Quebec Church Records
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Historical Background
Roman Catholic
- The largest religious group in Québec is the Roman Catholic Church. The first Catholic parish register was for Notre-Dame de Québec, founded in 1621.
- From 1679 to 1993, most vital records for Québec were copies of church records. The province required churches to send copies to government archives.
- On 1 January 1994, the government began to keep separate vital records.
- Vital records could be registered civilly without a church record as early as 1926. Beginning in the 1960s, many births and marriages were recorded only in civil registers.
Protestant
- The earliest Protestant records are from 1766, when the Church of England (Anglican) parishes were founded in Montréal. Presbyterian records date from 1770 in the city of Québec and 1779 in Montréal. Other non-Catholic groups came later.
- Protestant church records are not as extensive as the Catholic records. Clergy of legally recognized Protestant groups were required to send duplicate copies of their church records to the civil archives. They did not always do it.
- Also, baptisms and marriages performed by some non-Catholic clergy were not recognized by civil authorities until 1825 or later. Beginning in 1825, the registers of various denominations were "authenticated" (given legal authority) by the legislative assembly.
- Many Protestant registers contain less information than the Catholic records. For example, many marriage records do not list the parents of the bride or groom.
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.
Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local family history center or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Online databases are incomplete. This can lead to two common errors:
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FamilySearch
- 1621-1979 - Quebec, Catholic parish registers, 1621-1979 Index only and images. List of parishes and links to images
- 1642-1967 - Quebec index to civil copy of church records, 1642-1902, digitized, browsable index.
- 1763-1967 - Quebec, non-Catholic parish registers, 1763-1967, images only. List of parishes and links to images
- 1662-1898 - Quebec Births and Baptisms, 1662-1898 Index only. Incomplete.
- 1661-1959 - Canada, Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959 Index only.
- 1661-1949 - Canada, Marriages, 1661-1949 Index only.
- 1664-1955 - Canada Deaths and Burials, 1664-1955 Index only.
Methodist
- 1828-1910 - Canada, Wesleyan Methodist Baptismal Register, 1828-1910, index, ($)
University of Montreal
The Drouin Collection
- 1695-1954 - Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954 ($) (Ancestry).
- 1757-1946 - Acadia, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1757-1946], index and images, ($)
- The Drouin Collection has six databases:
- Quebec Vital and Church Records, 1621-1967
- Ontario French Catholic Church Records, 1747-1967
- Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954
- Acadia French Catholic Church Records, 1670-1946
- Quebec Notarial Records, 1647-1942
- Miscellaneous French Records, 1651-1941.
- For details about this six databases, see The Drouin Collection: Six Databases.
- The Drouin Collection has six databases:
Loiselle Card Index
- Loiselle card index to many marriages of the province of Quebec and adjacent areas Loiselle, Antonin. This source usually lists the names of the bride and groom, their parents’ names, and the date and place of their marriage. The index is arranged roughly in alphabetical order. This index lists more than a million marriages. It covers about 70 percent of Québec Catholic marriages to 1900, with a few as late as the 1960s. It also includes a few parishes outside Québec where there were large settlements of French Canadians
- Supplement to Loiselle card index to many marriages of the province of Quebec and adjacent areasLoiselle, Antonin. This supplement to the Loiselle index adds many more marriages and covers the Ottawa River valley area of Ontario and Quebec. This is a supplement to the original Loiselle Index. It extends the original geographical coverage to the Montréal region, the Ottawa River Valley in both Québec and Ontario, and to a few parishes in western Canada.
- Instructions for using the Loiselle Marriage Index
Jacques-Henri Fabien Collection
- 1657-1974 - Jacques-Henri Fabien Collection This collection of microfilm consists of genealogical information over the period 1657 to 1974, distributed on more than 250,000 cards, mostly for marriages, that indicate date and place, names of spouses and their parents. The collection includes parishes in the Outaouais region of Québec and Ontario, some parishes in Eastern and Northern Ontario, counties of Pontiac, Vaudreuil, Châteauguay, Huntingdon, Beauharnois, l'Assomption, Laval, Deux-Montagnes and Argenteuil, in Quebec.
Other Marriage Indexes
- 1670-1964 - "Index to Marriages of Québec and Adjacent Areas 1670–1964". Rivest, Lucien. It lists 230,000 Catholic marriages in 13 counties northwest and northeast of Montréal, alphabetical by the bride's maiden surname.
- "Mariages de Québec (Marriages of Québec)". It lists Catholic marriages to 1970 in the Eastern Townships region southeast of Montréal. It is alphabetical by the groom's name.
Online Indexes
- BMS2000 ($)
- Groupe BMS2000, is a cooperative project for pooling genealogical data from 24 genealogical societies in Quebec and its immediate surroundings. A common database of baptism, marriage and burial records of 14 million records makes this pooling concrete. To this imposing index are grafted the images of the acts of the parish registers of Quebec. This last part, started a few years ago, is being completed by volunteers from genealogical societies of Quebec.
