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Ireland Presbyterian Church Records (view source)
Revision as of 19:00, 11 November 2020
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[[Image:Presbyterian Church in Ireland 1.jpg|thumb|right|132x193px|Presbyterian Church in Ireland 1.jpg]] | [[Image:Presbyterian Church in Ireland 1.jpg|thumb|right|132x193px|Presbyterian Church in Ireland 1.jpg]] | ||
== Online Resources == | ==Online Resources== | ||
*[https://churchrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/ Ireland Church Records] at IrishGenealogy.ie | *[https://churchrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/ Ireland Church Records] at IrishGenealogy.ie | ||
*[http://rootsireland.ie/ifhf/search.php Search All Ireland Records] at RootsIreland.ie ($) | *[http://rootsireland.ie/ifhf/search.php Search All Ireland Records] at RootsIreland.ie ($) | ||
*[https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-births-and-baptisms Ireland, Non-Conformist Births & Baptisms] ($) | *[https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-births-and-baptisms Ireland, Non-Conformist Births & Baptisms] ($) | ||
*[https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-marriages Ireland, Non-Conformist Marriages] ($) | *[https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-marriages Ireland, Non-Conformist Marriages] ($) | ||
*[https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-burials Ireland, Non-Conformist Burials] ($) | *[https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/ireland-non-conformist-burials Ireland, Non-Conformist Burials] ($) | ||
*[https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Guide_to_church_records.pdf PRONI: A Guide to Church Records] (see p. 37-38 for church history) | *[https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Guide_to_church_records.pdf PRONI: A Guide to Church Records] (see p. 37-38 for church history) | ||
*[https://churchrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/ Irish Genealogy] | *[https://churchrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/ Irish Genealogy] | ||
== Introduction | ==Introduction== | ||
In 1605 Scottish Presbyterians began a massive migration into Northern Ireland. In the 1700s and early 1800s several groups split off from the Presbyterian Church. These congregations kept their own records. Most congregations started keeping records in the early 1800s. | In 1605 Scottish Presbyterians began a massive migration into Northern Ireland. In the 1700s and early 1800s several groups split off from the Presbyterian Church. These congregations kept their own records. Most congregations started keeping records in the early 1800s. | ||
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Records kept by Presbyterian ministers include birth, baptism, and marriage records. These records are similar in content to Church of Ireland records except that mothers' maiden names are often given in the birth and baptism records. | Records kept by Presbyterian ministers include birth, baptism, and marriage records. These records are similar in content to Church of Ireland records except that mothers' maiden names are often given in the birth and baptism records. | ||
== Key Historical Dates | ==Key Historical Dates== | ||
*1559 John Knox brings to Scotland the teachings of the Protestant Reformation started by Martin Luther and developed by John Calvin. | *1559 John Knox brings to Scotland the teachings of the Protestant Reformation started by Martin Luther and developed by John Calvin. | ||
*1600 Presbyterian ministers are required to swear an oath to the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of Ireland. Refusal can result in being refused the right to minister. | *1600 Presbyterian ministers are required to swear an oath to the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of Ireland. Refusal can result in being refused the right to minister. | ||
*1608- Plantation of Ulster. As a result of religious persecution in Scotland, | *1608- Plantation of Ulster. As a result of religious persecution in Scotland, | ||
*1610 Scottish emigration to Ireland begins with the settlement of the newly planted counties in Ulster. | *1610 Scottish emigration to Ireland begins with the settlement of the newly planted counties in Ulster. | ||
*1643 Presbyterian Covenant to establish and defend Presbyterianism. | *1643 Presbyterian Covenant to establish and defend Presbyterianism. | ||
*1691 Presbyterian ministers are to have a degree to be ordained to the ministry. Most are educated at the universities in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland. | *1691 Presbyterian ministers are to have a degree to be ordained to the ministry. Most are educated at the universities in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland. | ||
*1660 Over 100,000 Presbyterians have settled in Ireland. | *1660 Over 100,000 Presbyterians have settled in Ireland. | ||
*1690’s The Synod of Ulster and the Synod of Munster are formed near the end of the 17thC. | *1690’s The Synod of Ulster and the Synod of Munster are formed near the end of the 17thC. | ||
*1708 130 Presbyterian congregations are established throughout Ireland, but predominately in Counties Antrim and Down. Internal disagreements in the Presbyterian Church lead to the establishment of the... | *1708 130 Presbyterian congregations are established throughout Ireland, but predominately in Counties Antrim and Down. Internal disagreements in the Presbyterian Church lead to the establishment of the... | ||
*1726 “Non-subscribing” Presbyterians. The Southern Association is formed. | *1726 “Non-subscribing” Presbyterians. The Southern Association is formed. | ||
*1740’s Emigration to North America by Scots-Irish is significant. | *1740’s Emigration to North America by Scots-Irish is significant. | ||
