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<center>'''For greater success, use all the Wiki Articles in this series:'''</center>
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?|'''What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?''']]
*[[Determining the Church Your Ancestor Attended|'''Determining the Church Your Ancestor Attended''']]
*[[How to Find Church Records in the United States|'''How to Find Church Records in the United States''']]
*[[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination''' ]]
*[[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by U.S. State|'''Searching for Church Records by U.S. State''']]
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------
==Historical Background==
Before 1900, the largest religious groups in Tennessee were the Baptist, Christian (Disciples of Christ), Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.<ref>William Chamberlin Hunt and United States Bureau of the Census, ''Religious Bodies: 1906'' (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1910), Vol. 1:354-357. Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Z6ZdiZWeStAC Google Books].</ref>
==Information Found in the Records==
To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:
{|
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|[[Image:{{StMarys}}]]
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Baptisms or Christenings|Baptisms or Christenings]]
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Marriages|Marriages]]
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Funerals or Burials|Funerals or Burials]]
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Membership Lists|Membership Lists]]
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
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=== Introduction  ===
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===


Church records and the information they provide vary greatly, depending upon the denomination and the record keeper. They may contain information about members of the congregation such as age; dates of birth, christening, baptism, or death; and marriage information, such as the bride’s maiden name and the names of both sets of parents. Records may include other relatives who were witnesses or members of the congregation. The members of some churches were predominantly of one nationality or ethnic group.
<br>


<br>Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Tennessee were the Baptist, Christian (Disciples of Christ), Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.<ref>William Chamberlin Hunt and United States Bureau of the Census, ''Religious Bodies: 1906'' (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1910), Vol. 1:354-357. Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Z6ZdiZWeStAC Google Books].</ref> The Family History Library has copies of some original church records, as well as published transcripts and histories. An overview of the role of religion in Tennessee is in:
{|
 
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*Norton, Herman A. ''Religion in Tennessee, 1777–1945.'' Knoxville, Tennessee: University of Tennessee Press, 1981. {{FHL|636163|item|disp=FHL Book 976.8 K2n}} {{WorldCat|7272833|At various libraries (WorldCat)}}
|
 
[[File:Caution sign.png|70px]]
{{Adoption TNGenWeb}}  
|
 
Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
The [[Tennessee State Library and Archives]] has pre-1900 records from 100 churches. An index to these records is:
#'''Near matches:''' Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor'''</span>, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
 
#'''Stopping research''': Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''assume the database proves church records do not exist'''</span>. Actually the record is still out there, just not in this <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span> collection of records. Keep searching!
*Sistler, Byron. ''Vital Statistics from 19th Century Tennessee Church Records.'' Nashville, Tennessee: Sistler, 1979. {{FHL|104780|item|disp=FHL Fiche 6088427,Volume 1, 4, and 6088428 Volume 2, 3, Book 976.8 K29s}} . The record is arranged alphabetically by surname. Entries may contain birth, marriage, death, and burial dates. The number following each entry refers to a microfilm number listed on the inside cover of the book.
|}
----
*'''1816-1995''' {{RecordSearch|2790270|Tennessee, Church Records, 1816-1995}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, incomplete.
*'''1828-1939''' {{RecordSearch|1681012|Tennessee, Births and Christenings, 1828-1939}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index only, incomplete.  
*'''1796-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1681022|Tennessee, Marriages, 1796-1950}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index only, incomplete.
*'''1810-1965''' {{RecordSearch|2556020|Tennessee Church Marriages, 1810-1965}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee Church Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images.
*'''1874-1955''' {{RecordSearch|1681020|Tennessee, Deaths and Burials, 1874-1955}} at FamilySearch - [[Tennessee Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index only.
====Ancestry.com====
*'''1784-1825''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2099 Tennessee Marriages 1784 to 1825] ($)
*'''1874-1955''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2546/ Tennessee, Deaths and Burials Index, 1874-1955], index, incomplete ($)
====Baptist====
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
*'''1836-1839; 1844-1862;1867-2008''' [https://www.sbhla.org/tb_archive/ Tennessee Baptist/Baptist and Reflector Digital Project].  Online images. The project is working to create an every-name index.


Other sources for information on church records available at the Tennessee State Library and Archives include:  
====Lutheran====
*{{FSC|722733|item|disp=Marriages, Births and Deaths from Virginia and East Tennessee Lutheran Church in America Records}} Daughters of the American Revolution. General James Breckinridge Chapter (Roanoke, Virginia)
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)


*[http://www.tn.gov/tsla/history/misc/church.htm Guide to Church Records at TSLA: Manuscripts &amp; Books] describes what they hold on microfilm, as manuscripts, and as published books. County-by-county, church-by-church listing with description and the the years covered.
====Other Collections====
*''Tennessee Diaries, Memoirs and Church Records in the Manuscript Division, Tennessee State Library and Archives: Listed by County.'' Nashville, Tenn.: Manuscript Division, 1965. Digital versions of this guide are available at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=30087 Ancestry] ($); and [http://persi.heritagequestonline.com/hqoweb/library/do/books/results/image?urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%3Bglhbooks%3BGenealogy-glh49041935%3B-1%3B-1%3B Heritage Quest Online] ($).
*{{FSC|266257|item|disp='''Church, cemetery, bible, and family records from Tennessee'''}}, prepared by the Historical Records Project and Historical Records Survey


