The Archives of the Diocese of Christchurch are housed in a tower of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and consist of a varied collection of documents relating to property, personnel and events.
There is also a collection of close to 2000 photographs, as well as a number of other items. All inquiries should be directed to the Archivist. Public access to the archives is not currently possible because of lack of space.
The Photo Project
A small group of volunteers from time to time carries out project work and research in the diocesan archives. The major project they have carried out is to catalogue and safely store the photo collection. The catalogue consists of a series of folders with copies of all photos arranged under different classifications. The next step in this project is to distribute these folders to interested people in the various parishes throughout the diocese so some of the people, places and events in them can be correctly identified. This would involve showing the photos to older parishioners and others who may be able to identify them, recording the results and returning them to the archives. If you are interested in this work, please contact Michael Hanrahan or Merle Conaghan.
Index of Baptisms
The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch stretches from the Conway River in North Canterbury to the Waitaki River in South Canterbury , as well as Westland and the Chatham Islands.
Permission has been given for the release of an Index on CD of the baptismal records of the earlier parishes of the Diocese for the period 1840 - 1904.
If you are a family researcher of family history, this is a valuable finding aid. The alphabetical index includes the individual ID code, surname, christian name, date of baptism and parish.
Further information for a specific record is available by purchasing a copy of a Certificate of Baptism. This could include the birth date, mother's maiden name, residence, celebrant and sponsor's names.
A new updated CD (version 1.2) is now available covering baptisms between 1840 and June 1908. This new updated version includes an additional 2500 names.
The cost of the CD is $20. If people have the earlier version of the index, by trading in that index, the cost will be reduced to $10. (These prices include GST but exclude postage). The CD is available from:
Archives - Baptism Records
Catholic Diocese of Christchurch
PO Box 4544
Christchurch
Email: receptionists@chch.catholic.org.nz
Diocesan Archives Group
The Christchurch Diocesan Archives Group is a very informal group of people interested in any aspect of the history of the Catholic Church in the Christchurch Diocese, under the leadership of Diocesan Archivist Father Kevin Clark. Its aim is to foster an interest in the history of the Catholic Church in the Christchurch Diocese, and to give some guidance as to the best way of keeping archival material.
The group has been operating since 2004, and has steadily grown in size, with several people living outside the diocese also having joined. An occasional newsletter is published and one or two special gatherings are held each year, usually at Cathedral House.
Some members of the archives group work on a voluntary basis, cataloguing and correctly storing material in the archives, especially the extensive collection of photographs. Other project work is underway, such as a project to obtain information about all the churches in the diocese, past and present.
The group's emphasis is on the history of the diocese as a whole, rather than on particular parishes, schools, religious orders or institutions. For that reason people from areas outside Christchurch are especially welcome to attend because of the realisation that brings to all of the scope of the diocese and the knowledge of the history of their areas that they can bring. There is no subscription to belong, but as there is a cost associated with newsletters and running events, donation is requested from those attending Archives Days.
People interested in becoming members can join by contacting Michael Hanrahan or phoning Merle Conaghan 03-358 8758.
Newsletter
An occasional newsletter detailing what is happening with regard to the archives is distributed free of charge to all those who have indicated they have and interest in the history of the diocese. If you would like to be on the mailing list for this newsletter, please contact Michael Hanrahan. Click here to see the latest newsletter