Swedish Congregational Records (Församlingsböcker)

Europe Sweden

In compliance with the Royal ordinance of Aug. 6, 1894 the Husförhörslängd record was replaced with a new record called a Församlingsbok. This book was used to register all the people who resided in a parish (like the husförhör) but without the religious emphasis. At this time the notation of when a person took communion and how well they did on the catechus examination was removed. They still noted if a person was christened and confirmed. You will also see the names of all the household members with their birth, marriage, death, and moving information.

When the försmlingsbok was first used, generally the families were organized according to where they lived. By the mid 1900’s many were organized alphabetically by surname.

The församlingsbok continued to be used right up to July 1, 1991 when the population registration was turned over to the tax authorities.

Congregation Books [Församlingsböcker]
Research use: These records provide reliable family relationships. By grouping families together they are particularly valuable in a country that used a patronymic naming system. These records also give details concerning people who have left the parish, and their destinations in Sweden or overseas.

Record type: Pastors’ surveys of the population of each parish, updated regularly. These records replaced the Clerical Survey [Husförhörslängd] as a means of managing and accounting for the population.

Time period: 1895 to 1991.

Contents: Names of parishioners listed by residence grouped into family units by place of residence, also names of lodgers and domestic servants; relationships, ages, birthdates, birthplaces, and occupations; also dates of death or dates of moving in or out of the parish.

Location: Many have been transferred to the provincial archives [Landsarkivet]. Others are still in local parish custody.

Population coverage: They should cover 100% of the population.

Reliability: Good to excellent.