Some denominations have collected their records in central repositories. You can write to the following addresses to learn where their records are located.  
===Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''FamilySearch Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
*The [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] (FS Library) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States.
*Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the state, county, or town.
*If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see [https://beta.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-that-a-microfilm-be-digitized '''How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?''']
*Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a [https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search '''FamilySearch Center'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations. 
*To find records:
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=57&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Tennessee%22 '''records of United States, Tennessee'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Tennessee''' 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, Tennessee [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. [[File:FHL icons.png|75px]].  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.
-----


=== Non-Denominational ===
===Consult available finding aids.===
<div style="width: 100%; float: left">
[[Image:Tennessee churches.png|thumb|right|500px|Tennessee churches.png]] Ruth E. Browning abstracted names and events from '''[http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/resources/index/index.html The Christian Messenger]''' and created an every name index. The Christian Messenger was a religious newspaper during the 1800's which included "letters with information about the churches, obituaries, death notices, names of subscribers, letters from preachers, etc."<ref>Ruth E. Browning, ''Name Index to the Christian Messenger'' at http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/resources/index/index.html</ref> The information abstracted from this newspaper came from several counties in Tennessee.


=== Baptist  ===
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/296338-redirection '''Guide to church vital statistics in Tennessee''']
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=f9gpAAAAYAAJ '''''The Ministerial Directory of the Baptist Churches in the United States of America.'''''] Oxford, Ohio: Ministerial Directory Co., 1899.  
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/112581-redirection '''''Inventory of the Church Archives of Tennessee: Tennessee Baptist Convention, Nashville Baptist Association.''''' Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee Historical Records Survey Project, 1939.]
*Moore, John Trotwood and Austin P. Foster, editors. {{FSC|220742|item|disp='''''Tennessee: The Volunteer State, 1769-1923'', 4 vols.'''}} Nashville: S.J.Clarke Publishing Co., 1923. <ref>{{FSC|220742|item|disp=FS Library Book 976.8 D3m v. 1-4}}</ref>. This indexed four-volume set includes church information and Tennessee history in addition to three volumes of biographies. <br>
*[http://newdeal.feri.org/guides/tnguide/ch11.htm '''"Religion''," ''in''Tennessee: A Guide to the State'''.]''Compiled and Written by the Federal Writers' Project of the Work Projects Administration for the State of Tennessee. American Guide Series.  This chapter briefly describes the history of Tennessee’s most common religions.
----


Baptist minutes, membership lists, and other records were kept by the clerk of each congregation. Many clerks considered their papers their personal property and upon their deaths their papers often became the property of their descendants. As a result, many early Baptist records were lost or remain unaccounted for. A few clerks passed their records to their successors and the records remained with the church. Some Baptist records have been donated to public libraries or historical and genealogical societies.  
===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.
*'''Make an appointment''' to look at the records. Or ask the minister of the church to make a copy of the record for you.
*To find church staff available, you might have to visit on Sunday.
*Ask for small searches at a time, such as one birth record or a specific marriage. Never ask for "everything on a family or surname".  
*A '''donation''' ($25-$40) for their time and effort to help you would be appropriate.
*If the church has a website, you may be able to '''e-mail a message'''.
*See the [[Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy|'''Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy''']] for help with composing letters.
*Each [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''denomination page''']] offers an [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''online address directory of local churches''']] for that denomination.


The Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives is the repository for many Southern Baptist congregations in the South. To request a search of these records, you must have the name and location of the church. The address of the historical library and archive is:  
===Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.===
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.<br>
<br>
<span style="color:DarkViolet">'''Here you will find archive information unique to the state. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational  archives, go to  [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination.''']]</span>
====State Libraries====
[http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/ '''Tennessee State Library and Archives''']<br>
403 Seventh Avenue North<br>
Nashville, TN 37243-1102<br>
Phone:615-741-2764<br>
*[https://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/guide-church-records-library-archives-manuscripts-books '''Guide to Church Records at TSLA: Manuscripts & Books'''] describes what they hold on microfilm, as manuscripts, and as published books. County-by-county, church-by-church listing with description and the the years covered.
*[https://sos.tn.gov/node/5755 '''Visiting the Library & Archives''']
*[https://sos.tn.gov/tsla/history-and-genealogy '''History and Genealogy''']
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/30087/ '''''Tennessee Diaries, Memoirs and Church Records in the Manuscript Division, Tennessee State Library and Archives: Listed by County.'''''] Nashville, Tenn.: Manuscript Division, 1965.


