851. Many religious groups such as Baptists, Lutherans, and Mennonites were established in the 1870s as a result of the arrival of large numbers of Germanic and Slavic immigrants. The Congregationalists, Methodists, and some of the Presbyterians were combined in 1925 to form the United Church of Canada.
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<center>'''For greater success, use all the Wiki Articles in this series:'''</center>
*[[Determining the Church Your Ancestor Attended in Canada|'''Determining the Church Your Ancestor Attended in Canada''']]
*[[What Can I Find in Canadian Church Records?|'''What Can I Find in Canadian Church Records?''']]
*[[Canada Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination''' ]]
*[[Canada Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Canadian Province|'''Searching for Church Records by Canadian Province''']]
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------
===Historical Background===
*The first '''Catholic''' parish was founded at Red River in 1818 by two priests.  
*The '''Church of England (Anglican)''' began in the same area in 1820.  
*The '''Methodists''' were established at Rossville in 1840.
*The '''Presbyterians first arrived in Assiniboin in 1851.  
*'''Baptists, Lutherans, and Mennonites''' were established in Manitoba in the 1870s as a result of the arrival of large numbers of Germanic and Slavic immigrants.  
*The Congregationalists, Methodists, and some of the Presbyterians were combined in 1925 to form the '''United Church of Canada'''.


A few Church of England, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and United Church of Canada registers are available on microfilm at the Provincial Archives. The Church of England registers are indexed to 1900. For a complete list of Church of England, Roman Catholic, and Presbyterian registers held by the Provincial Archives see “Genealogical Sources in the Province of Manitoba,” ''Genealogical Journal'' 8:98.
==Information Found in the Records==
To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:
{|
|-
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[What Can I Find in Canadian Church Records?#Baptisms or Christenings|Baptisms or Christenings]]
*[[What Can I Find in Canadian Church Records?#Marriages|Marriages]]
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[What Can I Find in Canadian Church Records?#Funerals or Burials|Funerals or Burials]]
*[[What Can I Find in Canadian Church Records?#Membership Lists|Membership Lists]]
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[What Can I Find in Canadian Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
|}


Copies of various parish registers and other church records may be found in the National Archives of Canada and at the Family History Library.  The Family History Library website is:   http://www.familysearch.org.
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===


Many records prior to 1884 as well as most records since then are still located in various parishes and congregations. For more information on the location and availability of these church records, contact Vital Statistics Consumer and Corporate Affairs or contact the appropriate denomination.
<br>


'''Anglican'''<br />Diocese of Rupert’s Land<br />935 Nesbitt Bay<br />Winnipeg, MB R3T 1W6<br />Telephone: 204-992-4200<br />Internet: http://www.rupertsland.ca/
{|
|-
|
[[File:Caution sign.png|70px]]
|
Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
#'''Near matches:''' Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor'''</span>, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
#'''Stopping research''': Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''assume the database proves church records do not exist'''</span>.  Actually the record is still out there, just not in this <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span> collection of records.  Keep searching!
|}
----
====Indexes====
*'''1800-1959''' {{RecordSearch|1992433|Manitoba Church Records, 1800-1959}} at FamilySearch; index and images. Incomplete — [[Manitoba Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1834-1959''' [https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61513 Manitoba, Canada, Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1834-1959] at Ancestry ($)


'''Baptist'''<br />The Canadian Baptist Archives<br />McMaster Divinity College <br />1280 Main Street West <br />Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1<br />Telephone: 905-525-9140<br />Internet: http://www.macdiv.ca/students/baptistarchives.php
====Lutheran====
*'''1800-1946''' [https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61584 U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1946] at Ancestry ($) - includes Manitoba


'''Jewish'''<br />Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada<br />C116 - 123 Doncaster Street<br />Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B2<br />Phone: 204-477-7461<br /> Fax: 204-477-7465<br />Internet: http://www.jhcwc.org/archives.htm<br />Internet: http://www.jhcwc.org/geninst.htm
====Methodist====
*'''1828-1910''' [https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9194 Web: Canada, Wesleyan Methodist Baptismal Register, 1828-1910] at Ancestry ($)
*[http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~wjmartin/genealogy/wm-index.htm Wesleyan Methodist Baptismal Registers]


