Baptisms, Register of

Baptisms, Register Of Such record was first ordered to be kept by the injunctions of Cromwell in 1538, and the regulation was renewed by Canon 70 of the Synod of London, 1602-3, which orders "ministers to keep a register of christenings, weddings, and burials;" the said register to be kept in "a sure coffer with three locks and keys." In the Church of Rome the baptismal register is directed to be kept in the sacristy, and the register of each baptism ought to be signed by the father, if present, and by the sponsors. In most modern churches similar records are required.