====Baptist====
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
[http://www.sbhla.org '''Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives''']<br>The Southern Baptist Convention Building<br>901 Commerce Street #400<br>Nashville, TN 37203<br>Telephone: 1-615-244-0344  
[http://www.sbhla.org '''Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives''']<br>The Southern Baptist Convention Building<br>901 Commerce Street #400<br>Nashville, TN 37203<br>Telephone: 1-615-244-0344  
*[http://www.sbhla.org/ '''Website''']
*[http://www.sbhla.org/churchrecords.asp '''Church Records on Microfilm'''] Includes information on ordering records.
*'''1836-1839; 1844-1862;1867-2008''' [https://www.sbhla.org/tb_archive/ Tennessee Baptist/Baptist and Reflector Digital Project].  Online images. The project is working to create an every-name index.


Baptists published a religious newspaper known as ''The Tennessee Baptist''. Issues from 1835 to 1900 have been reproduced on 4 CDs. To learn more, visit the [http://baptisthistoryhomepage.com/index.html Baptist History Homepage].
===Disciples of Christ===
 
[http://www.discipleshistory.org/ '''Disciples of Christ Historical Society''']<br>1101 Nineteenth Avenue South<br>Nashville, TN 37212-2196<br>Telephone: 1-866-834-7563 (toll free)
An 1899 directory of Baptist ministers lists biographical details about many ministers born or serving in the state:<ref>Davis points out that not all ministers participated, see: Robert S. Davis, "Some Baptist Ministers of South Carolina at the Turn of the Century," ''The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research,'' Vol. 32, No. 1 (Winter 2004):13-22. {{FHL|43856|item|disp=FHL Book 975.7 B2sc v. 32}}</ref>
*[http://www.discipleshistory.org/research '''Research and Reference''']
 
*''The Ministerial Directory of the Baptist Churches in the United States of America.'' Oxford, Ohio: Ministerial Directory Co., 1899. Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=f9gpAAAAYAAJ Google Books].
 
The following contain brief descriptions of Baptist churches in Tennessee at the end of the 1930s and describe the records that were available then:
 
*''Inventory of the Church Archives of Tennessee: Tennessee Baptist Convention, Nashville Baptist Association.'' Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee Historical Records Survey Project, 1939. {{FHL|226355|item|disp=FHL film 874326 Item 3; fiche 6046958,set of 2; book 976.8 K2hb}} .
*''Inventory of the Church Archives of Tennessee: Tennessee Baptist Convention, Ocoee Baptist Association.'' Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee Historical Records Survey Project, 1942. {{FHL|226355|item|disp=FHL Film 874326 item 2; fiche 6046991,set of 4; book 976.8 K2hba}} .
 
=== Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)  ===
 
Early church records, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for Tennessee Wards and Branches can be found on film and are located at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The film numbers, for each ward, can be locate through the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog FamilySearch Catalog] . Or by refering to Jaussi, Laureen R., and Gloria D. Chaston. Register of Genealogical Society Call Numbers. 2 vols. Provo, Utah: Genealogy Tree, 1982. {{FHL|78572|item|disp=FHL book 289.3 J327r}}. These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple record films.
 
=== Disciples of Christ ===
 
[http://www.discipleshistory.org/ '''Disciples of Christ Historical Society''']<br>1101 Nineteenth Avenue South<br>Nashville, TN 37212-2196<br>Telephone: 1-866-834-7563 (toll free)  
 
=== Jewish  ===
 
'''[http://www.jewishnashville.org/ Jewish Federation of Nashville Middle Tennessee Library and Archives]''' <br>801 Percy Warner Boulevard, Suite 102<br>Nashville, TN 37205<br>Telephone: 1-615-356-3242 x255<br>Fax: 1-615-352-0056
 
A description of Jewish organizations and an inventory of their records as of 1941 is:
 
*''Inventory of the Church Archives of Tennessee: Jewish Congregations''. Nashville, Tennessee: Tennessee Historical Records Survey, 1941. {{FHL|230283|item|disp=FHL film 874326 Item 5; book976.8 K2hj}}
 
=== Lutheran  ===


The repository for Lutheran Church records in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean synods is at:
===Lutheran===
[https://www.crumleyarchives.com/ '''James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives''']<br>Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary<br>4201 North Main Street<br>Columbia, SC 29203<br>Telephone: 803-461-3234<br>[https://www.crumleyarchives.com/contact-us Contact form]
*Archives hold records for '''closed churches.'''  '''For open churches write directly to [[Lutheran Church in the United States#Correspond with or visit the actual churches.|the local church.''']]


[http://www.ltss.edu/ '''James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives''']<br>Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary<br>4201 North Main Street<br>Columbia, SC 29203<br>Telephone: 803-786-5150 x234<br>E-mail: [mailto:archives@ltss.edu archives@ltss.edu]
*[https://www.archive.org/details/historyevangeli00henkgoog '''''History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod''''']. New Market, Virginia, Henkel, 1890.


A collection of vital statistics of east Tennessee Lutheran Churches is:
===Methodist===
 
*Daughters of the American Revolution, General James Breckinridge Chapter (Roanoke, Virginia). ''Marriages, Births and Deaths from Virginia and East Tennessee Lutheran Church in America Records''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1971. {{FHL|722733|item|disp=FHL film 858645 Item 2}}
 
History:
 
*Henkel, Socrates. [http://www.archive.org/details/historyevangeli00henkgoog ''History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod'']. New Market, Virginia, Henkel, 1890. Free digital copy, courtesy: Internet Archive.
 
