Genealogy using Church Records
Did your family follow certain religious sects, such as Quakers, or the Amish? Were they associated with the Methodist Church or Catholic Church? Maybe they were Baptists or Presbyterian. You have an extra place to search for your family records. Most religious records were accurate and complete, another plus.
Types of Church Records
- Standard baptism
- Marriage and burial records
- Church census records
- membership lists
- Meeting Minutes
- Records of church socials
- Biographical notes on members
- Transcriptions of talks or testimonies
- Notes on funeral ceremonies
FYI: According to Church Records The Solana family of St. Augustine, Florida is apparently the oldest documented family in the United States insofar as church records are concerned - having married at the Cathedral of St. Augustine on July 4, 1594! If you ever get to St. Augustine Florida, visit their house on the tour. It still stands!
Time Saving Tip for Genealogy
Look for clues to your family religion in an obituary, wedding announcement, or birth announcement may mention a family's religion. Vital Records like marriage license, death certificates and baptism certificate are good sources, as are family histories and biographies. Photos sometimes show background images that can be great clues.
Using Church Records in Your Search
You can find more about searching church records, including Free Courses online.