- In the 2017 version, the count of indexed acts is as follows:
- Baptisms: 7,013,523 files
- Weddings: 3,666,101 records
- Burials: 3,254,463 files
- There is a charge for consulting the BMS2000 database.[1]
- The acronym PRDH corresponds to the Historical Demography Research Program of the University of Montreal, as of 1966, gave itself the mandate to exhaustively reconstitute the population of ancient Quebec since the beginning of French colonization in the 17th century. The achievement of this objective takes the form of a computerized population register, made up of the biographical files of all individuals of European origin who have lived in the St. Lawrence Valley. This database represents the ultimate reference for any genealogical research which takes place between the beginnings of New France and 1800. It is the most complete database that a genealogist should consult. The images of the acts of parish registers are matched with the indexes of the database. There is a charge for consulting the PRDH database.Cite error: The opening
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- The acronym PRDH corresponds to the Historical Demography Research Program of the University of Montreal, as of 1966, gave itself the mandate to exhaustively reconstitute the population of ancient Quebec since the beginning of French colonization in the 17th century. The achievement of this objective takes the form of a computerized population register, made up of the biographical files of all individuals of European origin who have lived in the St. Lawrence Valley. This database represents the ultimate reference for any genealogical research which takes place between the beginnings of New France and 1800. It is the most complete database that a genealogist should consult. The images of the acts of parish registers are matched with the indexes of the database. There is a charge for consulting the PRDH database.Cite error: The opening
Canadian Research Knowledge Network
In 2018, CRKN merged with Canadiana.org, an organization dedicated to the preservation and access of Canada’s documentary heritage since 1978.
Canadian Research Knowledge Network
411 - 11 Holland Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K1Y 4S1
Canada
Phone:(613)907.-7040
Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog.
- The Family History Library (FHL) has microfilmed and/or digitized records for churches in the Canada.
- Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under Québec, the county, or a town.
- Because the churches gave copies of their records to the government for civil registration, search under both thhe "Church records" and "Civil registration" topics.
- 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 Family History Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.
- To find records:
- a. Click on the records of Canada, Québec.
- b. Click on the "Church records" and "Civil registration" topics. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
- c. Or, click on Places within Canada, Québec at the top of the page, and a list of provinces will appear.
- d. Click on your province.
- e. Click on the "Church records" and "Civil registration" topics. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
- f. Next, click on Places within Canada, Québec, [COUNTY] and a list of towns will appear.
- g. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village.
- h. Click on the "Church records" and "Civil registration" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
- i. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the listing for the record.
. 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.
- Broadhurst, R. Neil. "A Checklist of Registers of Protestant and Jewish Congregations in Québec". Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Kintracers, 1994. See WorldCat to locate a copy.
- "Guide des registres d'état civil du Québec = Guide to Quebec's Parishes and Civil Registers 1621–1993". Fortin, Francine. See WorldCat to locate a copy.
- Parish town guide to the province of Quebec
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-$40) for their time and effort to help you would be appropriate.
- If the church has a website, you may be able to e-mail a message.
- See the French Letter Writing Guide for help with composing letters.
Addresses
- Canadian Church Directory
- The Catholic Directory Enter the province, town, or parish name to narrow down the results.
Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.
Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to digitized, online records offered by the archives. Some archives provide research services for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a researcher.
National Archives of Québec: Catholic and Protestant Records
National Archives of Québec (Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec--BAnQ
535, avenue Viger Est
Montreal (Quebec) H2L 2P3
Canada
Telephone: 514 873-1100 or 1 800 363-9028 or 514 873-1101 extension 6260
Fax: 514 873-2980
E-mail:archives.montreal@banq.qc.ca
Branch Addresses
- Genealogy at BAnQ
- Genealogy Resources
- Search Engine
- Ask a Question
- Civil Status Registers Remember these were created by copies of church records.
- Before 1900 can be requested. Application forms are available at any regional branch.
- Send the completed form to the branch holding the records: Branch Addresses.
- 1695-1954 - Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954 ($) (Ancestry).
University of Montreal: Catholic and Protestant Records
University of Montreal Archives
- Quebec and French Canadian Genealogy Database is a paid subscription service that allows users to instantly search all registers. The university (for research into demography) has each person numbered and all appearances of each individual (subject, witness, parent, child, etc.) are linked together. This is a database only. While it is based on parish and other original records, it does not have links to those original records. A number of burials for individuals dying after 1799 have been added to this database. Generally these are individuals born before about 1750.
Anglican Church of Canada
For the Anglican Diocese of Québec
Archives and Special Collections
Bishop's University
31 rue des Jardins
Québec QC
CANADA G1R 4L5
Phone: 418-692-3858
- The University Archives are stored off-site; arrangements must be made with the archivist prior to your visit.