=== Methodist ===


Tennessee is served by three Methodist conferences that oversee the missions and business of the church. The conferences have collected records from churches that have closed. Records of existing congregations are generally still in the churches.  
Tennessee is served by three Methodist conferences that oversee the missions and business of the church. The conferences have collected records from churches that have closed. Records of existing congregations are generally still in the churches.  
Line 96: Line 149:


The Kelly Library of Emory and Henry College houses the archives of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church:<br>  
The Kelly Library of Emory and Henry College houses the archives of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church:<br>  
<blockquote>[http://www.library.ehc.edu/ '''Kelly Library''']<br>Emory and Henry College<br>P.O. Box 948<br>30480 Ambrister Drive<br>Emory VA 24327<br>Telephone: 1-540-944-6668&nbsp; </blockquote>
[https://www.ehc.edu/library/ '''Kelly Library''']<br>Emory and Henry College<br>P.O. Box 948<br>30480 Ambrister Drive<br>Emory VA 24327<br>Telephone: 1-540-944-6668
----
'''[http://www.tnumc.org/ Tennessee Conference]'''<br>520 Commerce Street, Suite 205<br>Nashville, TN 37203<br>Telephone: 1-615-263-0518 (call to make an appointment)  
'''[http://www.tnumc.org/ Tennessee Conference]'''<br>520 Commerce Street, Suite 205<br>Nashville, TN 37203<br>Telephone: 1-615-263-0518 (call to make an appointment)  
 
<br>
[https://www.tnumc.org/cmleadteams/archives-and-history/ '''The John Abernathy Smith Heritage Center''']<br>
520 Commerce Street, Suite 205<br>
Nashville, TN, 37203<br>
Phone: 615-601-1581<br>
Email:archives@tnumc.org<br>
----
[http://www.memphis.edu/lambuth/library.php '''Memphis Conference United Methodist Archives''']<br>Luther L. Gobbel Library<br>Lambuth University<br>705 Lambuth Boulevard<br>Jackson, TN 38301<br>Telephone: 1-901-425-3270  
[http://www.memphis.edu/lambuth/library.php '''Memphis Conference United Methodist Archives''']<br>Luther L. Gobbel Library<br>Lambuth University<br>705 Lambuth Boulevard<br>Jackson, TN 38301<br>Telephone: 1-901-425-3270  


Lambuth University Library houses an excellent collection of original Methodist newspapers, such as ''The Nashville Christian Advocate''. Death notices and obituaries for prominent Methodists from all over the region appeared in these newspapers. FHL has acquired abstracts and indexes:  
Lambuth University Library houses an excellent collection of original Methodist newspapers, such as ''The Nashville Christian Advocate''. Death notices and obituaries for prominent Methodists from all over the region appeared in these newspapers. FS Library has acquired abstracts and indexes:  
 
*Smith, Jonathan K.T. ''Genealogical Abstracts from Reported Deaths, the Louisville and Nashville Christian Advocate and the Nashville Christian Advocate''. [1852-1856] Jackson, Tenn.: J.K.T. Smith, 1997. {{FSC|654196 |item|disp=FS Catalog book 976.855/N1 V48sj}}.
*Smith, Jonathan K.T. ''Genealogical Abstracts from Reported Deaths, the Louisville and Nashville Christian Advocate and the Nashville Christian Advocate''. [1852-1856] Jackson, Tenn.: J.K.T. Smith, 1997. {{FHL|654196 |item|disp=FHL book 976.855/N1 V48sj}}.  
*Smith, Jonathan K.T. ''Genealogical Abstracts from Reported Deaths, the Nashville Christian Advocate''. [1847-1914] 10 vols. [Jackson, Tenn.]: J.K.T. Smith, 1997-2003. {{FSC|789366|item|disp=book 976.855/N1 V48s 1847-1851}}; free digital versions at [http://www.tngenweb.org/records/tn_wide/obits/nca/index.html David Donahue Memorial: Tennessee Records Repository].
*Smith, Jonathan K.T. ''Genealogical Abstracts from Reported Deaths, the Nashville Christian Advocate''. [1847-1914] 10 vols. [Jackson, Tenn.]: J.K.T. Smith, 1997-2003. {{FHL|789366|item|disp=book 976.855/N1 V48s 1847-1851}}; free digital versions at [http://www.tngenweb.org/records/tn_wide/obits/nca/index.html David Donahue Memorial: Tennessee Records Repository].
----
 
For a general history of early Methodism in Tennessee, see:  
For a general history of early Methodism in Tennessee, see:  
*McFerrin, John B. [https://books.google.com/books?id=99EQAAAAIAAJ '''''History of Methodism in Tennessee 1783-1818.'' Vol. 1'''] 2 vols. Nashville, Tenn.: Southern Methodist Publishing House, 1869-1871.[http://books.google.com/books?id=99EQAAAAIAAJ '''Vol. 2'''], [https://www.archive.org/details/historymethodis00mcfegoog '''Vol. 2'''].
----