'''Lutheran'''<br />Lutheran Historical Institute<br /> 7100 Ada Boulevard<br /> Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4<br />Telephone: 780-474-8156<br />Fax: 780-477-9829<br />Internet: http://www.lccarchives.ca/
===Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''FamilySearch Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
*The [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] (FS Library) has microfilmed and/or digitized records for churches in the Canada.
*Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the province or a town.
*If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see [https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-that-a-microfilm-be-digitized '''How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?''']
*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=1929957&query=%2Bplace%3A%22Canada%2C%20Manitoba%22 '''records of Canada, Manitoba'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within Canada, Manitoba''' and a list of towns will appear.
:::c. Click on your town or the town where the church was, if different.
:::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.


'''Mennonite'''<br />Mennonite Heritage Centre<br />600 Shaftesbury Boulevard<br />Winnipeg, MB R3P 0M4<br />Telephone: 204-888-6781<br />Fax: 204-831-5675<br />Internet: http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/programs/archives/
===Consult available finding aids.===
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/627112 '''Inventory of Archival Material in Western Manitoba.] ''''Coates, K.S. and J.C. Everitt, W.R. Morrison, Kempthorne, Roberta, editors. Other locations at [https://www.worldcat.org/title/inventory-of-archival-material-in-western-manitoba/oclc/866293021 '''WorldCat''']<br>
*[https://www.worldcat.org/title/guide-to-the-holdings-of-the-archives-of-the-ecclesiastical-province-and-dioceses-of-ruperts-land/oclc/18053219 '''Guide to the Holdings of the Ecclesiastical Province and Dioceses of Rupert’s Land''' at '''WorldCat''']MacDonald, Wilma. Winnipeg: St. John’s College Press, 1986.


'''Orthodox'''<br />Archives of the Ukrainian Canadian Experience<br />University of Manitoba<br />Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2<br />Telephone: 204-474-7967<br /> Fax: 204-474-7913<br />Internet: http://umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/archives/collections/subject/ukranian/index.shtml
===Correspond with or visit the actual churches.===
Some records are still held in the local churches. Contact the current minister to find out what records are still available.
*'''Make an appointment''' to look at the records. Or ask the minister of the church to make a copy of the record for you.
*To find church staff available, you might have to visit on Sunday.
*Ask for small searches at a time, such as one birth record or a specific marriage. Never ask for "everything on a family or surname". 
*A '''donation''' ($25-$40) for their time and effort to help you would be appropriate.
*If the church has a website, you may be able to '''e-mail a message'''.
*See the [[Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy|'''Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy''']] for help with composing letters.
====Addresses====
*[http://churchdirectory.ca/ '''Canadian Church Directory''']
*Each [[Canada Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''denomination page''']] offers an [[Canada Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''online address directory of local churches''']] for that denomination.


'''Presbyterian''' <br />The Presbyterian Church in Canada<br />50 Wynford Drive<br /> Toronto, ON M3C 1J7<br />Phone: 800-619-7301<br />Phone: 416-441-1111<br />Fax: 416-441-2825<br />Internet: http://www.presbyterian.ca/archives/contact.html
===Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.===
Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to '''digitized, online records''' offered by the archives. Some archives provide '''research services''' for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a researcher.<br>
<br>
<span style="color:DarkViolet">'''Here you will find archive information unique to the province. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational  archives, go to  [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination.''']]</span>
----


