Tortola British Virgin Islands Church Records 1815 – 2012

Ever watched pirate movies over the years where the scenery is set in the Caribbean and you hear about Tortola? While many may think that this is a mythical island, the reality is that it actually does exist.  The island sits north east of US Virgin Island, St. John, and is the largest of the British West Indies.

Initially, the island was visited by Christopher Columbus and upon him coming across the island, he named the island Isla Santa Ana or Saint Ana Island. The island was originally inhabited by Arawaks then by what Europeans called Caribs but known as Kalinagos; I’m spoken about this ethnic group in prior posts.

The island was invaded many times over the years as the turmoil between European countries was constant. It is never unheard of English, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and the French invading islands and then to have pirates ransack and grab loot from the islands. There was even burning down of towns, violation of women, and more so if you were of African or Native ancestry. So while many may not find a connection to a particular European country, it should be kept in mind of the possibilities. 

One such event was one that was recorded by the then governor of Puerto Rico, Fernando de la Riva Agüero, where he documented on February 20, 1646,  that looting by French, English, and Dutch pirates occurred upon them attacking Santa Ana.  (ES.41091.AGI/27.30//MP-VENEZUELA,31)

 

He provides a description and plans with his submission and I’ve provided the image below obtain from PARES, which is Spain’s archive. Many of these records, including the one provided, are found in the Archivo de las Indias which is what they called the Americas.

Eventually, the island would be controlled by the Dutch, where they called it Ter Tholen but then the British would eventually settle it and it would become known as Tortula. In addition, pirates such as Black Beard did indeed inhabit the island. Here is where I end this snippet of history to let all Google up the history as I do not want to hand you the entire story but simply give you an idea of what the past was like. I also recommend researching in PARES, which I have previously provides instructions. Feel free to search prior posts on lessons provide via the islands menu.

So what do I have for you for this island? Well, church records of course. While the entire collection of books covering up until 2007 exist in digital form, only some are available for viewing until authorization occurs with the owner of the records.

First, we start off with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Note that the film index for baptisms indicates it starts with 1815 but the first record indicates 1824. It also indicates that the records contain other islands in the British West Indies so it pays to review the films completely as years may be out of order and include surprises as in relatives from other islands.

Baptisms

• Baptisms 1815 – 1870
• Baptisms 1871 – 1889
• Baptisms 1889 -1903
• Baptisms 1903 – 1908
• Baptisms 1908 – 1913
• Baptisms 1913 – 1916

Marriages

• Marriages 1878 – 1895
• Marriages 1895 – 1922
• Marriages 1922 – 1934
  

Deaths

• Deaths 1957 – 1974
  
• Deaths 1974 – 2012
  

There are some additional church records for St. George Episcopal Church, but not available for viewing online. You can view them by visiting your local Family History Center (click me). They are all on the same film and are listed in the order they appear on the film as Items 1 through 3.  Best of luck in your research!

• Baptisms 1905 – 1931
  
• Marriages 1862 – 1930
• Deaths 1867 – 1934