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Remember, not all of this information will always be there, especially the names of witnesses and the place/date of birth. The main date on the record will be that of the baptism, not the birth. Most baptism records do not have a birth date.  
Remember, not all of this information will always be there, especially the names of witnesses and the place/date of birth. The main date on the record will be that of the baptism, not the birth. Most baptism records do not have a birth date.  


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=== Examples ===
== How to find your ancestor in the Netherlands church records in 5 steps ==
 
These steps will guide you in finding your ancestor in the christening records
 
'''Step 1. Find the parish when your ancestor was baptized'''
 
Read the later sections of the article about where the find Netherlands Church records both on- and off- line.
 
When looking for your ancestor's christening or baptism record, remember:
 
*Christening records are usually arranged chronologically. Sometimes they are arranged by the first letter of the given name and then chronologically for each letter.
*Christening records may be intermixed with marriage or burial records.
*Separate indexes to the christening records often exist.
 
If you don't know which parish your ancestor lived in, look for a marriage or death record of that person to see if the birthplace was mentioned. If not, then see if there are 'membership' (lidmaten) records available and look for the 'incoming' or 'outgoing' members and that will tell you where they came from. If that person, however, moved into the parish at a young age, you may have to look for a family with the same name.
 
'''Step 2. Find the entry for your ancestor.'''
 
Look for the last name, then look for the given name.
 
If you do not know the names of your ancestor's parents, you may have to check further to make sure you find the correct entry:
 
Find the entries for all the children with the same given name and last name as your ancestor. Start with the year when you think your ancestor was born. Then check the entries for five years before and five years after. You may find several entries for children with the same name but with different parents. Take into account the patronymic (father's given name) naming conventions as appropriate. Eliminate the entries that contradict what you know about your ancestor. Check death records to see if any of the children died before your ancestor did. Check marriage records to see if any of the children married someone other than your ancestor's spouse (but remember that your ancestor may have married more than once). Christening records of all churches except the Mennonite Church will be for infants, unless otherwise indicated. Mennonite Church christenings will only be for adults. Try to make sure the christening entry is of your direct line ancestor. Because names are so common, you must be sure you have the correct entry. For more help in finding the record entry, see Tip 1.
 
''Tip 1. How do I find the entry of my ancestor?'' Look for the Latinized name. In different areas of the Netherlands and at different times, people sometimes Latinized their surnames. A person born and christened under the Dutch name of "Bakker," for example, may have later married and had children under the name "Pistorius," which was the Latin form of Bakker.
 
For help with name variations, see [[The Netherlands Genealogy|The Netherlands]].
 
For help in reading the record entry, see Tip 2.
 
''Tip 2. What if I can't read the record?'' Catholic church records are usually written in Latin, and most Protestant church records are written in Dutch. The language used in the record may also be affected by:
 
The language of bordering countries. The invasion by foreign countries. The movement of ethnic groups into the Netherlands, such as the French Huguenots.
 
For publications that can help you read the languages, see [[Latin Genealogical Word List]], [[Netherlands Language and Languages]], [[French Wordlist]], [[Netherlands Handwriting]], and [[Germany Handwriting]].
 
For help in verifying that you have the correct record entry, see Tip 3.
 
''Tip 3. How do I verify the christening of my direct-line ancestor?''
 
Often more than one family in a parish has the same family name. Because the same children's given names are used in every family, several children with the same given and family names could be christened within a few years of each other. To identify the correct direct-line ancestor and his or her parents:
 
*Check 5 years on each side of the supposed christening year, and copy the entry of every child with the same given name and surname as the ancestor.
*If one or more entries exist, check church burial records to eliminate those entries of children who died before your ancestor.
*If burial records do not exist or you are not able to eliminate all of the possible entries, check marriage records to eliminate those who married someone other than your ancestor's spouse.
*If you still cannot eliminate 2 or more possibilities, trace all lines to see if they go back to a common ancestor. Then continue research back from the common ancestor.
*Be aware that Dutch parents usually named their first four children after their own parents, and other children after their brothers and sisters. Knowing about this naming practice is especially helpful when you are trying to identify those people that did not have fixed surnames (that is, they were identified by their father's given name, such as Peter Janssen).
*If you eliminate all the possibilities, check the surrounding parishes, and repeat the above process until you find the christening entry for your ancestor.
 
'''Step 3. Find the entries for each brother and sister of your ancestor.'''
 
