Malta Church History

Europe Malta

Effective research in church records requires some understanding of your ancestor’s religion and the events that led to the creation of church records. The following major events affected church history and the records. 1798: The French army under Napoleon Bonaparte captured Malta in June.

1814: Great Britain acquired possession of Malta.

1831: The Catholic church created the See of Malta from the See of Palermo, recognizing the number and strength of Catholics on the island.

1852: The first missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began preaching in Malta and the first branch was established in Valletta.

1854: During the Crimean War (1854-1856) most of the members from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left Malta to serve in the war. As a result, the branch of the Church was dissolved.

1960: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were primarily members serving with the British military came to Malta.