Switzerland Church Records: Difference between revisions

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===Denominations===
===Denominations===
Generally church records exist for the following denominations:
Generally church records exist for the following denominations:
*Reformed (''Reformierte Kirche/Eglise réformée'') 1525-
*Reformed (''Reformierte Kirche/Eglise réformée'') 1525-
*Roman Catholic (''Katholische Kirche/Eglise catholique'') 1565 (1481)-
*Roman Catholic (''Katholische Kirche/Eglise catholique'') 1565 (1481)-
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*Russian Orthodox Church (''Russisch-Orthodoxe Kirche'') 1817-
*Russian Orthodox Church (''Russisch-Orthodoxe Kirche'') 1817-
*Methodists (''Methodisten'') 1856-
*Methodists (''Methodisten'') 1856-
*Christian Catholic (''Christkatholische Kirche'') 1872-  
*Christian Catholic (''Christkatholische Kirche'') 1872-


Other churches in Switzerland prior to 1900: Seventh-day Adventists (''Adventisten vom 7. Tag''), Swedenborgian (''Schwedenborgianer''), Anglicans (''Anglikaner''), Society for Propagation of the Gospel (''Gesellschaft zur Ausbreitung des Evangeliums''), Scottish Presbyterian Church (''Schottische Presbyterianer Kirche'')<ref name="profile">The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: Switzerland,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1984-1998.</ref>
Other churches in Switzerland prior to 1900: Seventh-day Adventists (''Adventisten vom 7. Tag''), Swedenborgian (''Schwedenborgianer''), Anglicans (''Anglikaner''), Society for Propagation of the Gospel (''Gesellschaft zur Ausbreitung des Evangeliums''), Scottish Presbyterian Church (''Schottische Presbyterianer Kirche'')<ref name="profile">The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: Switzerland,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1984-1998.</ref>
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==Information in the Records==
==Information in the Records==
===Types of church records:===
===Types of church records:===
*Baptisms, marriages, burials, confirmations
*Baptisms, marriages, burials, confirmations
*Lists of communicants
*Lists of communicants
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*Church consistory minutes
*Church consistory minutes
*Annual masses for the dead
*Annual masses for the dead
===Notes===
===Notes===
Whenever possible, events concerning citizens of the home parish that took place in other parishes are listed in the home parish as well. Hence, there may be separate sections in the parish register, which in the FamilySearch Catalog entries may be described as “Auswärtige”.<br><br>The women‘s maiden names are usually given in the church records throughout their lives. However, they may be buried under their married or maiden name. Also, the record keeping conventions vary somewhat by region. <br><br>Surnames may be abbreviated. Also, there are many unusual forms of given names.
Whenever possible, events concerning citizens of the home parish that took place in other parishes are listed in the home parish as well. Hence, there may be separate sections in the parish register, which in the FamilySearch Catalog entries may be described as “Auswärtige”.<br><br>The women‘s maiden names are usually given in the church records throughout their lives. However, they may be buried under their married or maiden name. Also, the record keeping conventions vary somewhat by region. <br><br>Surnames may be abbreviated. Also, there are many unusual forms of given names.
===Content of Baptism Records===
===Content of Baptism Records===
*Name of child
*Name of child
*Baptism date
*Baptism date
*Parents names, possibly residence and occupation of father
*Parents names, possibly residence and occupation of father
*Witnesses names, possibly relationship, residence, and occupation
*Witnesses names, possibly relationship, residence, and occupation
===Content of Confirmation Records===
===Content of Confirmation Records===
*Date of confirmation
*Date of confirmation
*Name of pastor
*Name of pastor
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===Content of Marriage Records===
===Content of Marriage Records===
*Date of marriage
*Date of marriage
*Names of bride and groom, occupation and locality
*Names of bride and groom, occupation and locality
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===Content of Death Records===
===Content of Death Records===
*Dates of death and burial
*Dates of death and burial
*Name of deceased
*Name of deceased
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*Name of person performing funeral service
*Name of person performing funeral service
*Cause of death
*Cause of death
===Content of Family Register===
===Content of Family Register===
*Parents' names, birth dates, and birth places
*Parents' names, birth dates, and birth places
*Parents' marriage date
*Parents' marriage date
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==Locating the Records==
==Locating the Records==
===Online Databases===
===Online Databases===
*{{RecordSearch|1640373| Switzerland, Church Records, 1277-1992}}.  Images, no indexes. Incomplete.  
 