*McFerrin, John B. ''History of Methodism in Tennessee 1783-1818.'' 2 vols. Nashville, Tenn.: Southern Methodist Publishing House, 1869-1871. Digital version of Vol. 1 at [http://books.google.com/books?id=pUHTAAAAMAAJ Google Books]; digital versions of Vol. 2 at [http://books.google.com/books?id=99EQAAAAIAAJ Google Books], [http://www.archive.org/details/historymethodis00mcfegoog Internet Archive].
===Presbyterian===
 
=== Presbyterian ===
 
The records of the Presbyterian Churches are kept in the individual congregations. When a congregation wants to have records archived or when a church closes, records are sent to:
 
[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ '''Presbyterian Historical Society''']<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147<br>Telephone: 1-215-627-1852<br>Fax: 1-215-627-0509


Records for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are sent to:  
Records for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are sent to:  


'''[http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc The Historical Foundation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America]'''<br>The Historical Library and Archives<br>8207 Traditional Place<br>Cordova, TN 38016<br>Telephone: 1-901-276-8602<br>Fax: 1-901-272-3913<br>E-mail: [mailto:archives@cumberland.org archives@cumberland.org]  
'''[http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc The Historical Foundation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America]'''<br>The Historical Library and Archives<br>8207 Traditional Place<br>Cordova, TN 38016<br>Telephone: 1-901-276-8602<br>Fax: 1-901-272-3913<br>Email: [mailto:archives@cumberland.org archives@cumberland.org]  


These archives collect papers of ministers; and session, trustee, and women’s missionary society records. These records may contain baptisms, marriages, and communions of members. The staff at the archives does not do research; however, you can do research in person for a small fee.  
These archives collect papers of ministers; and session, trustee, and women’s missionary society records. These records may contain baptisms, marriages, and communions of members. The staff at the archives does not do research; however, you can do research in person for a small fee.  
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For a history of early Tennessee Presbyterians, see:  
For a history of early Tennessee Presbyterians, see:  


*McDonnold, Benjamin Wilburn. ''History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church'', Second Edition, Nashville, Tennessee: Board of Publication of Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1888. {{FHL|256478|item|disp=FHL film 369750; book 976 K2m}}.
*McDonnold, Benjamin Wilburn. '''''History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church''''', Second Edition, Nashville, Tennessee: Board of Publication of Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1888. {{FSC|256478|item|disp=FS Library film 369750; book 976 K2m}}.


A collection of genealogical abstracts of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee is:  
A collection of genealogical abstracts of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee is:  


*Eddlemon, Sherida K. ''Genealogical Abstracts of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church: 1836 and Beyond''. Bowie, Maryland: Heritage, 1995. {{WorldCat|33036632|At various libraries (WorldCat)}}{{FHL|749088|item|disp=FHL book 976 K2es}}.  
*Eddlemon, Sherida K. '''''Genealogical Abstracts of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church: 1836 and Beyond'''''. Bowie, Maryland: Heritage, 1995. {{WorldCat|33036632|At various libraries (WorldCat)}}{{FSC|749088|item|disp=FS Catalog book 976 K2es}}.
*Boisen, Anton T., ''[http://www.archive.org/details/ruralsurveyinten00pres A Rural Survey in Tennessee]. ''New York: Redfield Borther, Inc., 1912. Free digital copy, courtesy: Internet Archive.  
*Boisen, Anton T., [https://www.archive.org/details/ruralsurveyinten00pres '''A Rural Survey in Tennessee''']. ''New York: Redfield Borther, Inc., 1912.  
*Alexander, John Edministon ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=cRO3ro_NIhYC A Brief History of the Synod of Tennessee, from 1817 to 1887]. ''MacCalla and Company, 1890. Free digital copy, courtesy: Google Books.
*Alexander, John Edministon ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=cRO3ro_NIhYC A Brief History of the Synod of Tennessee, from 1817 to 1887]. ''MacCalla and Company, 1890.
 
=== Roman Catholic  ===
 
Records of existing Catholic parishes are generally kept in the individual churches, though copies of sacramental records are sent to the appropriate diocese. Sacramental records include baptisms and confirmations. They may contain names of godparents or information about marriages or burials.
 
The diocesan archives also have some school records. Requests for genealogical searches must be submitted in writing. To receive death information, you must include proof of your relationship to the deceased. The state of Tennessee is served by three Catholic dioceses.
 