*1740’s Major division in the Presbyterian Church resulting in the formation of the “Seceders.” They form their own ecclesiastical council – the Secession Synod. | *1740’s Major division in the Presbyterian Church resulting in the formation of the “Seceders.” They form their own ecclesiastical council – the Secession Synod. | ||
*1744 First Church of Seceders opens near Templepatrick, County Down, Ireland. | *1744 First Church of Seceders opens near Templepatrick, County Down, Ireland. | ||
*1750’s Seceders divide into Burgers and Anti-burghers over the issue of the Burgess Oath in Scotland that would allow them to sit on town councils, but the issue has little relevance in Ireland. | *1750’s Seceders divide into Burgers and Anti-burghers over the issue of the Burgess Oath in Scotland that would allow them to sit on town councils, but the issue has little relevance in Ireland. | ||
*1760’s Reformed Presbyterians or Covenanters split off due to their strict interpretation to uphold the Covenant of 1643. Split leads to “First” and “Second” Presbyterian churches in some areas. | *1760’s Reformed Presbyterians or Covenanters split off due to their strict interpretation to uphold the Covenant of 1643. Split leads to “First” and “Second” Presbyterian churches in some areas. | ||
*1770’s Another wave of emigration to North America by the Scots-Irish. | *1770’s Another wave of emigration to North America by the Scots-Irish. | ||
*1782 Marriages performed by Presbyterian ministers are legalized. | *1782 Marriages performed by Presbyterian ministers are legalized. | ||
*1798 Presbyterians take an active role in the rebellion to free themselves from British control. | *1798 Presbyterians take an active role in the rebellion to free themselves from British control. | ||
*1814 Establishment of the Belfast Academical Institute. Most Presbyterian ministers in Ireland are now educated here. | *1814 Establishment of the Belfast Academical Institute. Most Presbyterian ministers in Ireland are now educated here. | ||
*1819 Presbyterian ministers are required to keep a register of baptisms and marriages. | *1819 Presbyterian ministers are required to keep a register of baptisms and marriages. | ||
*1840 The Synod of Ulster, which was the main governing assembly in Ireland joins the Secession Synod. Together, they form the “General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.” | *1840 The Synod of Ulster, which was the main governing assembly in Ireland joins the Secession Synod. Together, they form the “General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.” | ||
*1844 Marriage Act of 1844 (effective April 1845) legalizes marriages between a member of the Church of Ireland and a Presbyterian. The effect is the start of a formation of a “Protestant alliance.” All Presbyterian marriages are registered in the General Register Office with those of the Church of Ireland. | *1844 Marriage Act of 1844 (effective April 1845) legalizes marriages between a member of the Church of Ireland and a Presbyterian. The effect is the start of a formation of a “Protestant alliance.” All Presbyterian marriages are registered in the General Register Office with those of the Church of Ireland. | ||
*1850’s Presbyterians in Ireland number 650,000 with 433 congregations. | *1850’s Presbyterians in Ireland number 650,000 with 433 congregations. | ||
== Types of Records | ==Types of Records== | ||
The following records provide the most vital information. | The following records provide the most vital information. | ||
=== Baptisms === | ===Baptisms=== | ||
These give the name of child, names of parents, usually the mother’s maiden name, date of birth, names of sponsors and the address (townland) of the parents. In the Presbyterian Church, the baptisms did not always closely follow the birth. This may have been due to a lack of diligence on the part of the minister or it may have reflected a lack of money to have the ceremony performed. | These give the name of child, names of parents, usually the mother’s maiden name, date of birth, names of sponsors and the address (townland) of the parents. In the Presbyterian Church, the baptisms did not always closely follow the birth. This may have been due to a lack of diligence on the part of the minister or it may have reflected a lack of money to have the ceremony performed. | ||
=== Marriages === | ===Marriages=== | ||
These list the name of the bride and groom, usually at least the father of the bride and sometimes the groom, date of marriage. After 1819, the names of two witnesses and the congregation of residence for the bride and groom were also required. The Presbyterian Church required prior notice of the intended marriage so some record of the event may appear in the Kirk Session Minute book even though the marriage registers may not exist. Although all marriages were to be performed in the church, it was common practice among the Presbyterians to marry in the bride’s home with the payment of a fee to the minister. Marriage in the home may have also generated a Marriage License Bond, the indexes of which still exist. Researchers should also check the Church of Ireland registers prior to 1782 on in instances where a Presbyterian married a member of the Church of Ireland prior to 1845. After the Marriage Act of 1844, marriages were to be performed with “open doors” before a district registrar. The completeness of the marriage records greatly increases. | These list the name of the bride and groom, usually at least the father of the bride and sometimes the groom, date of marriage. After 1819, the names of two witnesses and the congregation of residence for the bride and groom were also required. The Presbyterian Church required prior notice of the intended marriage so some record of the event may appear in the Kirk Session Minute book even though the marriage registers may not exist. Although all marriages were to be performed in the church, it was common practice among the Presbyterians to marry in the bride’s home with the payment of a fee to the minister. Marriage in the home may have also generated a Marriage License Bond, the indexes of which still exist. Researchers should also check the Church of Ireland registers prior to 1782 on in instances where a Presbyterian married a member of the Church of Ireland prior to 1845. After the Marriage Act of 1844, marriages were to be performed with “open doors” before a district registrar. The completeness of the marriage records greatly increases. | ||
