Indeed a most interesting topic for discussion. It seems there were no hard and fast rules or customs. With regard to COI, practices may have differed from place to place but I have many baptisms with multiple sponsors, dating from the 1700s. Not so many recorded sponsors in the 1800s but still some there. Children were often baptised privately (especially if sickly) then formally 'received' into the church at a later date. This means, of course, that researchers should be aware that sometimes the official baptism may have been some months or years after the birth. I have found in my Co Cork COI research that sponsors were often family members, including quite young ones. This has helped with linking up various branches of families. Hope this is helpful. Best wishes, Patsy - New Zealand Subject: [IRL-WICKLOW] DEM SULLIVANS AND WITNESSES <snip> Church of Ireland marriages before or up until 1845 appear to have mostly > the father as a witness.........or an older brother in the registers I > have > transcribed BUT yet again > that is not set in cement. > <snip> > Church of Ireland well thats a custom in itself > Child was not baptised or christened within the church they have a > presentation thing and more than likely the child having been baptised at > home. > So there fore arises the thought from me- if the Child was born at > home............and not within a bulls roar of the mother's family then > who > did stand for her child in the Church of Ireland congregation > no one I assume no sponsors on records for babies baptism in the early > days > . > > So there you are my ten cents worth for you all to diagree with or add > your > thoughts to. > > It is a most interesting subject. > > Cheers from here > Cara