The '''Diocese of Knoxville''' serves East Tennessee ([[Anderson County, Tennessee|Anderson]], [[Bledsoe County, Tennessee|Bledsoe]], [[Blount County, Tennessee|Blount]], [[Bradley County, Tennessee|Bradley]], [[Campbell County, Tennessee|Campbell]], [[Carter County, Tennessee|Carter]], [[Claiborne County, Tennessee|Claiborne]], [[Cocke County, Tennessee|Cocke]], [[Cumberland County, Tennessee|Cumberland]], [[Fentress County, Tennessee|Fentress]], [[Greene County, Tennessee|Greene]], [[Hamblen County, Tennessee|Hamblen]], [[Hamilton County, Tennessee|Hamilton]], [[Hancock County, Tennessee|Hancock]], [[Jefferson County, Tennessee|Jefferson]], [[Johnson County, Tennessee|Johnson]], [[Knox County, Tennessee|Knox]], [[Loudon County, Tennessee|Loudon]], [[McMinn County, Tennessee|McMinn]], [[Marion County, Tennessee|Marion]], [[Meigs County, Tennessee|Meigs]], [[Monroe County, Tennessee|Monroe]], [[Morgan County, Tennessee|Morgan]], [[Pickett County, Tennessee|Pickett]], [[Polk County, Tennessee|Polk]], [[Rhea County, Tennessee|Rhea]], [[Roane County, Tennessee|Roane]], [[Scott County, Tennessee|Scott]], [[Sequatchie County, Tennessee|Sequatchie]], [[Sevier County, Tennessee|Sevier]], [[Sullivan County, Tennessee|Sullivan]],&nbsp;[[Unicoi County, Tennessee|Unicoi]], [[Union County, Tennessee|Union]], [[Washington County, Tennessee|Washington]]&nbsp;counties).<ref name="rome">[http://www.cdeducation.org/oym/connections/dioceseusmap.htm Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America], Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.</ref>
 
:'''[http://www.dioceseofknoxville.org/ Diocese of Knoxville]'''<br>805 Northshore Drive Southwest<br>Knoxville, TN 37919<br>Telephone: 865-584-3307<br>Fax: 865-584-7538
 
<br>The '''Diocese of Nashville''' serves Middle Tennessee ([[Bedford County, Tennessee|Bedford]], [[Cannon County, Tennessee|Cannon]], [[Cheatham County, Tennessee|Cheatham]], [[Clay County, Tennessee|Clay]], [[Coffee County, Tennessee|Coffee]], [[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson]], [[DeKalb County, Tennessee|DeKalb]], [[Dickson County, Tennessee|Dickson]], [[Franklin County, Tennessee|Franklin]], [[Giles County, Tennessee|Giles]], [[Grundy County, Tennessee|Grundy]], [[Hickman County, Tennessee|Hickman]], [[Houston County, Tennessee|Houston]], [[Humphreys County, Tennessee|Humphreys]], [[Jackson County, Tennessee|Jackson]], [[Lawrence County, Tennessee|Lawrence]], [[Lewis County, Tennessee|Lewis]], [[Lincoln County, Tennessee|Lincoln]], [[Macon County, Tennessee|Macon]], [[Maury County, Tennessee|Maury]], [[Montgomery County, Tennessee|Montgomery]], [[Moore County, Tennessee|Moore]], [[Overton County, Tennessee|Overton]], [[Perry County, Tennessee|Perry]], [[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam]], [[Robertson County, Tennessee|Robertson]], [[Rutherford County, Tennessee|Rutherford]], [[Smith County, Tennessee|Smith]], [[Stewart County, Tennessee|Stewart]], [[Sumner County, Tennessee|Sumner]], [[Trousdale County, Tennessee|Trousdale]], [[Van Buren County, Tennessee|Van Buren]], [[Wayne County, Tennessee|Wayne]], [[White County, Tennessee|White]], [[Williamson County, Tennessee|Williamson]], [[Wilson County, Tennessee|Wilson]]&nbsp;counties).<ref name="rome" />
 
:'''[http://www.dioceseofnashville.com/ Diocese of Nashville]<br>'''The Catholic Center<br>2400 Twenty-first Avenue, South<br>Nashville, TN 37212-5387<br>Telephone: 1-615-383-6393<br>Fax: 1-615-292-8411