'''Roman Catholic'''<br />Archdiocese of Winnipeg<br />Catholic Centre<br />1495 Pembina Highway<br />Winnipeg, MB R3T 2C6<br />Phone: 204-452-2227<br />Fax: 204-453-8179<br />Internet: http://www.archwinnipeg.ca/index.php
====Provincial Archives====
[https://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/archives/search.html '''Archives of Manitoba'''] <br>
130-200 Vaughan St.<br>
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1T5<br>
Telephone: 204-945-3971<br>
Toll Free (Manitoba only): 1-800-617-3588<br>
E-mail: archives@gov.mb.ca<br>
*[http://pam.minisisinc.com/SCRIPTS/MWIMAIN.DLL/145318608/1/10/4428?RECORD&DATABASE=DESCRIPTION_WEB_INT '''Extracts from registers of baptisms, marriages and burials in Rupert's Land sent to the Governor and Committee''']
*[http://pam.minisisinc.com/pam/search.htm '''Keystone Archives Descriptive Database'''], incomplete. Enter the name of the denomination.
*Microfilm and paper copies of records for some Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic churches
----
==== Library and Archives Canada  ====
[https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Pages/home.aspx '''Library and Archives Canada''']<br>
395 Wellington Street<br>
Ottawa ON K1A 0N4<br>
Canada<br>
[https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/services-public/Pages/service-outside-ottawa.aspx Service Points Outside Ottawa]
<br>


Archdiocese of St. Boniface<br />151 Avenue de la Cathédrale<br />St. Boniface, MB R2H 0H6<br />Phone: 204-237-9851<br />Fax: 204-231-2652<br />Internet: http://www.archsaintboniface.ca/
Telephone: 613-996-5115 or 1-866-578-7777 (toll-free in Canada and the United States)<br>
TTY: 613-992-6969 or 1-866-299-1699 (toll-free in Canada)<br>
Fax: 613-995-6274<br>
*[https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/genealogy/Pages/introduction.aspx '''Genealogy and Family History''']
*[https://bac-lac.on.worldcat.org/discovery?lang=en# '''Aurora: Library Search''']
*[https://canada.on.worldcat.org/discovery?lang=en# '''Voilà: Library Search''']
*[https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/lac-bac/search/arch '''Archives Search'''] Select "Textual material" to limit your search. Keywords: name of place or religious denomination with "church records," "registres de paroisses," "registers of births," "marriage records," "registers of marriages," "death registers," "burials," "baptisms," "baptêmes," "mariages," "sépultures".
<br>
----
====Centre du patrimoine====
[http://shsb.mb.ca/en/genealogy '''Centre du patrimoine''']<br> 340 boul. Provencher St.<br> Boniface, Manitoba R2H 0G7<br> Telephone: (204) 233-4888<br> Email: [mailto:shsb@shsb.mb.ca shsb@shsb.mb.ca]
*[https://shsb.mb.ca/genealogie/ '''Collections and Research''']
::Managed by the Société historique de Saint-Boniface, the oldest francophone historical society of Western Canada, the Centre du patrimoine is an archives and research centre dedicated to preserving, studying, disseminating and promoting the francophone and Métis history of Manitoba and Western Canada.<br>
::The genealogical research section holds '''publications of indexes and microfilms of baptisms, marriages and burials''' of Quebec and Western Canada parishes. A large vertical file collection on persons or families is also available. A number of databases provide access to indexes of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and some State parish registers, voyageur contracts, some censuses, photographs and archival materials.


'''United Church of Canada Archives'''<br />Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Archives<br />The University of Winnipeg Library <br />515 Portage Avenue <br />Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9<br />Telephone: 204-783-0708<br />Fax: 204-786-1824<br />Internet: http://www.united-church.ca/archives/mnwo/home.shtm<br />(An appointment is recommended.)<br />
----