*{{RecordSearch|1790933| Switzerland, Church Book Extracts, 1550-1875}}  Images, no index. Incomplete.<br>  
*{{RecordSearch|1640373| Switzerland, Church Records, 1277-1992}}.  Images, no indexes. Incomplete.
*{{RecordSearch|1520585| Switzerland, Baptisms, 1491-1940}}. FamilySearch Historical Records.  Index. Incomplete.  
*{{RecordSearch|1790933| Switzerland, Church Book Extracts, 1550-1875}}  Images, no index. Incomplete.<br>
*[http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30090/switzerland-baptisms-1491-1940?s=218489221 Switzerland, Baptisms, 1491-1940.] MyHeritage.com, ($). Index. Incomplete.  
*{{RecordSearch|1520585| Switzerland, Baptisms, 1491-1940}}. FamilySearch Historical Records.  Index. Incomplete.
*[http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30090/switzerland-baptisms-1491-1940?s=218489221 Switzerland, Baptisms, 1491-1940.] MyHeritage.com, ($). Index. Incomplete.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60170 Switzerland, Baptisms, 1491-1940]. Ancestry.com, ($). Index. Incomplete.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60170 Switzerland, Baptisms, 1491-1940]. Ancestry.com, ($). Index. Incomplete.
*{{RecordSearch|1520589| Switzerland, Marriages, 1532-1910}}. FamilySearch Historical Records.  Index. Incomplete.  
*{{RecordSearch|1520589| Switzerland, Marriages, 1532-1910}}. FamilySearch Historical Records.  Index. Incomplete.
*[http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30093/switzerland-marriages-1532-1910?s=218489221 Switzerland, Marriages, 1532-1910]. My Heritage.com, ($). Index. Incomplete.
*[http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30093/switzerland-marriages-1532-1910?s=218489221 Switzerland, Marriages, 1532-1910]. My Heritage.com, ($). Index. Incomplete.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60174 Switzerland, Marriages, 1532-1910]. Ancestry.com, ($). Incomplete. Index.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60174 Switzerland, Marriages, 1532-1910]. Ancestry.com, ($). Incomplete. Index.
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*[http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30094/switzerland-burials-1613-1875?s=218489221 Switzerland Burials, 1613-1875], ($).  Index. Incomplete.
*[http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30094/switzerland-burials-1613-1875?s=218489221 Switzerland Burials, 1613-1875], ($).  Index. Incomplete.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60172 Switzerland Burials, 1613-1875]. Incomplete. Index. ($).<br><br>
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60172 Switzerland Burials, 1613-1875]. Incomplete. Index. ($).<br><br>
====Church Books by Canton====
====Church Books by Canton====
*[https://www.ar.ch/verwaltung/kantonskanzlei/staatsarchiv/kirchenbuecher-online/ Appenzell Ausserrhoden Church Records] online.  
 