Once you have the entry for your ancestor, find the entries for your ancestor's brothers and sisters:
 
Search the christening records for entries of your ancestor's brothers and sisters. Search local death records or the christening records from surrounding parishes, especially if there are gaps of 3 or more years between the christening of siblings. Gaps of 3 or more years may indicate there was another child. To make sure you have found entries of all the family members, search death records and christening records of surrounding parishes for any additional children. Search for children born before the parents' marriage. Children may have been christened under the mother's maiden name. Sometimes the father's name is not given.
 
For help in finding the entries for the ancestor's brothers and sisters, see Tip 4.
 
''Tip 4. How do I find the record for each brother and sister?'' Remember, within the family, one or more children may have the same given name(s).
 
When more than one set of parents has the same given names and surnames (for example two John and Mary Smiths), use the following identifiers and records to separate the families:
 
*The place of residence of the family.
*The father's occupation.
*The witnesses or godparents.
*Other sources like census, probate and Orphans' Chamber records that list family members as a group.
 
'''Step 4. Copy the information, and document your sources.'''
 
If you can, copy the information on a flashdrive/thumbdrive, a cd or straight to a file on your own computer. If that is not possible you can also photocopy the record. If you can't, be sure to copy all the information in the entry either on paper or to the notes with your family group record, including:
 
*All the people listed and their relationships to each other. (Remember, witnesses are often relatives.)
*All the dates in the entry and the events they pertain to. (Sometimes birth, and death information pertaining to the child may be included. The minister may use symbols such as + for death.) Be sure to look for additional dates in the entry's margin.
*All the localities in the entry and who was from the places listed.
 
On the copy, document where the information came from. List:
 
*The type of source (a paper certificate, a microform, a book, an Internet site, etc.).
*All reference numbers for the source. Carefully record any microfilm, book, or certificate numbers or the name and Internet address of the site you used.
 
'''Step 5. Analyze the information you obtain from the christening record.'''
 
To effectively use the information from the christening record, ask yourself the following questions:
 
Is this the christening entry of my direct line ancestor? Because names are so common, you must be sure you have the correct record.
 
*Did the minister identify both parents, and is the mother's maiden name given?
*Were additional event dates, such as death, given in the entry's margin? (The minister may use symbols such as + for death.)
*Did more than 3 years pass since the christening of the last child? If so, another child may have been born and christened in a neighboring parish or born and died before it could be christened.
*Did you search 5 years without finding any earlier christening entries of children? If you find no other entries, then begin looking for the parents' marriage record.
 
For help in verifying that you have the correct record entry, see Tip 3.
 
=== Here are some examples ===


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In most areas, every marriage was required to be registered in the Dutch Reformed Church or at the Court, regardless of the religion of the bride and groom. Only afterwards could they marry in the religion of their choice. Some Catholics married only in the Dutch Reformed Church or court, and not in the Catholic church. Thus you may find multiple marriage records for a single couple.  
In most areas, every marriage was required to be registered in the Dutch Reformed Church or at the Court, regardless of the religion of the bride and groom. Only afterwards could they marry in the religion of their choice. Some Catholics married only in the Dutch Reformed Church or court, and not in the Catholic church. Thus you may find multiple marriage records for a single couple.  


<br> The following information may be found in a pre-1811 marriage entry:  
The following information may be found in a pre-1811 marriage entry:  


*The names of the bride and groom  
*The names of the bride and groom  
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*The date of the marriage proclamations or banns.  
*The date of the marriage proclamations or banns.  
*The names of previous spouses.
*The names of previous spouses.
*If the groom was a member of the military, the regiment or name of the commanding officer.


In later registers, especially after 1794, the following may be recorded.  
In later registers, especially after 1794, the following may be recorded.  
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Catholic marriage registers tend to be very simplistic, often containing only names.  
Catholic marriage registers tend to be very simplistic, often containing only names.  


