How to Find Church Records in the United States

Step 1: Look for online record collections.
Many records have been digitized and posted online, where they are easily searched. More are being added all the time.
 * Each state Church Records page lists several online collections.
 * Each state has an Online Genealogy Records page. In addition, statewide church records collections are listed on the United States Online Genealogy Records.
 * Ancestry.com Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, ($) - can be searched for free at any [[Family History Centers|Family History Center.]
 * MyHeritage.com, ($) - can be searched for free at any [[Family History Centers|Family History Center.] Select a state under "Refine Further in the left sidebar.
 * USGenWeb Archives
 * Cyndislist.com (Click on “U” for United States, then click on a state and then "Religion & Churches")
 * American Ancestors, specializes in New England.

International Genealogical Index

 * Many church christenings and marriages (such as the Congregational, Dutch Reformed, and Lutheran) have been listed in the International Genealogical Index (IGI). IGI data is now found by searching FamilySearch Historical Records.

Step 2: Look for digital copies found in the FamilySearch catalog.

 * The Family History Library (FHL) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States. These include records of many denominations, particularly the Society of Friends (Quaker), Presbyterian, Congregational, Lutheran, Reformed, and Roman Catholic churches.
 * Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog state-wide, county-wide, or for a town.
 * Watch for digitized copies of church records to be added to the collection of the FamilySearch Library.
 * Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a Family History Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.
 * To find records:
 * a. Click on the records of United States, Alabama.
 * b. Click on Places within United States, Alabama and a list of counties will appear.
 * c. Click on your county if it appears.
 * d. Click on the "Church records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
 * e. Click on Places within United States, Alabama [COUNTY] and a list of towns will appear.
 * f. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village.
 * g. Click on the "Church records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
 * h. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the listing for the record. FHL icons.png. The magnifying glass indicates that the record is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the records.

Step 4: Search church records stored in archives and libraries in person or by correspondence.
Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to digitized, online records offered by the archives. Some archives provide research services for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a researcher.

State Archives and University Archives
Each Wiki [[United States Church Records#Searching by State|state Church Records page] will list known state archives and university archives with church records collections and their contact information. Generally, these archives have online catalogs of records. More and more of these are digitizing their records and posting them online. Many will undertake brief searches for a fee. If not, you cannot visit in person, you may need to hire a researcher.

Denominational Archives
These pages will give you links to nationwide archives and address directories for each denomination.

Local Libraries
Churches sometimes donate their records to local libraries.
 * Public Libraries in the United States

Step 5: Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.
Some church records have been given to historical societies. Also, historical societies may be able to tell you where the records are being held. To find a society near you, consult this list:
 * A Directory of Historical Societies in the United States

Step 6: Consult the PERSI index for records published in journals.

 * PERSI is the Periodical Source Index and is available at FindMyPast.com:PERSI., ($) - can be searched for free at any [[Family History Centers|Family History Center.]. PERSI is an index to family and local history periodicals from 1847 to the present. Many of these periodicals publish church records. If you locate an index entry for a church, you will then need to find the periodical. Use the WorldCat.org search engine to find a library near you that carries the periodical. Library reference desks can be contacted to request a copy of articles.

Step 7: Correspond with or visit the actual churches.

 * Some records are still held in the local churches. Contact the current minister to find out what records are still available. If possible, make an appointment to look at the records. Or ask the minister of the church to make a copy of the record for you. A small donation for their time and effort to help you would probably not be unwelcome. If the church has a website, you may be able to e-mail a message.

How to Write a Letter

 * See the Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy for help with composing letters.

Address Lists
Because there are so many different denominations with congregations in Alabama, the address lists merit their own page in the Wiki. To find addresses for churches, for each denomination, next go to United States Church Addresses or Google the individual church.

Step 8: Check for manuscripts kept in private collections.
Other records may be held in the homes of people such retired ministers or clerks, their families. They might be kept by private organizations. The National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC) lists several privately-held church records.

General Tips
Learn what churches were available in the towns where your ancestor settled. They may have attended the local church because of its proximity, even though they were members of another church. On the other hand, your ancestor may have traveled some distance to attend their preferred church in the next town or county. There is also the possibility that an ancestor may have started out with one church and converted to another church. Look at county histories and city directories for this information.