Private baptism ceremony

[trish18]

Just wondering if anyone could explain the reason for a 'Private Baptism'.

I have found the baptism in Parish records, dated May17th 1898, of twins. In the margin of the Parish Register is written 'Private' at the sides of both entries. Sadly, both children died in the September of that year & I am curious as to the circumstances which would enable this type of baptism.

[Elwyn Soutter]

Often if the child was in poor health, and was not strong enough to be taken to church.

[JenB]

There's a good explanation here
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0l1n/

[stanmapstone]

From the RootsChat Reference Library http://surname.rootschat.com/lexicon/reflib-lexicon.php?letter=P&lang=EN&input_form=
Private Baptism

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,236486.0.html
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,121214.0.html
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,4812.0.html

Stan

[trish18]

Thank you all very much for your rapid replies, which were very informative.

I'd not heard of this before.  It's very sad that this particular family lost seven children at very early ages.

Kind regards

Trish

[GR2]

In many parts of Scotland most marriages and baptisms took place in private homes until well into the twentieth century.