<br />
==== Anglican Churches  ====
[http://dioceseofbrandon.org '''Anglican Diocese of Brandon''']<br>Synod Office<br>403 13th St<br>Brandon, MB  R7A 4P9<br>Canada<br>Phone: 204-727-7550<br>
Fax: 204-727-4135<br>E-mail: info@brandon.anglican.ca<br>
*[http://dioceseofbrandon.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Search-Request.pdf '''Archives Search Request''']
*[http://dioceseofbrandon.org/welcome/clergy-parishes/ '''Congregations''']
This diocese, which was created in 1913, covers the western third of the province
----
The '''Anglican Diocese of Keewatin''' was formed in 1902.  It ceased to exist as of July 31, 2014 after the creation of the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh. The territory of the diocese included north western Ontario and Eastern Manitoba.  Some parishes in the southern Ontario region were transferred to the Diocese of Rupert’s Land. The Diocese of Keewatin fonds.  — 1846-2014 (50 m textual records and other material) are stored dat the General Synod Archives.<br>
[https://www.anglican.ca/archives/ '''The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada'''] <br>
80 Hayden Street<br>
Toronto, Ontario <br>
M4Y 3G2  Canada<br>
Phone: (416) 924-9192<br>
*[http://archives.anglican.ca/ '''Search Our Collections''']
*[https://www.anglican.ca/archives/holdings/diocese-of-keewatin/ '''Diocese of Keewatin Fonds''']
----
[http://www.rupertsland.ca/about/archives '''Diocese of Rupert’s Land Archives''']<br>
935 Nesbitt Bay<br>
Winnipeg, MB R3T 1W6<br>
Phone:  204-992-4203<br>
Fax: 204-992-4219<br>
E-mail: archives@rupertsland.ca<br>
*[http://www.rupertsland.ca/wp-content/uploads/Archival-Search-Form-Master.pdf '''Request Form for Information From Parish Registers''']
<br>
This was the first diocese in Manitoba, dating from 1820, when it covered most of what is now Western Canada but today covers central southern Manitoba.
----


<br />
==== Mennonite Records====
[https://archives.mhsc.ca/mennonite-heritage-centre '''Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives''']<br> 600 Shaftesbury Boulevard<br> Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 0M4<br> Telephone: (204) 888-6781<br> Email: [mailto:office@mennonitechurch.ca office@mennonitechurch.ca]
*The archives have personal and congregation collections. Browse holdings list in the left sidebar.
<br>


<br />
[https://cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca/ '''Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Canada''']<br>1310 Taylor Avenue<br>Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6<br>
Phone: (888) 669-6575 (Toll-free) or (204) 669-6575<br>Fax: (204) 654-1865<br>E-mail:cmbs@mbchurches.ca
*[https://cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca/genealogy/ '''Genealogies Index''']
*[https://cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca/additional-resources-collections/ '''Search Engine''']
----
 
====Methodist Records====
[http://uccarchiveswinnipeg.ca/ '''United Church of Canada Archives''']<br>
Conference of Manitoba Northwestern Ontario & All Native Circle Conference<br>
The Archives and Record Centre<br>
5th Floor Library<br>
University of Winnipeg<br>
515 Portage Ave.<br>
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9<br>
Canada <br>
Phone: 204-783-0708<br>
E-mail:ucarchives@uwinnipeg.ca<br>
*[http://uccarchiveswinnipeg.ca/collection/baptism-marriage-burial/ '''Baptism, Marriage, and Burial Records''']
*[http://uccarchiveswinnipeg.ca/wp-content/uploads/Prairie-to-Pine-application-baptism-marriage-burial-record-fillable.pdf '''Application Form for Baptism, Marriage or Burial Record''']
----
 
==== Roman Catholic Church  ====
*'''1834-1959''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61513/ Manitoba, Canada, Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1834-1959] at Ancestry ($)<br>
 
*[https://www.archsaintboniface.ca/main.php?p=856 '''Archdiocese of St. Boniface Chancery''']<br>
151, de la Cathédrale Avenue<br>
Winnipeg MB R2H 0H6<br>
Canada<br>
Telephone: 204-237-9851<br>
*[https://www.archsaintboniface.ca/main.php?p=856 '''How to  obtain various certificates:'''] The Chancery Office receives requests for baptism and marriage certificates, as well as for genealogical information. We recommend that individuals [https://www.archsaintboniface.ca/parish_directory.php '''contact the parish directly'''] for such requests. If you don’t know in which parish the sacrament was received, you will need to find this information in order to proceed.  It might well be available through [http://shsb.mb.ca/en/genealogy '''the Centre du patrimoine of the St. Boniface Historical Society'''].  <span style="color:DarkViolet">'''The Chancery can only produce a certificate when a parish has been closed and its registers are in our vault.'''</span><br>
When someone requests a certificate for Church-related purposes, the fee at the Archdiocese is $15. However, when the certificate or information is needed for other purposes, the fee is $75. This fee pays for the research process, but does not guarantee results. Parishes may charge less.  Please contact Jeannine, the Chancery assistant, to request a certificate from a closed parish.
----
 
