Genealogy Chat

Can I just ask members opinions about these places. I know I have a lot to be thankful to the Mormons for, and wouldn't have ever gotten anywhere in my research without their familysearch IGI website nor have free access to the 1881 census, but the fact remains as to whether they are a bone fide religion or not or more like a cult. I don't pretend to understand their religion perfectly, but I am a little worried by aspects of it. Not to put to fine a point on it, although I have been to my local County Record Office and Local Studies Libraries, I am not so keen on going to an LDS centre, even though there is one near me. Yes, I know they're supposed to be open to 'non-members' of the church, but the fact remains that I am concerned I will get there and I'll be asked to sign in and register or something and then get myself on a list of receiving doorstep callers trying to convert me at home, or worse still, members trying to convert me to the religion while I'm in there trying to learn something. I'm sure they mean well, but there's not something sinister going on underneath it all is there? Or am I just being paranoid? Has anyone who's ever been to a centre (and I'd rather you weren't a member of the LDS church please) tell me what it's all about. I'm not likely to get badgered to join up and submit my tree to them or anything am I? Is it really worth popping in one day, or are they best left alone and visited best on the internet anonymously rather than in-person. Mental Mickey

we have a centre near us. They are called The Church of the Latter Day Saints and their religion is somewhat along the lines of Jehovah Witnesses. I have several friends who have used their centres and they have given excellent reports. Apparently, everyone is very friendly and their was no mention of religion and certainly no follow up calls. They do ask for a small donation if you feel so inclined which I think is fair.

I have used one of their record offices and it has been great. No mention of religion just nice helpful people only to willing to help. Go for it and if you do not like it you do not have to go back again. I am sure you will enjoy your visit. You can order films for a small cost to and can use them for a period of time. Irene

Haven't been to one personally, but there have been loads of posts from people who have - all have been EXTREMELY positive. I would go for it - wish I could have one nearer to me!! jay

I have been to one, no mention of religion. All very friendly. My offer of a donation was refused, they only thing they would take in return was a copy of my completed tree if I wanted to submit it. My problem is, when is a tree complete? Derek

I agree with you Derek when is a tree complete....Still plodding on....and on.....and on. Irene

Yes you are being paranoid!!! Give it a go. They are not allowed to talk to you about anything else other than family history unless you ask them about it. They really are very helpful and you will be amazed at all the other info you can order to browse whilst you are there. Its not just BMD and censuses. Make use of the resource. If you do need fiches or films etc and they don't have them on site they will order them for you to use at their centre for up to a month for just a small charge. Invaluable if you cannot visit the record office where most of your rellies are. Saves me travelling 200 miles. Kat

I use my LDS centre almost weekly and would not have been able to view PRs in any other way - I am 500 miles from my County of research. The staff and volunteers are EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN to discuss their religion with you unless you ask them a specific and direct question - they cannot, for instance, answer the question 'Tell me all about your religion'. I can only sing their praises and like others, have given a small donation occasionally - my local centre is saving up for a new Computer, which incidentally, will have free access to Ancestry. Any donations made go specifically into the Centre's funds for improving their facilities for FH Research - these donations never go into the general Church funds. As I say, I cannot fault them, but do remember they are run by volunteers, who have lives to live, so may occasionally be closed etc - best to phone before you go, if you have any distance to travel. Olde Crone

I have visited my local one, brilliant. No mention of religion whatsoever, only had to sign a visitors log stating whether visitor or member of church. Everyone was more that helpful, very friendly, chatty and explained how to order records etc. You are missing out on a valuable resource if there is a LDS centre near you. Jenny

I have visited two. All of the volunteers there were very helpful. Religion wasn't mentioned at all. Joy

(Good job my head's on tight) I have just remembered WHY the Mormons are forbidden to discuss religion with you at a Family History Centre! The Manager of my local centre told me that when the Mormons first started to transcribe and film Parish Registers, in the late 1800s, the Church of England was very reluctant to allow them to do so, fearing a plot to steal away members of the Established Church - the Mormons had by this time, sucessfully converted over ONE MILLION Church of England members. The Mormon Church made a promise that, in return for being allowed to transcribe and film registers, they would not attempt to influence or convert anyone to their religion, by use of these records and that all records would be freely available to anyone of any, or no, faith. They later extended this promise to other religions. So, as Church records are STILL being transcribed and filmed to this day, you can see that it is very much in the Mormons' interests not to break this promise. Olde Crone

i have also been to a local centre, yes everyone was friendly, no mention of the religion. But they didn't have the information i wanted and so they took all the details and said it woul be ordered in, they would give me a call when it arrived. About 2 weeks. That was back in october and i haven't heard from them again so im not sure what to make of it yvette