Archives of the Anglican Church of Canada
The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada
80 Hayden Street
Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2
Canada
Phone: (416) 924-9192
- Directory for Canadian Anglican Archives across the country, including General Synod archives and archives for dioceses and ecclesiastical provinces. Contains contact information and chief archivist for each. Each Diocesan archives is responsible for retaining records created by the respective diocese and they also hold the historical parish records for each diocese which includes the parish birth, marriage and death records. Where noted some archival records are accessible at the local university or provincial archives. Genealogical enquiries requiring baptismal, marriage, or burial parish registers need to be addressed to the diocese in which the event took place. If you don’t know what diocese the event took place e-mail the General Synod Archives at archives@national.anglican.ca
- Parish Registers Inquiry Form Send to the diocese where the baptism, marriage, or burial took place.
Baptist Records
The Canadian Baptist Archives
McMaster Divinity College
1280 :Main Street West Room 152
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 :
CANADA
Fax: 905-577-4782
Phone: (905) 525-9140 :x23511 or x23512
- Several hundred Baptist congregations have deposited their original records in the Archives, which also contains the official records of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec, Union d’Eglises Baptist Francaises au Canada, and other organizations.
- Genealogical Research Policy (1 August 2020): Genealogical researchers have found the Canadian Baptist Archives (CBA) to be of assistance in accessing important information about family members. Genealogical researchers are always welcome to come and use the archives in person at no cost. Before researchers arrive at the archives, the archivist can provide upon request a list of material that may be relevant to their research. All other information relating to fees and services can be found on the Fees Information web page. Starting September 1, 2011, due to our limited hours of operation, the CBA will no longer perform genealogical research for patrons. Patrons that cannot come to the archives in person will need to hire a professional researcher to do this work for them.
Lutheran Records
Wilfrid Laurier University Archives and Special Collections
75 University Avenue West
Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5
Canada
Phone:519.884.0710 x3906
E-mail:libarch@wlu.ca
- Catalog
- The Archives holds the records of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (and predecessors) and also the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (and predecessors). Holdings include the records of hundreds of Lutheran congregations across Canada.
Presbyterian Church Records
Once the largest Christian denomination in English-speaking Canada, in 1925 some 70 per cent of its congregations joined with the Methodist Church, Canada and the Congregationalist Union to form the United Church of Canada. [2]
- A few pre-1925 Presbyterian records are available through the Presbyterian Church in Canada:
- Presbyterian Church in Canada Archives
50 Wynford& Drive
Toronto, ON M3C 1J7
Canada
416-441-1111 ext. 310
- Presbyterian Church in Canada Archives
- Most Presbyterian records are at archives of the United Church of Canada.
- United Church of Canada Archives
40 Oak Street
Toronto, ON M5A 2C6
Canada
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 1101
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 1101
Fax: 416-231-3103 attn: Archives
E-mail: archives@united-church.ca
- United Church of Canada Archives
- The Québec-Sherbrooke Presbytery Records
Montréal-Ottawa Conference of the United Church of Canada
Bishop's University
31 rue des Jardins
Québec QC
CANADA G1R 4L5
418-692-3858
United Church of Canada
United Church records include Methodist, most Presbyterian, and Congregational church records dating from before the 1925 merger which formed the church. Many records are still in the hands of local clergymen. Others are at:
United Church of Canada Archives
40 Oak Street
Toronto, ON M5A 2C6
Canada
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 1101
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 1101
Fax: 416-231-3103 attn: Archives
E-mail: archives@united-church.ca
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
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.
It's easier than you think! You do not have to be fluent in French to use these records, as there is only a limited vocabulary used in them. By learning a few key phrases, you will be able to read them adequately. Here are some resources for learning to read French records.
During the reign of Napoleon, a different calendar was used. You will want to translate the dates written in these records back to normal Julian calendar dates. Charts in this article will help you:
Also, see:
- Alsace-Lorraine: Converting French Republican Calendar Dates - Instruction
There is a three-lesson course in reading handwriting in old French records:
- Reading French Handwritten Records Lesson 1: The French Alphabet,
- Reading French Handwritten Records Lesson 2: Key Words and Phrases
- Reading French Handwritten Records Lesson 3: Reading French Records
These lessons focus on reading church record and civil registration records:
Another resource is the French Records Extraction Manual, Full Manual. Much more is covered, but these first four lessons are especially useful.
- Chapter 1: OLD FRENCH RECORDS
- Chapter 2: PARISH CHRISTENING AND CIVIL BIRTH ENTRIES
- Chapter 3: MARRIAGE ENTRIES
- Chapter 4: OTHER ENTRIES
- Chapter 5: FRENCH HANDWRITING AND SPELLING
Some Catholic Church records will be written in Latin:
- ↑ "Genealogy in 8 Lessons", at Quebec Federation off Genealogical Societies, http://federationgenealogie.qc.ca/guide-ressources/8-lecons, accessed 17 October 2020.
- ↑ "Presbyterian Church in Canada", in Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_in_Canada, accessed 26 July 2020.