[https://archdioceseofkeewatinlepas.ca/wp/archives-office/ '''Archdiocese of Keewatin-LePas Archives''' ]<br>
76 First Street West<br>
P.O. Box 270<br>
The Pas, Manitoba  R9A 1K4<br>
Canada<br>
Phone: (204) 623-6152 ext 3<br>
Fax: (204) 623-6121<br>
Email: chancery@keepas.ca
*[https://archdioceseofkeewatinlepas.ca/wp/sacramental-records/ '''Requesting Sacramental Records'''] Includes printable request forms.
----
[https://www.archwinnipeg.ca/main.php?p=37 '''Archdiocese of Winnipeg Archives''' ]<br>1495 Pembina Highway <br>Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2C6 <br>Telephone: (204) 452-2227 <br>Email: archives@archwinnipeg.ca
*[https://www.archwinnipeg.ca/main.php?p=37 '''Archives and Sacramental Records''']
**[https://www.archwinnipeg.ca/media/archives/docs/2019-Baptism-Record-Request-Form-v2.pdf '''Baptism Sacramental Record Request Form''']
**[https://www.archwinnipeg.ca/media/archives/docs/2019-Marriage-Record-Request-Form.pdf '''Marriage Sacramental Record Request Form''']
----
 
==== Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church  ====
[http://libguides.lib.umanitoba.ca/c.php?g=512168&p=3503643 '''Archives of the Ukrainian Canadian Experience''']<br>University of Manitoba<br>Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2<br>Telephone: 204-474-7967<br>Fax: 204-474-7913<br>
----
 
==== United Church of Canada  ====
[http://uccarchiveswinnipeg.ca/about-us/ucc-archives-network/ '''Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario - United Church of Canada''']<br>University of Winnipeg Library<br>515 Portage Avenue<br>Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9<br>Canada<br>
Telephone: 204-783-0708<br>By appointment only<br>Email:haglund@uwinnipeg.ca
*The archive holds records of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches within the region prior to 1925, and of the [http://www.united-church.ca/ United Church of Canada] after 1925.
----
 
==Go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination to find more archives. ==
There are frequently additional, nationwide or regional archives for each denomination.  Find the article for your ancestors' denomination and follow the instructions there to access these sources. This is especially important if local archives are not given above.
 
{{Canada denominations}}
 
==Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.==
Some church records have been given to historical societies. Also, historical societies may be able to tell you where the records are being held. To find a society near you, consult these lists:
<br>
 
 
 
==Carefully compare any record you find to known facts about the ancestor==
You will possibly find many different people with the '''same name as your ancestor,''' especially when a family stayed in a locality for several generations, and several children were named after the '''grandparents or aunts and uncles'''. Be prepared to find the correct church records by organizing in advance as many of these exact details about the ancestor '''as possible''':
*'''name''', including '''middle name and maiden name'''
*names of all '''spouses''', including middle and maiden name
*exact or closely estimated '''dates of birth, marriage, and death'''
*names and approximate birthdates of '''children'''
*all known places of '''residence'''
*'''occupations'''
*'''military''' service details
<br>
 
[[File:Dark_thin_font_green_pin_Version_4.png|50px]]'''Carefully evaluate''' the church records you find to make sure you have really found records for your ancestor and not just a '''"near match"'''. If one or more of the details do not line up, be careful about accepting the entry as your ancestor. There are guiding principles for deciding how to resolve discrepancies between records that are seemingly close. For more instruction in evaluating evidence, read the Wiki article, [[Evaluate the Evidence|'''Evaluate the Evidence'''.]]
 
