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In Hatillo, I had the rare priviledge of sorting through the Babtism records in the Church, because I was escorted by an influential relative who had access to the parish office. We were compelled to peruse through the ancient scrolls hanging off our laps. There was no hint of a table in the tiny quarters to place them. Small yellowing pieces of torn pages kept falling out of the ledgers and it was not always possible to replace them in the proper spot. This was rather heart breaking as many of these inscriptions were to become "lost" forever.
This incident occurred over five years ago. I believe the current conditions are the same or worse. I learned that the Church (at least in this parish) did not permit agents from the church in Salt Lake City to examine these ledgers and transcribe the data to a digital format for all to see and access. I suggested to my comrade that perhaps a church collection of funds could be taken to pay professionals to do this type of work. Perhaps University students could be entrusted to undertake such an important objective.
It is disappointing how today's church oficials can be so possessive, if not just neglectful, of these records. Were they not put down on paper for future generations (us) to access in the first place?
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