Puerto Rico Church Records and Indexes

Introduction

Puerto Rico Church Records and Indexes. In 2012, I led a team of volunteers that worked tirelessly to compile an index of all the towns in Puerto Rico for the Civil registration records. Regrettably, as we were nearing completion of the project, FamilySearch introduced new images that disrupted the sequence of all image numbers, prompting us to halt the project. However, I resolved to reconstruct the index a few years ago, beginning with the Parish Records. Once this phase is complete, I will proceed to the Civil Registration records.

If you’re looking to navigate through the vast amount of parish records for Puerto Rico that FamilySearch has digitized, this section provides a helpful guide. While there are other websites that provide indexes, my website offers additional information that could come in handy during your research. It’s much more thorough, precise, and comprehensive than other options available.

What my Website Offers

My website offers a comprehensive index and additional information beyond what’s available on FamilySearch. It can be immensely valuable for genealogists and researchers to have access to a resource that not only provides image numbers but also indexes various documents and includes observations about the books and additional records.

These records date back to the 17th century and include documents from the 18th century, making them a treasure trove for anyone interested in Puerto Rican genealogy and history. My website has filled an important gap in the research community by providing a more detailed and user-friendly approach to accessing these records.

Please let me know if there are any specific aspects or features of my website that you’d like me to highlight or if you have any further insights or information to share about Puerto Rico Church Records and Indexes. Our combined efforts are undoubtedly making a significant contribution to genealogical research in this area.

FamilySearch

It’s unfortunate that not all records were filmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as FamilySearch. There were certain jurisdictions, like Arecibo, that they didn’t have access to. Additionally, some parish books weren’t available at the filming location. Nevertheless, I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any questions or if there’s anything else I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to email me.

Welcome to Online Research

It’s incredible how much easier it is to trace our family history now that we have access to books and records spanning several generations. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for our ancestors to track down this information without the help of modern technology. Finding everything we’re looking for can still be challenging, even with all the available resources. But we should be grateful for what we have access to. I’ve heard stories from people who had to do all their research in person, and it sounds like a daunting task that could take years to complete.

What is on my Website

I am currently researching the municipalities that were once part of Coamo. Over several centuries, thirteen towns were annexed to Coamo. However, to be more thorough, I have decided to analyze all the filmed church books, as many of our ancestors migrated to various parts of the island. This approach ensures that we leave no stone unturned, as we never know where we might find a long-lost ancestor. Please note that the links provided on this website are direct links to Family Search. If any of these links are broken or have been moved, please don’t hesitate to inform me, as I am committed to keeping this page updated and accurate.

Research Tips for Puerto Rico Church Records and Indexes

When researching your family tree, it’s essential to explore all avenues. If you can’t find your direct ancestor, try looking for siblings. This can help you break down brick walls and advance your research. Don’t just limit your search to baptism books, either. Look for your ancestors in marriage, death, or confirmation books.

Please pay attention to the person who registered your ancestor, as they could be the father of a child born out of wedlock. Godparents and witnesses can also provide valuable clues. In fact, selecting godparents was often a family affair. You may notice a pattern where grandparents or siblings are chosen as godparents. By observing these patterns, you may be able to break down even more brick walls.

Jurisdiction of Arecibo

Arecibo is one of the jurisdictions that have not allowed FamilySearch to film their church records. Sadly, many people cannot advance their research for this reason. If you are one of the fortunate ones, you may be able to get permission to view the books, but that is a long shot. You will need special permission. Sadly, the church is not allowing its books to be reviewed. Hopefully, that will change one day.

What is available for Puerto Rico Church Records and Indexes

Although there are many books not available to review, don’t despair. Fortunately, there are transcriptions available that can be accessed from the Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía, SPG. In addition, they have a digital library with many transcriptions donated to them.

To access those records, you must have a paid membership with the society. In addition, the SPG has many books for sale in various towns they have transcribed. These books include census records, baptisms, marriages, and burials. This is just an example of what they have to review. In addition, they have a research center with films unavailable online. You will need to visit the center once it is open again. Unfortunately, it is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, I have indicated what is available for you to access here on this website. As I informed you, my main focus is the towns that made up Coamo in the 18th century. Unfortunately, the limited resources I see online are riddled with errors and not visually appealing. In addition, some books need to be accounted for. Nevertheless, I did my best to review all the books. This will be an excellent resource for your investigation.

If you see a town italicized, that church book is unavailable for online viewing. However, some transcriptions may be available. In addition, if you see an asterisk next to a town, please look at the notes.

Final Thoughts on Parish Records

A book may be available if there isn’t a breakdown for the town you research. I have provided that link below. If there is a transcription, I have made it available for you. These are not my transcriptions but those of a group of volunteers who have allowed me to share them with you.

Please scroll below to “Additional Notes.” It provides relevant information about a few towns. In addition to this breakdown of church films, I include my investigations of families in Puerto Rico. Over twenty-plus articles and photos have been published on their genealogy. Finally, I have over two hundred family trees that I will eventually upload to this website. Good Luck!