== References  ==
 
{{reflist}} {{Manitoba}}
 
[[Category:Manitoba, Canada]] [[Category:Manitoba, Canada]]

Latest revision as of 17:24, 12 April 2024

Manitoba Wiki Topics
Manitoba Flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Manitoba Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

Historical Background

  • The first Catholic parish was founded at Red River in 1818 by two priests.
  • The Church of England (Anglican) began in the same area in 1820.
  • The Methodists were established at Rossville in 1840.
  • The Presbyterians first arrived in Assiniboin in 1851.
  • Baptists, Lutherans, and Mennonites were established in Manitoba in the 1870s as a result of the arrival of large numbers of Germanic and Slavic immigrants.
  • The Congregationalists, Methodists, and some of the Presbyterians were combined in 1925 to form the United Church of Canada.

Information Found in the Records

To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:

Finding the Records

Look for online records.


Caution sign.png

Online databases are incomplete. This can lead to two common errors:

  1. Near matches: Researchers might mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
  2. Stopping research: Researchers might assume the database proves church records do not exist. Actually the record is still out there, just not in this incomplete collection of records. Keep searching!

Indexes

Lutheran

Methodist

Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog.

FamilySearch Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
  • The FamilySearch Library (FS Library) has microfilmed and/or digitized records for churches in the Canada.
  • Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the province or a town.
  • If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?
  • 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 Canada, Manitoba.
b. Click on Places within Canada, Manitoba and a list of towns will appear.
c. Click on your town or the town where the church was, if different.
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.

Consult available finding aids.

These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.

Correspond with or visit the actual churches.

Some records are still held in the local churches. Contact the current minister to find out what records are still available.

  • Make an appointment to look at the records. Or ask the minister of the church to make a copy of the record for you.
  • To find church staff available, you might have to visit on Sunday.
  • Ask for small searches at a time, such as one birth record or a specific marriage. Never ask for "everything on a family or surname".
  • A donation ($25-$40) for their time and effort to help you would be appropriate.
  • If the church has a website, you may be able to e-mail a message.
  • See the Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy for help with composing letters.

Addresses

Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.

Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to digitized, online records offered by the archives. Some archives provide research services for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a researcher.

Here you will find archive information unique to the province. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational archives, go to Searching for Church Records by Denomination.

Provincial Archives

Archives of Manitoba
130-200 Vaughan St.
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1T5
Telephone: 204-945-3971
Toll Free (Manitoba only): 1-800-617-3588
E-mail: archives@gov.mb.ca

Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0N4
Canada
Service Points Outside Ottawa

Telephone: 613-996-5115 or 1-866-578-7777 (toll-free in Canada and the United States)
TTY: 613-992-6969 or 1-866-299-1699 (toll-free in Canada)
Fax: 613-995-6274


Centre du patrimoine

Centre du patrimoine
340 boul. Provencher St.
Boniface, Manitoba R2H 0G7
Telephone: (204) 233-4888
Email: shsb@shsb.mb.ca

Managed by the Société historique de Saint-Boniface, the oldest francophone historical society of Western Canada, the Centre du patrimoine is an archives and research centre dedicated to preserving, studying, disseminating and promoting the francophone and Métis history of Manitoba and Western Canada.
The genealogical research section holds publications of indexes and microfilms of baptisms, marriages and burials of Quebec and Western Canada parishes. A large vertical file collection on persons or families is also available. A number of databases provide access to indexes of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and some State parish registers, voyageur contracts, some censuses, photographs and archival materials.