===Roman Catholic===
<span style="color:DarkViolet"> '''Contact the local parish for records information and research requests. Contact the diocese archives for information on the location of records for closed or merged parishes.'''</span><br>
<br>
'''[http://www.archlou.org Archdiocese of Louisville]<br>'''P.O. Box 1073<br>Louisville, KY 40201-1073<br>Telephone: 1-502-585-3291
*[https://www.archlou.org/services-directory/archdiocesan-agencies-facilities/archives/ '''Archives''']
*[https://www.archlou.org/parishes/find-a-parish/ '''Find a Parish''']<br>
----
'''[https://dioknox.org/ Diocese of Knoxville]'''<br>805 Northshore Drive Southwest<br>Knoxville, TN 37919<br>Telephone: 865-584-3307<br>Fax: 865-584-7538
*[https://dioknox.org/offices-ministries/archives/ '''Archives''']
*[https://dioknox.org/parishes/ '''Parish Directory''']<br>
The '''Diocese of Knoxville''' serves East Tennessee ([[Anderson County, Tennessee|Anderson]], [[Bledsoe County, Tennessee|Bledsoe]], [[Blount County, Tennessee|Blount]], [[Bradley County, Tennessee|Bradley]], [[Campbell County, Tennessee|Campbell]], [[Carter County, Tennessee|Carter]], [[Claiborne County, Tennessee|Claiborne]], [[Cocke County, Tennessee|Cocke]], [[Cumberland County, Tennessee|Cumberland]], [[Fentress County, Tennessee|Fentress]], [[Greene County, Tennessee|Greene]], [[Hamblen County, Tennessee|Hamblen]], [[Hamilton County, Tennessee|Hamilton]], [[Hancock County, Tennessee|Hancock]], [[Jefferson County, Tennessee|Jefferson]], [[Johnson County, Tennessee|Johnson]], [[Knox County, Tennessee|Knox]], [[Loudon County, Tennessee|Loudon]], [[McMinn County, Tennessee|McMinn]], [[Marion County, Tennessee|Marion]], [[Meigs County, Tennessee|Meigs]], [[Monroe County, Tennessee|Monroe]], [[Morgan County, Tennessee|Morgan]], [[Pickett County, Tennessee|Pickett]], [[Polk County, Tennessee|Polk]], [[Rhea County, Tennessee|Rhea]], [[Roane County, Tennessee|Roane]], [[Scott County, Tennessee|Scott]], [[Sequatchie County, Tennessee|Sequatchie]], [[Sevier County, Tennessee|Sevier]], [[Sullivan County, Tennessee|Sullivan]], [[Unicoi County, Tennessee|Unicoi]], [[Union County, Tennessee|Union]], [[Washington County, Tennessee|Washington]] counties).<ref name="rome">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Catholic_dioceses_in_the_United_States List of the Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America].</ref>
----
'''[http://www.dioceseofnashville.com/ Diocese of Nashville]<br>'''The Catholic Center<br>2400 Twenty-first Avenue, South<br>Nashville, TN 37212-5387<br>Telephone: 1-615-383-6393<br>Fax: 1-615-292-8411
*[https://www.holyrosarynashville.org/category/news/diocese-of-nashville-news '''Archives''']
*[https://www.dioceseofnashville.com/parishfinder '''Find a Church''']<br>
<br>The '''Diocese of Nashville''' serves Middle Tennessee ([[Bedford County, Tennessee|Bedford]], [[Cannon County, Tennessee|Cannon]], [[Cheatham County, Tennessee|Cheatham]], [[Clay County, Tennessee|Clay]], [[Coffee County, Tennessee|Coffee]], [[Davidson County, Tennessee|Davidson]], [[DeKalb County, Tennessee|DeKalb]], [[Dickson County, Tennessee|Dickson]], [[Franklin County, Tennessee|Franklin]], [[Giles County, Tennessee|Giles]], [[Grundy County, Tennessee|Grundy]], [[Hickman County, Tennessee|Hickman]], [[Houston County, Tennessee|Houston]], [[Humphreys County, Tennessee|Humphreys]], [[Jackson County, Tennessee|Jackson]], [[Lawrence County, Tennessee|Lawrence]], [[Lewis County, Tennessee|Lewis]], [[Lincoln County, Tennessee|Lincoln]], [[Macon County, Tennessee|Macon]], [[Maury County, Tennessee|Maury]], [[Montgomery County, Tennessee|Montgomery]], [[Moore County, Tennessee|Moore]], [[Overton County, Tennessee|Overton]], [[Perry County, Tennessee|Perry]], [[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam]], [[Robertson County, Tennessee|Robertson]], [[Rutherford County, Tennessee|Rutherford]], [[Smith County, Tennessee|Smith]], [[Stewart County, Tennessee|Stewart]], [[Sumner County, Tennessee|Sumner]], [[Trousdale County, Tennessee|Trousdale]], [[Van Buren County, Tennessee|Van Buren]], [[Wayne County, Tennessee|Wayne]], [[White County, Tennessee|White]], [[Williamson County, Tennessee|Williamson]], [[Wilson County, Tennessee|Wilson]] counties).<ref name="rome" />
----
'''[https://cdom.org/ Diocese of Memphis]<br>'''The Catholic Center<br>5825 Shelby Oaks Drive<br>Memphis, TN 38134-7316<br>Telephone: 1-901-373-1200<br>Fax: 1-901-373-1269
*[https://cdom.org/archives-4/ '''Archives''']
*[https://cdom.org/parish-finder/ '''Parish Finder''']<br>
<br>The '''Diocese of Memphis''' serves West Tennessee ([[Benton County, Tennessee|Benton]], [[Carroll County, Tennessee|Carroll]], [[Chester County, Tennessee|Chester]], [[Crockett County, Tennessee|Crockett]], [[Decatur County, Tennessee|Decatur]], [[Dyer County, Tennessee|Dyer]], [[Fayette County, Tennessee|Fayette]], [[Gibson County, Tennessee|Gibson]], [[Hardeman County, Tennessee|Hardeman]], [[Hardin County, Tennessee|Hardin]], [[Haywood County, Tennessee|Haywood]], [[Henderson County, Tennessee|Henderson]], [[Henry County, Tennessee|Henry]], [[Lake County, Tennessee|Lake]], [[Lauderdale County, Tennessee|Lauderdale]], [[McNairy County, Tennessee|McNairy]], [[Madison County, Tennessee|Madison]], [[Obion County, Tennessee|Obion]], [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby]], [[Tipton County, Tennessee|Tipton]], [[Weakley County, Tennessee|Weakley]] counties).<ref name="rome" />  
<br>The '''Diocese of Memphis''' serves West Tennessee ([[Benton County, Tennessee|Benton]], [[Carroll County, Tennessee|Carroll]], [[Chester County, Tennessee|Chester]], [[Crockett County, Tennessee|Crockett]], [[Decatur County, Tennessee|Decatur]], [[Dyer County, Tennessee|Dyer]], [[Fayette County, Tennessee|Fayette]], [[Gibson County, Tennessee|Gibson]], [[Hardeman County, Tennessee|Hardeman]], [[Hardin County, Tennessee|Hardin]], [[Haywood County, Tennessee|Haywood]], [[Henderson County, Tennessee|Henderson]], [[Henry County, Tennessee|Henry]], [[Lake County, Tennessee|Lake]], [[Lauderdale County, Tennessee|Lauderdale]], [[McNairy County, Tennessee|McNairy]], [[Madison County, Tennessee|Madison]], [[Obion County, Tennessee|Obion]], [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby]], [[Tipton County, Tennessee|Tipton]], [[Weakley County, Tennessee|Weakley]] counties).<ref name="rome" />  
----


