The four largest religious groups in Nevada before 1900 were The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Methodist, Protestant Episcopal, and Roman Catholic churches. For a history of seven major denominations in Nevada, see Leon L. Loofbourow, Steeples among the Sage . . . (Oakland: Lake Park Press, 1964; FHL book 979.3 K2L).
The Family History Library has a few records for some Nevada churches. The largest collection of Nevada church records is for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Many denominations have collected their records into central repositories. You can write to the following addresses for help in locating their records:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Historical Department
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
50 East North Temple Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400
Telephone: 801-240-2785
Fax: 801-240-1845
Methodist
United Methodist Archives Center
Drew University Library
36 Madison Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
Telephone: 201-408-3189
Fax: 201-408-3909
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 127
Madison, NJ 07940
Protestant Episcopal
The Nevada Historical Society
1650 N. Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89503-1799
Telephone: 702-688-1191
Fax: 702-688-2917
(They have the records for the Nevada Diocese from 1862 to 1969.)
To learn more about the records of the Protestant Episcopal Church, see Inventory of the Church Archives of Nevada, Protestant Episcopal Church (Reno: Historical Records Survey, 1941; FHL book 979.3 K2he; film 1036524 item 2; fiche 6051184).
Roman Catholic
Diocese of Reno—Las Vegas
Chancery Office
336 Cathedral Way
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 702-735-7865
Fax: 702-735-2996
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 18316
Reno, NV 89504
To learn more about the records of the Catholic Church, see Inventory of the Church Archives of Nevada: Roman Catholic Church (Reno: Historical Records Survey, 1939; FHL book 979.3 K2hc; film 1036527 item 7; fiche 6051185).
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COURT RECORDS
Nevada courts that have kept records of genealogical value are listed below.
Municipal courts
have citywide jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances
and minor criminal cases
.
Justice courts
have townshipwide jurisdiction over misdemeanors
and minor civil cases
.
District courts
have districtwide jurisdiction over criminal cases and over civil cases concerning equity
, probate
, divorce
, and juvenile
matters. They also have appellate jurisdiction
over justice and municipal courts.
Supreme court
has statewide appellate jurisdiction.
The Family History Library does not have copies of the court records. You can contact the county clerk to obtain copies of most of the records. A few of the original records are now in the Nevada State Library and Archives. The state library has compiled an index to many 1855 and 1864 court cases. These cases include probate, divorce, and other court actions.
Current inventories of Nevada county court records are being compiled by the Administrative Office of the Courts of the State of Nevada. When completed, these inventories will be available at the Nevada State Library and Archives.
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