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Archiver > SCT-ISLEOFMULL > 2004-07 > 1091215903


From: "Les HORN" <>
Subject: Re: OPR Iona?
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 20:31:43 +0100
References: <002d01c471da$367716c0$ee378b90@joeld>


Joy wrote :

>Can anyone tell me what it means on the
>Mull Birth Index when it says "OPR Iona"?
>I found a birth entry for John MacInnes on
>the 19th Jan 1843 - Father: Dugald and
>Mother: Mary McDonald. Underneath it
>says OPR Iona. I am not sure what this means.
>Also would a birth certificate from that time give
>me any information?

Prior to 1855, when the recording of births, marriages and deaths (bmd's) was formalised, no certificates were issued. However, by an Act of the Church of Scotland each Parish was required to keep Parochial Records; although not all did and some only made a half hard attempt at it. These records, or I should say most of these records are held in Edinburgh - some went missing for one reason or another.

The records are now known as the OPRs [Old Parish/Parochial Records] and it is from these that the LDS [Latter day Saints/Morman's] created their IGI [International Genealogical Index]. Howeverm there are gaps in this eg only female births recorded. The IGI and OPRs and Censuses, also microfilmed, are available at the local LDS centre. In many areas in the UK the local (reference) library holds these for its catchment area.

One failing of the IGI is that it does not say where someone lived at the time the entry was made. Reference to the actual OPR, or it's microfilm, gives this information - useful when you get 2 possibilities at the same time within the same Parish. It also helps narrow down the which Parish when the IGI entry onlr refers to a United Parish by name.

Although I said above 'no certificates were issued' I do have a copy of what amounts to a Baptismal Certificate signed by the Session Clark and the Minister. On the back is recorded the marriage and burial again both signed by the Session Clark and the Minister. It is however the only one I've seen. Although, it is quite common nowadays for the Minister to endorse the baptism on the back of the Birth Certificate.

Just one point - John McInnes was born 19th June 1843 and not 19th Jan 1843.

Hope this is of some help.
Best Wishes
Les


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