=== Burials === | ===Burials=== | ||
These usually list only the name of the deceased and sometimes an age are recorded. In the more complete registers you may find the names of parents for a child and/or a townland of residence and occupation. Many Presbyterians are buried in Church of Ireland graveyards since the laws prevented non Church of Ireland congregations from maintaining their own graveyards. Prior to the 19th century, dissenting ministers were not allowed to perform burials unless a Church of Ireland rector was present. | These usually list only the name of the deceased and sometimes an age are recorded. In the more complete registers you may find the names of parents for a child and/or a townland of residence and occupation. Many Presbyterians are buried in Church of Ireland graveyards since the laws prevented non Church of Ireland congregations from maintaining their own graveyards. Prior to the 19th century, dissenting ministers were not allowed to perform burials unless a Church of Ireland rector was present. | ||
== Other Types of Records | ==Other Types of Records== | ||
'''Session Minutes''' | '''Session Minutes''' | ||
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There are a number of lists of individuals who received communion at each Sabbath meeting. In some instances, remarks about births, marriages, or deaths may be included. | There are a number of lists of individuals who received communion at each Sabbath meeting. In some instances, remarks about births, marriages, or deaths may be included. | ||
== Locating Presbyterian Church Records | ==Locating Presbyterian Church Records== | ||
'''Writing for Information''' | '''Writing for Information''' | ||
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The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) at http://www.proni.gov.uk/ has microfilm or paper copies of most of the Presbyterian registers for Northern Ireland and for the counties of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan. For a list of PRONI's collection of Presbyterian records, see James G. Ryan, ed., ''Irish Church Records'' referenced above. A list of the records on microfilm is found in PRONI's online 'Presbyterian Church Index.' | The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) at http://www.proni.gov.uk/ has microfilm or paper copies of most of the Presbyterian registers for Northern Ireland and for the counties of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan. For a list of PRONI's collection of Presbyterian records, see James G. Ryan, ed., ''Irish Church Records'' referenced above. A list of the records on microfilm is found in PRONI's online 'Presbyterian Church Index.' | ||
If you get a permission letter from the local minister, PRONI will make a copy of the film for you for a reasonable cost. See | If you get a permission letter from the local minister, PRONI will make a copy of the film for you for a reasonable cost. See '''http://www.proni.gov.uk/index_to_presbyterian_records-2.pdf'''. This is only available for Presbyterian church records on film. | ||
The [http://www.presbyterianireland.org/phsi/ Presbyterian Historical Society] has copies of some of the Presbyterian and seceding Presbyterian records for Northern Ireland. The society's holdings are not complete. To determine which records the society possesses, contact the society. | The [http://www.presbyterianireland.org/phsi/ Presbyterian Historical Society] has copies of some of the Presbyterian and seceding Presbyterian records for Northern Ireland. The society's holdings are not complete. To determine which records the society possesses, contact the society. | ||
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The Family History Library has only a few Presbyterian Church records. | The Family History Library has only a few Presbyterian Church records. | ||
#Go to the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/search '''FamilySearch Catalog'''] | #Go to the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/search '''FamilySearch Catalog'''] | ||
#Click on the '''Place Name '''search. | #Click on the '''Place Name '''search. | ||
#Type the name of a parish or congregation and click '''Search'''. | #Type the name of a parish or congregation and click '''Search'''. | ||
#Select the place name that matches your request. | #Select the place name that matches your request. | ||
#Select the topic '''Church Records'''. | #Select the topic '''Church Records'''. | ||
#Select a title. | #Select a title. | ||
#Scroll down to'''Film Notes''' to find the film numbers. | #Scroll down to '''Film Notes''' to find the film numbers. | ||
== Selected Bibliography | ==Selected Bibliography== | ||
1. Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. ''An Irish Genealogical Source: Guide to Church Records''. Belfast: Public Record Office, Northern Ireland, 1994. [Gives details of the Presbyterian Church records available on microfilm at PRONI.] | 1. Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. ''An Irish Genealogical Source: Guide to Church Records''. Belfast: Public Record Office, Northern Ireland, 1994. [Gives details of the Presbyterian Church records available on microfilm at PRONI.] | ||