Municipalities of Puerto Rico – Church Records and Indexes

• Only those shown in red have a link associated with the town. If it is in black, it is not available. Likewise, if you see the font in italics, it means it does not exist or is unavailable.
• The following towns are under the jurisdiction of Arecibo. They are not available online: Añasco, Arecibo, Barceloneta, Cabo Rojo, Camuy, Canóvanas, Ciales, Corozal, Florida, Hatillo, Homrigueros, Isabela, Lajas, Lares, Las Marías, Manatí, Maricao, Moca, Morovis, Orocovis (nonexistent, all lost), Quebradillas, Rincón, Sabana Grande, San germán, San Sebastián, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja.
• When there is a transcription donated, it will be included.
• You can also check if censuses are available (see Censo de la Riqueza Article.)
• Pending: San Francisco*, San Matheo*(Transcriptions Available, see San Juan), and Santurce* will be under San Juan. San Juan (Nuestra Señora de Remedios) is complete.

Adjuntas	Aguada	Aguadilla	Aguas Buenas	Aibonito	Arroyo
Barranquitas	Bayamón	Cabo Rojo**	Caguas	Carolina	Cataño
Cayey	Ceiba	Cidra	Coamo	Comerío	Culebra
Dorado	Fajardo	Guánica	Guayama	Guayanilla	Guaynabo
Gurabo	Humacao	Jayuya	Juana Díaz	Juncos	Las Piedras
Loíza**	Luquillo	Maunabo	Mayagüez**	Naguabo	Naranjito
Patillas	Peñuelas	Ponce	Río Grande	Rio Piedras	Salinas
San Juan	San Lorenzo	Santa Isabel	Toa Alta	Toa Baja	Trujillo Alto*
Trujillo Bajo	Vieques	Villalba	Yabucoa	Yauco

PARISH RECORDS NOT FILMED

• If you see a town below with a link, some information may assist in your research.

Añasco	Ciales	Lajas	Moca	San Germán
Arecibo	Corozal	Lares	Morovis	San Sebastián
Barceloneta	Florida	Las Marías	Orocovis**	Utuado*
Cabo Rojo**	Hatillo*	Manatí	Quebradillas	Vega Alta
Camuy	Hormigueros	Maricao	Rincón	Vega Baja
Canóvanas	Isabela*	Mayagüez**	Sabana Grande

Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía, SPG

• *Books available to purchase that are not available in the Church Records and Indexes section

The Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía, SPG, Inc., has many books available. They are helpful when no church records are available to review. These consist of transcriptions of original documents; therefore, I strongly suggest you purchase them. Let me know if you have any questions about them, as I have the information I could email you.

If you decide to become a member, you will have access to their website, and they offer two magazines per calendar year called the Hereditas. These magazines provide excellent information on families. You can also purchase past issues—worth the membership. In addition, they offer individual and family membership (two per household.) They also have many transcriptions and documents that can assist your research. In addition, they offer workshops that could help you with your research, much more than what I can offer here. It is worth the small fee they charge to become a member. 

BOOKS FOR SALE

• Click here and go to the Kiosk section. www.genealogiapr.com

• Hatillo Vol. XI Population Census of 1897, with additional information about the town.
• Census of Isabela, Vol. VII, 1830.
• Trujillo Alto, Books 1, 2, and 3 of burials. It’s a transcription that covers the years between 1816 through 1855.
• Utuado Vol. X, Third Book of Baptisms,1792 through 1804.

**Additional Notes/Transcriptions/Resources

• Cabo Rojo: I wanted to share some information about Cabo Rojo with you. I recently learned about a gentleman named César Zapata Lozada, who has a blog and has written two books available for purchase on Amazon. These books cover the Baptisms for 1814-1820 and 1820-1824. If you’re interested in learning more about the area’s history, I highly recommend checking them out! Here’s the link: https://genus-meridiem-pr.blogspot.com/
• You can search for his books on Amazon by name. His blogs reference plenty of families he has investigated. It is worth checking out. UPDATE Nov. 19, 2022-The book “Familias de Cabo Rojo” by Ursula Acosta and David Cuesta is available online, see the link above, under Cabo Rojo)
• LOíza: Transcriptions available.
• Orocovis: I have some important information regarding church records before 1885 to share with you. Unfortunately, these records no longer exist due to natural disasters. However, I was able to obtain a few documents from before 1885. Transcribing these records will take some time, but I am happy to assist anyone who needs it. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
• MAYAGÜEZ: Transcriptions for Baptisms, PARROQUIA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA CANDELARIA CATEDRAL DE MAYAGÜEZ, PUERTO RICO, LIBRO 6A DE BAUTISMOS 1800-1802, Provided by Ivette Izquierdo, 2022.

Sources for Church Records and Indexes:

• FamilySearch Church Records and Indexes
• Icons for images provided by Family tree icons created by Freepik

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