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Vital Statistics compiled a series of card catalogues which are now available at the Public Archives and Records Office (PARO). The first index includes records prior to 1886, while the second index dates from 1886 to approximately 1923. In response to the great demand for access to these records, PARO has developed a Baptismal Index. Records from the pre-1886 index have been entered into the database, while data entry for the 1886 to ca. 1923 records is ongoing. |
What information is available in the PEI Baptismal Index?
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The church records documented in the PEI Baptismal Index include such denominations as Anglican, Roman Catholic,
Presbyterian, Free Church of Scotland, United Church, and Methodist. The earliest records are from St. Paul’s
Anglican Church in Charlottetown and begin in 1777. However, the majority of the records date from 1830 on.
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Records contained in the PEI Baptismal Index generally include such information as the child's name, date of
birth and baptism, place of birth and baptism, father's and mother's (usually maiden) name, and reference to
the church record from which the information was abstracted.
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Why are records for a particular individual not available in the Index?
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Unfortunately, many church records have been destroyed through fire or flood, or have otherwise disappeared
over the years so a record of a particular individual’s baptism may not still exist. Also, denominations like
Baptists and Bible Christians practised adult baptism or believer’s baptism and did not keep records of the
actual birth dates of the individuals.
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Is it possible to obtain a copy of a baptismal certificate?
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The Public Archives cannot issue baptismal certificates. PARO does have copies of a number of church records on microfilm descriptions of some of these records are available through Archives PEI, the Archives Council of Prince Edward Island’s database of archival descriptions). The location of some church records, however, is unknown. If the original church record is available at PARO, a copy print of a baptismal record can be ordered through the Individual Results page of the Baptismal Index (the charge is $5.00 plus taxes in Canadian funds). Please note that the Public Archives cannot provide copies of Roman Catholic records after 1900. |
Are the church records available through other sources?
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Although the Public Archives of Prince Edward Island does not participate in any interlibrary loan service,
certain church records are available through interlibrary loan from other sources including Libraries and Archives
Canada and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
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Where are other birth records located?
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| Records of birth following the introduction of the civil registry on Prince Edward Island in 1906 are held by the Office of Vital Statistics Services. Users are asked to please contact that office directly for information about obtaining a birth certificate.
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Vital Statistics Services
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Department of Health and Social Services
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126 Douses Road |
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P.O. Box 3000
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Montague, PE C0A 1R0
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This information has been taken from www.gov.pe.ca