California, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

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California, Church Records, 1864-1985
CID2790461
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This article describes a collection of records at FamilySearch.org.
California, 
United States
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Flag of California
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Location of California
Record Description
Record Type Church
Collection years 1864-1985
FamilySearch Resources
Related Websites
Archive
Reclaim the Records, California


What is in This Collection?[edit | edit source]

This collection contains church records from the following churchs in California, for the years 1864 to 1985, including:

Image Visibility[edit | edit source]

Whenever possible FamilySearch makes images and indexes available for all users. However, rights to view these data are limited by contract and subject to change. Because of this there may be limitations on where and how images and indexes are available or who can see them. Please be aware some collections consist only of partial information indexed from the records and do not contain any images. For additional information about image restrictions see Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections.

What Can These Records Tell Me?[edit | edit source]

Church records may contain:

  • The names of individuals
  • Dates of significant events, such as birth, baptism, marriage, death, and burial
  • The names of relatives
  • The names of clergy

Collection Content[edit | edit source]

Sample Images[edit | edit source]

  • 1890-1901 Blessing Record

  • 1864-1889 Membership Record

  • 1946 Marriage Record

How Do I Search This Collection?[edit | edit source]

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:

  • The name of your ancestor
  • The approximate date and or location of the event

Search the Index[edit | edit source]

Search by name on the Collection Details Page.
  1. Fill in the search boxes in the Search Collection section with the information you know
  2. Click Search to show possible matches

How Do I Analyze the Results?[edit | edit source]

Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

What Do I Do Next?[edit | edit source]

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • Add any new information to your records
  • Search for vital records such as birth,marriage, and death
  • Use the information found in the church record to find land, probate and immigration records
  • Use the information found in the church record to find additional family members in census records
  • Search for land probate records

I Can’t Find The Person I’m Looking For, What Now?[edit | edit source]

  • If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
  • If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
  • Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
  • Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Research Helps[edit | edit source]

The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of California.

FamilySearch Catalog[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Historical Records[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Digital Library[edit | edit source]

Citing This Collection[edit | edit source]

Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

Collection Citation:
The citation for this collection can be found on the Collection Details Page in the section Citing this Collection.
Record Citation:
When looking at a record, the citation can be viewed by clicking the drop-down arrow next to Document Information.
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