The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) Genealogy Records

rish research is made infinitely easier by the very existence of the Family History Library (FHL), created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also known as Mormons). The amount of reference material available through your local FHC (local branch of the FHL) is truly staggering. Five million genealogical records on individual families, and over thirty three million index cards plus one of the most active and comprehensive microfilming programs ever known to the world have made the Family History Library a genealogist's Mecca. Photographers are filming daily in locations the world over. Nearly half a million rolls of microfilm have been accumulated and several thousand new rolls are processed each month. Both microfilm and microfiche are available to the researcher on a rental basis almost literally in his or her own backyard.

The church's interest in genealogy stems from their belief that "Ordinances for the Dead" are a necessary part of providing the gospels for the spirits as a means of salvation. It is therefore incumbent on church members not only to save their own souls through the gospels, but also, by tracing their ancestors, to provide salvation for the dead. The church has micro-film copies of birth, marriage, and death records for the whole of Ireland.

As I ended my third visit to my nearest FHC, I was disillusioned, disheartened and thoroughly confused. It took several months before I realized that it was not the responsibility of the volunteer staff to teach me how to use and understand their collection. That responsibility was my own. Volunteers are people who come in all shapes and sizes and have varying degrees of knowledge. Because of the enormity of the collection available through the FHCs, it would be impossible for any volunteer to have a thorough knowledge of the entire collection. So, if you have decided that your curiosity about your Irish ancestors must be satisfied, your first step will be to learn about the Library itself.

LDS Church Library Records

The International Genealogical Index(IGI)
Family History Library Catalogue(FHLC)
Subject Catalogue
This is an accumulation of about 30,000 surnames which are listed in various books available through the FHL at Salt Lake City. I spent a considerable amount of time attempting to track down specific Parliamentary Papers which I had been unable to locate. The Subject Catalogue gave me all the information I needed in order to order the records.
Indefinite Loan Collection
Author/Title Catalogue
If you are aware of a specific book that has been published but are unable to locate it or if you find a book of interest with no film number listed, this is the catalogue to check. This Catalogue will be found in the same file cabinet as the IGI and Locality Catalogue since it is on microfiche, too. Please be aware that the microfilm and fiche versions of books listed in any of the Indexes in the Family History Library Catalogue are not available through the Family History Centers UNLESS a film number is also listed in the FHLC.
Surname Index
Within the Surname Index, you will find well over 30,000 titles on file. Where surnames are used in the title of a book or manuscript, or included it its description, these surnames will be included in this index. This file, which is available on microfiche as well, is usually located in the same file cabinet as the Locality Catalogue.
Parish and Vital Records Index(P&VR)
Accelerated Indexing System(AIS)
Film Rental
Research Papers Available

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