Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Research Guide
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Laurier Archives and Special Collections holds the records of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and its Eastern Synod. This includes parish records of hundreds of congregations across Canada, both active and closed. Our finding aid database contains information about the records in our holdings.
Please note that we do not hold the records of other Lutheran denominations and associations, including Lutheran Church-Canada.
Baptism, Marriage, or Burial Entries
While we do not offer research services, we are more than happy to perform a quick search for baptism, marriage, or burial entries in parish registers on your behalf. We require the following information to conduct a search:
Baptism:
- Congregation where baptism was performed
- Full name of individual
- Full names of both parents
- Estimated date of baptism
Marriage
- Congregation where marriage was performed
- Full names of both parties
- Estimated date of marriage
Burial
- Congregation where burial was performed
- Full name of individual
- Estimated date of burial
Please consult our finding aid database to confirm we hold relevant records of the congregation.
If the search is successful, we will provide you with a scan of the record or entry line in the parish register. Other entries on the page will be redacted. Please note that we cannot provide certified copies or formal letters of search results.
Requesting Material
In-Person
Our holdings are non-circulating, and all material must be accessed in the Julia Hendry Reading Room. The Julia Hendry Reading Room is located on the first floor of the Waterloo campus library (L1-122). Please familiarize yourself with the Julia Hendry Reading Room Rules prior to your visit.
Appointments are not necessary to visit the reading room; however, they are recommended to ensure the material you would like to consult is ready for your visit. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm.
Please email libarch@wlu.ca to request material and to make an appointment. Please provide at least 7 business days’ notice for requests as some of our material is stored offsite. Once your request is received, staff may contact you for further information.
Information about visiting Laurier, including parking on campus, can be found on the Laurier website.
Scanning Requests
You may request digital scans of material from our holdings. Please note that not all items are eligible for scanning due to their condition. We are not able to reproduce large quantities of material. We encourage you to consult the material in person or hire a local researcher to consult the material on your behalf. Please contact us about your specific scanning request and page limits.
Fees
We do not charge for our services. You can make a donation to our department by clicking this link and selecting Library – Archives under ‘I would like to support another/multiple areas at Laurier.’