Genealogy Chat

Hi a few times now I have come across parish baptism records which state ' recieved into the church'. In one case there is a baptism date and then a later date with this comment. Is there any difference or is it just the way it has been worded?? Thanks Ronnie

I've had a few of these too, but when the baptism was private. So the baby was baptised privately (ie at home) and then 'received into church' when they first were taken to the church. All the private baptisms I have were very shortly after birth, so I guess the baby might have been expected not to live. nell

Sometimes an infant is born sickly and unlikely to survive, in these instances anyone can baptise them, if it has not been done by a Cleric and they survive, they are received into the Church at a later date. Jennifer

My understanding of it is that sometimes a baby was really sickly when born and not expected to live - and so was privately baptised in the home. Later, if it survived, it was received into the church.

Thanks everyone for that - it makes sense. Also on this subject does this mean that a private baptism was not made in church, as I have seen this where a particular husband and wife had private baptisms for all of their children?? Cheers Ronnie

Veronica A child could be baptised anywhere, by any member of the Church of England, in an emergency. Sometimes posh people had all their children baptised at home even if there was nothing wrong with the child, so the hoi polloi couldnt come and gawk - they presumably paid the Vicar well for this little courtesy. OC

I have one.... Born 19 May 1879, baptised 27 November 1879, privately received into church 21 July 1889!!! Does anyone know why? It doesn't seem to fit the above explanations. Chris

'Received into the church' could mean confirmation.

re private baptisms- mine were mariners and labourers, but seems to be a family tradition. I don't know about Chris's 10 year gap though. Thanks to all who have replied.. it is clearer now Cheers Ronnie

I have two 'private baptisms' - it was a lady who had two children illegitimately by a man 3 times her age - a wealthy local farmer. I always assumed it was because he didnt want to shout about it too much. They never married and when he popped his clogs she went on to shack up with a man twice her age again. She was the only one of that family of ag labs who left a will with plenty of dosh and belongings to share out.