Over the last 6 months I've contacted (general post and email) the Banbridge Road Presbyterian Chuch several times in hopes of finding records of my ancestors. Unfortunately, I've never gotten a reply. Are they going through some major changes or what?
I already have the marriage certificate for David Little and Elizabeth Jamison Martin 1 Oct 1856, and am hoping that they'd have records of these families prior to this. David's father is listed as Andrew, a blacksmith living in Dromore and Elizabeth's father is listed as Joseph, a weaver living in Lisnacurran. I estimate, based on the birth years of David and Elizabeth that Andrew and Joseph were born between 1800 and 1810. Also have found an Andrew Little listed on 1830 Civil Bill Ejectments for Donaghcloney. I communicated with that Presbyterian Church and they have no record of this particular Little family.
I can't afford PRONI, so please don't refer me there. Perhaps someone reading this is local and could generously make a visit to the church for me? Or are these records online for free somewhere?
(General Note: I've extensively researched Griffiths, Tithe Applotments, etc., so no need to suggest them.)
Thank you ever so much!
Beth
gramssearch
Sunday 3rd Nov 2013, 11:25AMMessage Board Replies
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Churches in Ireland get rather a lot of genealogical enquiries and not all have the resources to deal with them. It wouldn?t always be their top priority, and you won?t always get a reply.
Judging by the information on the PRONI website there are no baptisms for that church prior to 1851. The post 1851 records are not on-line anywhere, so far as I am aware. So a personal visit to PRONI, the Presbyterian Historical Society or the church itself is required to access them.
Ahoghill Antrim
Sunday 3rd Nov 2013, 08:10PM -
Thank you for your for checking the PRONI records for this church, explaining why I haven't heard back, and confirming what I'd imagined. I need to come across the pond to find out more.
every good wish
gramssearch
Monday 4th Nov 2013, 08:15AM -
Hello! I was lucky enough a few years ago to email Banbridge Rd. Presbyterian in Dromore and get an immediate reply from the woman who works in the office. She found my g g grandparents' marriage record from 1871 and mailed it to me.
In 2009 I visited the church. The minister showed me around. He told me that the church looked exactly as it did in 1871 when my ggrandparents were married. He also took me to a room and handed me stacks of old handwritten records in books. There were so many, I was overwhelmed. I could have spent weeks there but was on a schedule.
I have been lucky enough to travel to Dromore twice. I have spent days wandering the graveyards and just can't get enough of it.
Gramssearch: I have pictures of the outside and inside of the church if you are interested.
Friday 14th Mar 2014, 01:55PM -
Hi Debbie, thanks so much for your offer. I'd love to see the pix you have. I'm pretty sure you can just click on the email icon/link below my name.
How fortunate you are to have such great success with the church and to have visited Dromore twice!
Am curious as to who your ancestors are - mine in Dromore are Jamison, Kinnear, Little, and Martin. David Little and Elizabeth Jamison Martin were married in Banbridge Pres. 1 Oct 1856. A few weeks later they and Elizabeth's family came to the US - landing in Castle Garden, NY, lived in NY State for a bit before settling in Garrett County, MD. It would be great if we're cousins!
Thanks again,
Beth
gramssearch
Saturday 15th Mar 2014, 07:57AM