*[https://www.baselland.ch/politik-und-behorden/besondere-behorden/staatsarchiv/archivbestande/Kirchenbuecher Canton Basel-Land Church Records]  
*[https://www.ar.ch/verwaltung/kantonskanzlei/staatsarchiv/kirchenbuecher-online/ Appenzell Ausserrhoden Church Records] online.
* [https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-KQQ2-67?owc=M593-T3D%3A125783101%3Fcc%3D1640373&wc=M59C-7MW%3A125783201%2C125783202%2C125782803%2C125837101&cc=1640373 Schweiz, Kirchenbücher, 1277-1992, Basel-Stadt], images.
*[https://www.baselland.ch/politik-und-behorden/besondere-behorden/staatsarchiv/archivbestande/Kirchenbuecher Canton Basel-Land Church Records]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-KQQ2-67?owc=M593-T3D%3A125783101%3Fcc%3D1640373&wc=M59C-7MW%3A125783201%2C125783202%2C125782803%2C125837101&cc=1640373 Schweiz, Kirchenbücher, 1277-1992, Basel-Stadt], images.
*[https://query.staatsarchiv.bs.ch/query/detail.aspx?ID=911899 Basel City Baptisms 1529-1869]
*[https://query.staatsarchiv.bs.ch/query/detail.aspx?ID=911899 Basel City Baptisms 1529-1869]
*[https://query.staatsarchiv.bs.ch/query/detail.aspx?ID=911905 Basel City Marriages through 1869]
*[https://query.staatsarchiv.bs.ch/query/detail.aspx?ID=911905 Basel City Marriages through 1869]
*[https://query.staatsarchiv.bs.ch/query/detail.aspx?ID=911906 Basel City Burials through 1869]
*[https://query.staatsarchiv.bs.ch/query/detail.aspx?ID=911906 Basel City Burials through 1869]
*[https://ge.ch/arvaegconsult/ws/consaeg/public/FICHE/AEGSearch Canton Genève Church Records and Civil Registration]  
*[https://ge.ch/arvaegconsult/ws/consaeg/public/FICHE/AEGSearch Canton Genève Church Records and Civil Registration]
*[http://kirchenbuecher.sh.ch/ Canton Schaffhausen Church Records]  
*[http://kirchenbuecher.sh.ch/ Canton Schaffhausen Church Records]
*[https://scope.ur.ch/scopeQuery/archivplansuche.aspx?ID=2147 Staatsarchiv Uri], families researched in church records.
*[https://scope.ur.ch/scopeQuery/archivplansuche.aspx?ID=2147 Staatsarchiv Uri], families researched in church records.
*[http://suche.staatsarchiv.djiktzh.ch/volltextsuche.aspx Kanton Zürich marriage index, early-1700].
*[http://suche.staatsarchiv.djiktzh.ch/volltextsuche.aspx Kanton Zürich marriage index, early-1700].
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Several parish records have been microfilmed and are currently being digitized.  Eventually, all of them will be digitized, so check back frequently.
Several parish records have been microfilmed and are currently being digitized.  Eventually, all of them will be digitized, so check back frequently.
Instructions:<br>
Instructions:<br>
#Click on this link for the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=148&query=%2Bplace%3ASwitzerland Switzerland FamilySearch Catalog.]
#Click on this link for the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=148&query=%2Bplace%3ASwitzerland Switzerland FamilySearch Catalog.]
#A list "Places within Switzerland" will open. Click on the appropriate canton.
#A list "Places within Switzerland" will open. Click on the appropriate canton.
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|-
|-
|These letter writing guides will help you write to local parishes in the appropriate language:
|These letter writing guides will help you write to local parishes in the appropriate language:
*[[Germany Letter Writing Guide]]
*[[Germany Letter Writing Guide]]
*[[Italy Letter Writing Guide]]
*[[Italy Letter Writing Guide]]
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==Reading the Records==
==Reading the Records==
*'''Reading German Handwritten Records'''
*'''Reading German Handwritten Records'''
**[https://www.familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/38 Lesson 1: Kurrent Letters]
**[https://www.familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/38 Lesson 1: Kurrent Letters]
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**[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/375 Part 1]
**[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/375 Part 1]
**[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/377 Part 2]
**[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/377 Part 2]
**[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/426 Part 3 (German Church and Civil Records)]
**[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/426 Part 3 (German Church and Civil Records)]
*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/84 '''Reading French Handwritten Records''']
*[https://familysearch.org/ask/learningViewer/84 '''Reading French Handwritten Records''']
**Lesson 1: The French Alphabet
**Lesson 1: The French Alphabet
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==Search Strategy==
==Search Strategy==
This search strategy will help you determine what to write for. Limit tour requests to just one of these steps at a time. Once you have established that the parish is cooperative and perhaps more willing to do more extensive research (for a fee), you might be able to ask them for more at a time.
This search strategy will help you determine what to write for. Limit tour requests to just one of these steps at a time. Once you have established that the parish is cooperative and perhaps more willing to do more extensive research (for a fee), you might be able to ask them for more at a time.
*Search for the relative or ancestor you selected.  
 
*When you find his birth record, search for the births of his '''brothers and sisters'''.  
*Search for the relative or ancestor you selected.
*Next, search for the '''marriage of his parents.''' The marriage record will have information that will often help you find the birth records of the parents.  
*When you find his birth record, search for the births of his '''brothers and sisters'''.
*You can '''estimate the ages''' of the parents and determine a birth year to search for their birth records.  
*Next, search for the '''marriage of his parents.''' The marriage record will have information that will often help you find the birth records of the parents.
*You can '''estimate the ages''' of the parents and determine a birth year to search for their birth records.
*Search the death registers for all known family members.
*Search the death registers for all known family members.
*Repeat this process for both the father and the mother, starting with their birth records, then their siblings' births, then their parents' marriages, and so on.  
*Repeat this process for both the father and the mother, starting with their birth records, then their siblings' births, then their parents' marriages, and so on.
*If earlier generations (parents, grandparents, etc.) do not appear in the records, search neighboring parishes.
*If earlier generations (parents, grandparents, etc.) do not appear in the records, search neighboring parishes.


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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Switzerland]]
[[Category:Switzerland]]
[[Category:Switzerland_Church_Records]] [[Category:Church_Records_by_Country]]
[[Category:Switzerland_Church_Records]]  
[[Category:Church_Records_by_Country]]

Revision as of 20:08, 21 April 2020

Switzerland Wiki Topics
Switzerlandflag.gif
Beginning Research
Record Types
Switzerland Background
Local Research Resources
Moderator

The FamilySearch moderator for Switzerland is Daniel Jones.

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

Definition[edit | edit source]

Church records are often called church books or churches books or parish registers. They contain records of births, baptisms, marriages, deaths and burials. In addition, church records can contain financial account books, (the record charges for toll bells, fees for masses for the dead, and so on), lists of confirmation, lists protected persons, lists of foreigners, and the family register.

Coverage[edit | edit source]

Time[edit | edit source]

Protestants first required the recording of baptisms and marriages in 1525; Catholics in 1563 at the Council of Trent. However, many of the early church records have been lost. The records can be written in German, Latin, French, Italian, or Romantsch.

