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Dickson/Steele

DownMagherally (Down)

Another question! (May I have two?) I have this note on my great-grandparents' wedding:

"MAGHERALLY Presbyterian BY LICENCE REV J THOMSON Marriage of Thomas Brown Steele and Essy Dickson at Magherally Presbyterian Church, Kilmacrew Road, Banbridge, Co Down. Thomas Brown Steele NOT from Cavan, as transcribed, photocopy at PRONI is unclear."

Am I correct in thinking that if PRONI has a photocopy, the original resides elsewhere? I'm wondering if what is unclear to the transcribers at PRONI might be clear to someone local ... like yourselves! Very frustrating that I don't know who wrote the note originally.

The pastor at the church has been very kind to me and even sent me photos of the church a few years back. I was thrilled to have them, as you can imagine.

Thomas and Essy lived at Killycopple, Armagh, after their marriage -- at least that's where my grandmother was born -- so the Steeles were probably from Armagh but they married in the bride's home church.

DianeFarr

3 replies

Oh, forgot to actually ask my question -- which is, who holds the original marriage records? 

DianeFarr

Tradition was to marry in the bride’s church, so that would explain Essy marrying in Magherally. In Ireland when a couple marry in church, they sign 2 copies of the marriage register. One is held by the church and the other is sent to civil Registrar (so the state has a copy of every marriage in the country).  So one original should still be with the church and the other is held by GRONI in Belfast. You can view the original GRONI certificate on-line on their website, using the “search registrations” option:

https://geni.nidirect.gov.uk

You will need to open an account and buy some credits. It costs £2.50 (sterling) to a view a certificate.

What PRONI hold is a microfilm copy of the church’s original certificate.

 

 

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you very much!

DianeFarr

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