About the archives

The Archives of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land collects, describes, preserves, and provides access to the historical records and related material of the Diocese. Our records date from 1840 and provide valuable information related to the history and development of Manitoba and other parts of Canada, as well as the history of our Diocese.

A list of records held at the archives is available through the Manitoba Archival Information Network (MAIN) and at ArchivesCanada.ca. Please visit these listings at  https://main.lib.umanitoba.ca/anglican-church-of-canada-diocese-of-rupert-s-land  and https://archivescanada.accesstomemory.ca/  Note that these listings are currently not complete.

The archives collects:

    • Records created by Synod, its Council, Officers, committees and groups
    • Records and papers of the Bishops of Rupert’s Land
    • Manuscripts, private papers, audio-visual materials, electronic records, and other material related to the history of the Diocese
    • Historical parochial, congregational and mission records including the registers of baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial
Archival Research Requests

Research visits are available by appointment only. All research requests should be sent to:

Archivist:  Mary Horodyski

Office Hours:  Monday - Friday: 9 am to 1 pm

Telephone: 204-992-4203  or  Toll free in Manitoba:  1-866-693-4418

Email: archives@rupertsland.ca      Fax: 204-992-4219

Requests for Sacramental Records (Baptism, Marriage, etc)

We hold historical (non-current) registers for baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial. Current records are held by the parishes.

Who can request information? The Diocese follows the guidelines of the Vital Statistics Act of Manitoba:

    • Anyone can request their personal information
    • Anyone can request baptismal information if the baptism occurred more than 100 years ago
    • Anyone can request marriage information if the marriage occurred more than 80 years ago
    • Anyone can request burial information if the burial occurred more than 70 years ago
    • Parents or guardians named on a baptism record may request information if the child is under the age of 18
    • If the person for whom information is requested is deceased, immediate next of kin may make a request
    • In other circumstances, written consent of the individual must be provided

Click HERE for the sacramental records request form.

Please email the completed form to archives@rupertsland.ca or send by post to:

Archives of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land

935 Nesbitt Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3T 1W6

Or call 204-992-4203 or (toll-free) 1-866-693-4418 with your request.

Please allow up to six weeks for a response.

Note that a fee of $30.00 is required for a sacramental search. Please send the form to the archivist and wait for confirmation that the search is feasible before sending payment. Fees are waived for Indigenous community members conducting family research.

Donating historical material to the archives

We welcome inquiries related to donations of appropriate materials related to the history of the Diocese. Please note that we do not purchase papers, books or collections, and we are unable to provide tax receipts for any donations.

The Diocesan Archives does not usually collect the following items: artifacts and printed material including Bibles, Prayer Books, Hymn Books, Altar Books, Communion Vessels, Vestments or other furnishings. Such items may be collected at the discretion of the Archivist if they:

    • have connection with historically significant figures in the life of the Diocese, or
    • have histories that associate them with important events, persons or parishes in the life of the Diocese, or
    • are in themselves rare, unique or unusual items.
Supporting the archives

The Diocese of Rupert’s Land has partnered with The Winnipeg Foundation to establish a permanently endowed Manitoba Heritage Trust Fund to support the archives. For more information, and to donate to support the archives, please visit https://www.mycharitytools.com/gift/wpgfdn/donate?fund=2577

Information about the General Synod Archives of the Anglican Church of Canada

The General Synod Archives preserves and provides access to the permanent records of the General Synod and its related Anglican entities. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.anglican.ca/archives/