Forest of Dean FHT Forum - Private Baptisms

Private Baptisms (reply)

rookancestrybest — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 20:39:05 +0000

It stems from the belief that a child would not be allowed into Heaven (if RC, I'm not sure about other branches of Christianity there is the belief that such a child would be in Limbo instead), if s/he had not been baptised/Christened before s/he died. Thus: if there was a danger of the child dying before s/he could be baptised the family could baptise the child as an emergency measure. Often though, if the child didn't die another baptism could take place afterwards.
There has been another set of postings about this a year or so ago, see "Why Would A Child Be Baptised Twice" posted last January.

Private Baptism (reply)

m p griffiths — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 15:50:56 +0000

I have personal experience of this happening. My son was born too early, and not expected to survive. He was Christened in hospital and later received into the Church at a baptism service, along with other babies, but different wording was used. This was a C of E service, and it was explained to us, the baby couldn't be christened twice. Needless to say, he is a strapping 6 footer now.

Church of England The Book of Common Prayer, Public Baptisms of Infants

'The Minister, before proceeding to the Baptism, shall have satisfied himself that the child presented has not already been baptised'.

http://www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/bcp/texts/publick-baptism-of-infants.html

Also a Section of Private Baptism of children which is very informative re: .... but if the child were baptised by any other Lawful Minster, ......... etc

' and if the Minister shall find by the answers of such as bring the child, that all things were done as they ought to be; then shall not he christen the child again, but shall receive him as one of the flocks of true Christian people, thus saying'......

Private Baptism (reply)

Shirleyanne — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 14:01:26 +0000

Thanks for your help.

Private Baptism (reply)

slowhands — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:54:18 +0000

Most likely explanation.

Private Baptism (reply)

Shirleyanne — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:17:58 +0000

Were private baptisms performed at home when the baby was ill and not perhaps expected to survive?

Private Baptism (reply)

slowhands — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:09:29 +0000

A private baptism - probably performed on the earlier date at home and then received into the Church on the later date.

Annie Elizabeth ALLAWAY 1883

Shirleyanne — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 12:54:28 +0000

Annie Elizabeth ALLAWAY was baptised on 19 Apr 1883. A memoranda on the record shows "Received May 6th privately)1883". Does anyone know what this means?
I thought it must refer to her death, but she is alive and well in the 1891 census, aged 7.