Anglican Churches

Anglican Diocese of Brandon
Synod Office
403 13th St
Brandon, MB R7A 4P9
Canada
Phone: 204-727-7550
Fax: 204-727-4135
E-mail: info@brandon.anglican.ca

This diocese, which was created in 1913, covers the western third of the province

The Anglican Diocese of Keewatin was formed in 1902. It ceased to exist as of July 31, 2014 after the creation of the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh. The territory of the diocese included north western Ontario and Eastern Manitoba. Some parishes in the southern Ontario region were transferred to the Diocese of Rupert’s Land. The Diocese of Keewatin fonds. — 1846-2014 (50 m textual records and other material) are stored dat the General Synod Archives.
The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada
80 Hayden Street
Toronto, Ontario
M4Y 3G2 Canada
Phone: (416) 924-9192

Diocese of Rupert’s Land Archives
935 Nesbitt Bay
Winnipeg, MB R3T 1W6
Phone: 204-992-4203
Fax: 204-992-4219
E-mail: archives@rupertsland.ca


This was the first diocese in Manitoba, dating from 1820, when it covered most of what is now Western Canada but today covers central southern Manitoba.

Mennonite Records

Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives
600 Shaftesbury Boulevard
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 0M4
Telephone: (204) 888-6781
Email: office@mennonitechurch.ca

  • The archives have personal and congregation collections. Browse holdings list in the left sidebar.


Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Canada
1310 Taylor Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6
Phone: (888) 669-6575 (Toll-free) or (204) 669-6575
Fax: (204) 654-1865
E-mail:cmbs@mbchurches.ca

Methodist Records

United Church of Canada Archives
Conference of Manitoba Northwestern Ontario & All Native Circle Conference
The Archives and Record Centre
5th Floor Library
University of Winnipeg
515 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9
Canada
Phone: 204-783-0708
E-mail:ucarchives@uwinnipeg.ca

Roman Catholic Church

151, de la Cathédrale Avenue
Winnipeg MB R2H 0H6
Canada
Telephone: 204-237-9851

When someone requests a certificate for Church-related purposes, the fee at the Archdiocese is $15. However, when the certificate or information is needed for other purposes, the fee is $75. This fee pays for the research process, but does not guarantee results. Parishes may charge less. Please contact Jeannine, the Chancery assistant, to request a certificate from a closed parish.

Archdiocese of Keewatin-LePas Archives
76 First Street West
P.O. Box 270
The Pas, Manitoba R9A 1K4
Canada
Phone: (204) 623-6152 ext 3
Fax: (204) 623-6121
Email: chancery@keepas.ca

Archdiocese of Winnipeg Archives
1495 Pembina Highway
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2C6
Telephone: (204) 452-2227
Email: archives@archwinnipeg.ca

Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church

Archives of the Ukrainian Canadian Experience
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Telephone: 204-474-7967
Fax: 204-474-7913

United Church of Canada

Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario - United Church of Canada
University of Winnipeg Library
515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9
Canada
Telephone: 204-783-0708
By appointment only
Email:haglund@uwinnipeg.ca

  • The archive holds records of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches within the region prior to 1925, and of the United Church of Canada after 1925.

Go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination to find more archives.

There are frequently additional, nationwide or regional archives for each denomination. Find the article for your ancestors' denomination and follow the instructions there to access these sources. This is especially important if local archives are not given above.

Wiki Articles for Records of Major Churches in Canada

Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.

Some church records have been given to historical societies. Also, historical societies may be able to tell you where the records are being held. To find a society near you, consult these lists:


Carefully compare any record you find to known facts about the ancestor

You will possibly find many different people with the same name as your ancestor, especially when a family stayed in a locality for several generations, and several children were named after the grandparents or aunts and uncles. Be prepared to find the correct church records by organizing in advance as many of these exact details about the ancestor as possible:

  • name, including middle name and maiden name
  • names of all spouses, including middle and maiden name
  • exact or closely estimated dates of birth, marriage, and death
  • names and approximate birthdates of children
  • all known places of residence
  • occupations
  • military service details


Dark thin font green pin Version 4.pngCarefully evaluate the church records you find to make sure you have really found records for your ancestor and not just a "near match". If one or more of the details do not line up, be careful about accepting the entry as your ancestor. There are guiding principles for deciding how to resolve discrepancies between records that are seemingly close. For more instruction in evaluating evidence, read the Wiki article, Evaluate the Evidence.

References

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Links to Manitoba-related articles
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