Denominations[edit | edit source]

Generally church records exist for the following denominations:

  • Reformed (Reformierte Kirche/Eglise réformée) 1525-
  • Roman Catholic (Katholische Kirche/Eglise catholique) 1565 (1481)-
  • Swiss Baptist/Mennonite (Wiedertäufer, Mennoniten/Eglise baptiste, Eglise mennonite) 1622-
  • Brethren (Brüder/Herrnhuter) 1661-
  • Jews (Jüdische Gemeinde/Congrégation Juive) 1759-
  • Free Churches (Freie Kirchen) 1817-
  • Russian Orthodox Church (Russisch-Orthodoxe Kirche) 1817-
  • Methodists (Methodisten) 1856-
  • Christian Catholic (Christkatholische Kirche) 1872-

Other churches in Switzerland prior to 1900: Seventh-day Adventists (Adventisten vom 7. Tag), Swedenborgian (Schwedenborgianer), Anglicans (Anglikaner), Society for Propagation of the Gospel (Gesellschaft zur Ausbreitung des Evangeliums), Scottish Presbyterian Church (Schottische Presbyterianer Kirche)[1]

Information in the Records[edit | edit source]

Types of church records:[edit | edit source]

  • Baptisms, marriages, burials, confirmations
  • Lists of communicants
  • Family registers (soul registers)
  • Lists of ministers in the parish
  • Church council minutes
  • Notations about those who have fallen away, i.e. Anabaptists
  • Church censuses, membership lists
  • Church consistory minutes
  • Annual masses for the dead

Notes[edit | edit source]

Whenever possible, events concerning citizens of the home parish that took place in other parishes are listed in the home parish as well. Hence, there may be separate sections in the parish register, which in the FamilySearch Catalog entries may be described as “Auswärtige”.

The women‘s maiden names are usually given in the church records throughout their lives. However, they may be buried under their married or maiden name. Also, the record keeping conventions vary somewhat by region.

Surnames may be abbreviated. Also, there are many unusual forms of given names.

Content of Baptism Records[edit | edit source]

  • Name of child
  • Baptism date
  • Parents names, possibly residence and occupation of father
  • Witnesses names, possibly relationship, residence, and occupation

Content of Confirmation Records[edit | edit source]

  • Date of confirmation
  • Name of pastor
  • Name of confirmed person
  • Residence
  • Birth date

Content of Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

  • Date of marriage
  • Names of bride and groom, occupation and locality
  • Residence and notations
  • Emigration notation

Content of Death Records[edit | edit source]

  • Dates of death and burial
  • Name of deceased
  • Home place
  • Age in years, months, and days
  • Name of person performing funeral service
  • Cause of death

Content of Family Register[edit | edit source]

  • Parents' names, birth dates, and birth places
  • Parents' marriage date
  • Children's names and birth dates
  • Children's marriage dates and spouse names

Locating the Records[edit | edit source]

Online Databases[edit | edit source]

Church Books by Canton[edit | edit source]

Microfilmed/Digitized Records[edit | edit source]

Several parish records have been microfilmed and are currently being digitized. Eventually, all of them will be digitized, so check back frequently. Instructions:

  1. Click on this link for the Switzerland FamilySearch Catalog.
  2. A list "Places within Switzerland" will open. Click on the appropriate canton.
  3. Open the list of places within the canton. Select your town.
  4. A list of record categories will open up. Click on "Church records".
  5. A list of available records will appear. Click on the record title you are interested in searching.
  6. Scroll down to the list of microfilm numbers. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the microfilm listed for the record. FHL icons.png. The magnifying glass indicates that the microfilm 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 microfilm.

Writing for Records[edit | edit source]

These letter writing guides will help you write to local parishes in the appropriate language:

Language Map of Switzerland[edit | edit source]

SW Locator Map Switzerland Languages.png

Reading the Records[edit | edit source]

Search Strategy[edit | edit source]

This search strategy will help you determine what to write for. Limit tour requests to just one of these steps at a time. Once you have established that the parish is cooperative and perhaps more willing to do more extensive research (for a fee), you might be able to ask them for more at a time.

  • Search for the relative or ancestor you selected.
  • When you find his birth record, search for the births of his brothers and sisters.
  • Next, search for the marriage of his parents. The marriage record will have information that will often help you find the birth records of the parents.
  • You can estimate the ages of the parents and determine a birth year to search for their birth records.
  • Search the death registers for all known family members.
  • Repeat this process for both the father and the mother, starting with their birth records, then their siblings' births, then their parents' marriages, and so on.
  • If earlier generations (parents, grandparents, etc.) do not appear in the records, search neighboring parishes.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: Switzerland,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1984-1998.

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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