:'''[http://www.cdom.org Diocese of Memphis]<br>'''The Catholic Center<br>5825 Shelby Oaks Drive<br>Memphis, TN 38134-7316<br>Telephone: 1-901-373-1200<br>Fax: 1-901-373-1269
===Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.===
 
<br>The dioceses of Tennessee are part of region five, with the archdiocese at:
 
:'''[http://www.archlou.org Archdiocese of Louisville]<br>'''P.O. Box 1073<br>Louisville, KY 40201-1073<br>Telephone: 1-502-585-3291
 
=== See Also  ===
 
*Moore, John Trotwood and Austin P. Foster, editors. ''Tennessee: The Volunteer State, 1769-1923'', 4 vols. Nashville: S.J.Clarke Publishing Co., 1923. <ref>{{FHL|220742|item|disp=FHL Book 976.8 D3m v. 1-4}}</ref>. This indexed four-volume set includes church information and Tennessee history in addition to three volumes of biographies. <br>
*"Religion''," ''in''Tennessee: A Guide to the State'''.''' ''Compiled and Written by the Federal Writers' Project of the Work Projects Administration for the State of Tennessee. American Guide Series. (No Place: New Deal Network, 1996) Original published: Tennessee: State of Tennessee. Department of Conservation, Division of Information, 1939. [http://newdeal.feri.org/guides/tnguide/ch11.htm Available online]. This chapter briefly describes the history of Tennessee’s most common religions.
 
See the [[Tennessee Archives and Libraries|Tennessee Archives and Libraries]] article for facilities with regional collections which might include church histories and records. For more information on church records, see the [[United States Church Records|United States Church Records]] article. The Place Search of the FamilySearch Catalog lists more sources under:
 
TENNESSEE - CHURCH HISTORY
 
TENNESSEE, [COUNTY] - CHURCH HISTORY
 
TENNESSEE - CHURCH RECORDS


TENNESSEE, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS
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 these lists:
<br>


TENNESSEE, [COUNTY], [TOWN ] - CHURCH RECORDS


=== External Links ===
==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
There are frequently additional, nationwide or regional archives and online collections for each denomination. Find the article for your ancestors' denomination and follow the instructions there to access these sources.
{{Template:US-church-sidebar}}
<br>
==Carefully compare any record you find to known facts about the ancestor==
You will possibly find many different people with the '''same name as your ancestor,''' especially when a family stayed in a locality for several generations, and several children were named after the '''grandparents or aunts and uncles'''. Be prepared to find the correct church records by organizing in advance as many of these exact details about the ancestor '''as possible''':
*'''name''', including '''middle name and maiden name'''
*names of all '''spouses''', including middle and maiden name
*exact or closely estimated '''dates of birth, marriage, and death'''
*names and approximate birthdates of '''children'''
*all known places of '''residence'''
*'''occupations'''
*'''military''' service details
<br>


*[http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/ Tennessee State Library and Archives]&nbsp;
[[File:Dark_thin_font_green_pin_Version_4.png|50px]]'''Carefully evaluate''' the church records you find to make sure you have really found records for your ancestor and not just a '''"near match"'''. If one or more of the details do not line up, be careful about accepting the entry as your ancestor. There are guiding principles for deciding how to resolve discrepancies between records that are seemingly close. For more instruction in evaluating evidence, read the Wiki article, [[Evaluate the Evidence|'''Evaluate the Evidence'''.]]
*[http://www.tennesseegenealogy.org/church.htm Tennessee Church Records], courtesy: Tennessee Genealogy.


=== References ===
===References===


<references />  
<references />  
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[[Category:Tennessee, United States]]
[[Category:Tennessee, United States]]
[[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]
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