=== 4 Steps  ===
These 4 steps will guide you in finding your ancestor in the Netherlands church records.
'''Step 1. Find the year of your ancestor's marriage record.'''
To find the marriage records available at the library, look in the FamilySearch Catalog. Go to What to Do Next, select the FamilySearch Catalog, and click on the tab for Town Records to see if your ancestor's parish is listed.
When looking for your ancestors' marriage record, remember:
*Marriage records are usually arranged chronologically.
*Marriage records may be intermixed with christening or burial records.
*Separate indexes to the marriage records often exist.
'''Step 2. Find the entry for your ancestor.''' Look for the last name. Then look for the given name.
You may have to check further to make sure you find the correct entry:
*If the entry gives the ages of the bride and groom, they should be compatible with their ages at death or on census or other records.
For more help in finding the record entry, see:
''Tip 1.''
Look for the Latinized name. In different areas of the Netherlands and at different times, people sometimes Latinized their surnames. A person born and christened under the Dutch name of "Bakker," for example, may have later married and had children under the name "Pistorius," which was the Latin form of Baker. For help in reading the record entry, see:
''Tip 2.''
Catholic Church records are usually written in Latin, and most Protestant church records are written in Dutch. The language used in the record may also be affected by:
*The language of bordering countries.
*The invasion by foreign countries.
*The movement of ethnic groups into the Netherlands, such as the French Huguenots.
For help in verifying that you have the correct record entry, see:
''Tip 3.''
Often more than one family in a parish has the same family name. Because the same children's given names are used in every family, several children with the same given and family names could be married within a few years of each other. To identify the correct direct-line ancestor and his or her parents:
*Check 5 years before and after the birth of the first child.
*If one or more entries exist, check church burial records to eliminate those entries of couples that died before or after your ancestor.
*If you eliminate all the possibilities, check the surrounding parishes, and repeat the above process until you find the marriage entry for your ancestors.
'''Step 3. Copy the information, and document your sources.'''
If you can, photocopy the record. If you can't, be sure to copy all the information in the entry, including:
All the people listed and their relationships to each other. (Remember, witnesses are often relatives.) All the dates in the entry and the events they pertain to. Be sure to look for additional dates in the entry's margin. All the localities in the entry and who was from the places listed.
On the copy, document where the information came from. List:
*The type of source (a paper certificate, a microform, a book, an Internet site, etc.).
*All reference numbers for the source. Carefully record any microfilm, book, or certificate numbers or the name and Internet address of the site you used.
'''Step 4. Analyze the information you obtain from the marriage record.'''


To effectively use the information from the marriage record, ask yourself the following question:
=== Marriage Supplements [''Trouwbijlagen''] ===


Is this the marriage entry of my direct line ancestors? Because names are so common, you must be sure you have the correct record.  
Especially after 1794 there may be marriage supplements. These will contain evidence of deaths of former spouses and the names of parents(for parental consent). Other information may be found.  


Marriage entries for soldiers usually only give the name of the commander or company that the groom was in. To locate the groom’s birthplace, consult the military service records. See the "[[Netherlands Military Records|Military Records]]" section for more information.


Sometimes different religions are mentioned in the church records. As the Netherlands was a seafaring nation, as well as professing freedom of religion, many people from other countries settled in the Netherlands and formed their own churches, often in different languages. Not always did these churches see eye to eye and couples who wanted to get married, but not in their spouses-to-be faith often were married by civil authorities. You may also find their marriage recorded in their own church. For additional help, see the "[[Netherlands Public Records|Public Records]]" section.
=== Marriage Tax [''Impost op Trouwen''] ===


In the province of Holland a tax on marriages was imposed from 1695 to 1805. If you do not locate your ancestor’s marriage in any other source, look in the marriage tax records. See the "[[Netherlands Taxation|Taxation]]" section for more information.  
In the province of Holland a tax on marriages was imposed from 1695 to 1805. If you do not locate your ancestor’s marriage in any other source, look in the marriage tax records. See the "[[Netherlands Taxation|Taxation]]" section for more information.  
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=== Marriage Banns [''Ondertrouw''].  ===
=== Marriage Banns [''Ondertrouw''].  ===


In addition to the actual marriage registers, many churches in the Netherlands kept records of marriage intentions. These records are called&nbsp; 'marriage banns'. Often the marriage intention date and marriage date are recorded in the same register.  
In addition to the actual marriage registers, many churches in the Netherlands kept records of marriage intentions. These records are called 'marriage banns'. Often the marriage intention date and marriage date are recorded in the same register.  


Marriage registers sometimes give the three dates on which intended marriages were announced (either read out loud or posted in church). These announcements, called banns, gave other community members a chance to object to the marriage, if necessary.  
Marriage registers sometimes give the three dates on which intended marriages were announced (either read out loud or posted in church). These announcements, called banns, gave other community members a chance to object to the marriage, if necessary.  
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*The tax paid, which was determined by their wealth and ability to pay
*The tax paid, which was determined by their wealth and ability to pay


Some records, especially later records after 1795 may contain  
Some records, especially later records after 1794 may contain  


*Cause of death  
*Cause of death  
*Place of residence or death
*Place of residence or death
 
