Mormons, also known as the members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have strong beliefs on the importance of Mormon Genealogy. They value genealogy on a high level and through the church; they believe that every Mormon ever lived should have the option to be baptized, proper marriage, and even an endowment. Therefore, their ancestry is important, especially since some never had the opportunity. Mormons establish an arrangement for their ancestors since they never experienced it. Mormon religion clearly believes that even after death, the Mormon spirit has the right to accept Jesus Christ and still learn the gospel. The ordinances mentioned are conducted in a temple in which someone stands in for the ancestor chosen. As mentioned previously, the church ordinances are sacred; established for all Mormons to have the opportunity whether living or dead. Therefore, Mormon Genealogy is vital to the beliefs of the Mormons.
What Exactly Is Mormon Geneology?
Mormon Genealogy is known as the tracing of Mormons and the history behind them. Typically, the research is done through historical records, but they also utilize other records necessary to obtain the information needed. Family History Centers (FHCs) are one of the other resources utilized in Mormon Genealogy. There are almost 5,000 centers in 88 countries, providing many different resources on Mormon Genealogy and history. Modern technology has certainly played a significant role on making it easier to research Mormon ancestors. Most FHCs have computers which contain historical data. This modern day technology project continues to expand as well as continue to grow with information. Using FHCs is completely free and provide Mormons with an unsurpassable amount of information for their research. FHCs carry millions of microfiche, microfilms, and books on Mormon Ancestry.
So How Are Mormon Genealogy Records Obtained?
Mormon Genealogy records are typically obtained in several different ways. This includes many Mormon missionaries who gather primary records and other people that volunteer to submit names of members from the family. Originally, people submitting names had to fill out papers and charts. Aside from those sources, governmental records are obtained and inputted into the system. Following all sources and their data, the information is transcribed and indexed by both Mormon and non-Mormon volunteers. With modern day technology, it is all done on a computer. Once, spending endless hours in microfiches was an inconvenience and very time consuming. With modern day technology, it is now more convenient when researching Mormon Genealogy.
Mormon Genealogy Records Include:
• Names
• Birth records
• Death records
• Marriage and christening records
• Census records
• Land records
• Probate records
• Wills
• Town Records
• County Records
• Immigration records
• Church records
• Names of submitters
• Other genealogical records
Another method in obtaining records includes volunteers who search for tax records, immigration records, military records, parish records, and even census info. Usually, pictures are taken and then transferred to computer databases verses creating microfiches in the past. From there, the data is sent to numerous locations, but master records are reported to be kept in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Mormon Family History Library.
As mentioned earlier, Mormon faith believes that even the dead can be baptized to the faith of Jesus Christ. Many Mormons search Mormon Genealogy records to find dead ancestors who never experienced the restored Mormon Gospel. They believe that dead ancestors shall have the opportunity to be baptized and that all can be together in the after-life. By having someone act as a proxy and sit in their place for a baptism at one of their holy temples, they believe they are serving the members of the afterlife with a holy tradition. LDSs (Latter-day Saints) believe that Mormon Genealogy is essential to the journey of blessing the afterlife. Also, they feel they are strengthening the eternal family of Mormons, while saving their souls through Jesus Christ.