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Church account books [''kerkrekeningen''] often give details about burials.  
Church account books [''kerkrekeningen''] often give details about burials.  
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Essentially all Netherlands Church records from before 1811 are now online. This section gives instructions on where to find them and how to search them.  
Essentially all Netherlands Church records from before 1811 are now online. This section gives instructions on where to find them and how to search them.  
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=== Online Indexes  ===
=== Online Indexes  ===
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Also on this wiki are the articles pertaining to the actual Record Collections on FamilySearch.  
Also on this wiki are the articles pertaining to the actual Record Collections on FamilySearch.  
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=== Records at the Family History Library  ===
=== Records at the Family History Library  ===
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NETHERLANDS, [PROVINCE] – CHURCH RECORDS – INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS  
NETHERLANDS, [PROVINCE] – CHURCH RECORDS – INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS  
 
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=== Gazetters  ===
=== Gazetters  ===
Church records were kept at the local parish of the church. The term parish refers to the jurisdiction of a church minister. Parishes are local congregations that may have included many neighboring villages in their boundaries.


To use church records, you must know both your ancestor’s religion and the town where he or she lived.  
To use church records, you must know both your ancestor’s religion and the town where he or she lived.  
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A small village that did not have its own church was usually assigned to a parish in a nearby larger town. Consequently, your ancestor may have lived in one village but belonged to a parish in another town. This is particularly true of Roman Catholic parishes. In predominant Dutch Reformed Church areas, Roman Catholic records include people for a wide area.  
A small village that did not have its own church was usually assigned to a parish in a nearby larger town. Consequently, your ancestor may have lived in one village but belonged to a parish in another town. This is particularly true of Roman Catholic parishes. In predominant Dutch Reformed Church areas, Roman Catholic records include people for a wide area.  


The FamilySearch Catalog refers to parishes by the town in which the parish church was located, unless there was more than one church in the town. In large cities there may be many parishes for each religion. Church buildings were often named for saints, so the catalog uses the church name such as St. John to distinguish between different parishes in the same city.


== Search Strategies and Tips  ==
== Search Strategies and Tips  ==
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*Names in Catholic records will be Latinised, especially first names. For example Hendrik Bakker may become Hendricus Pistorius.
*Names in Catholic records will be Latinised, especially first names. For example Hendrik Bakker may become Hendricus Pistorius.


*Remember that some names are very common(e.g. Jan Jansz). Don't assume that just because their names are the same that they are the same people. If their are multiple people born around the same time that you cannot distinguish, use these tips:
*Remember that some names are very common(e.g. Jan Jansz). Don't assume that just because their names are the same that they are the same people. If their are multiple people born around the same time that you cannot distinguish, use these tips:  
*Look at the names of their parents and their mothers maiden name.
*Look at the names of their parents and their mothers maiden name
 
 


*Look at the names of the witnesses to their marriages and the baptisms of their children. These are often siblings.
*Look at the names of the witnesses to their marriages and the baptisms of their children. These are often siblings.


 
*Look at burial records to see if any of them died as a baby or child  
 
*Look at burial records to see if any of them died as a baby or child
*Sometimes Baptisms and Marriages were recorded in the same book
*Sometimes Baptisms and Marriages were recorded in the same book


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*Gaps between children tend to be 12-24 months while the women is young, but stretch out to as much as every 5 years when she is older.
*Gaps between children tend to be 12-24 months while the women is young, but stretch out to as much as every 5 years when she is older.


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*Be aware of naming traditions. The first son should be names after the father's father and the first daughter after the mothers mother. The second son and second daughter should be named after the other two grandparents


== Search Strategies  ==
*Unless two of the grandparents had the same name, two siblings alive at the same time should not have the same given name. If two children in a family received the same name, it probably means the elder died.


Effective use of church records includes the following strategies in addition to the general strategies:
*Always search for all the siblings in a family so that you can use the above two points and for the witnesses/godparents who were usually relatives.


*Search for the ancestor you selected in step two. When you find his or her birth record, search for the births of the person’s brothers and sisters.  
*Be sure you know where you get information from. Note down the precise church. Note the number of the book(RBS number) and the name of the parish.  
*Search for the marriage record of his or her parents. The marriage record will often lead to the birth records of the parents. Marriage records usually give the birthplace or the place of residence and marital status. Some records like the Amsterdam marriage intentions are more informative.
*Estimate the ages of the parents, and search for their birth records.
*Use the above three strategies for both the father and the mother.
*If earlier generations are not in the record you are using, search neighboring towns and other denominations.
*Search the burial registers for all family members.


[[Category:Netherlands]] [[Category:Church_records_by_Country]]
[[Category:Netherlands]] [[Category:Church_records_by_Country]]
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