Nebraska Church Records: Difference between revisions

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''{{NE-sidebar}}<br>'''Bold text'''''[[United States|United States&nbsp;]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] &nbsp;[[Nebraska Genealogy|Nebraska&nbsp;]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] &nbsp;[[Nebraska_Church_Records|Church Records]]''
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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 [[Nebraska Genealogy|Nebraska]] were the [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic,''']] [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist Episcopal,''']] [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutheran,''']] and [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|'''Presbyterian''']] churches.<ref>Sydney E. Ahlstrom, ''A Religious History of the American People'' (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). {{FSC|282712|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 K2ah}}.</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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*[[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]]
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[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]]
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
|}


==Finding the Records==
=== Online Resources ===
===Look for online records.===


<br>
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6027 Nebraska Monthly Meeting: Quaker Records], ($), index


{|
Before 1900 the largest religious groups in [[Nebraska Genealogy|Nebraska]] were the Roman Catholic, Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches.<ref>Sydney E. Ahlstrom, ''A Religious History of the American People'' (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). {{FHL|282712|item|disp=FHL Book 973 K2ah}}.</ref>  
|-
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[[File:Caution sign.png|70px]]
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Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
#'''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!
|}


====Indexes====
The [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/ Nebraska State Historical Library] has an extensive collection of Protestant church records. These are listed in the reference leaflet [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/research/manuscripts/church/index.htm Nebraska Church Records at the Nebraska State Historical Society].&nbsp; Library research services are [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/services/refrence/fees_duplication_access.pdf fee-based].&nbsp; Some materials are available for loan via Interlibrary Loan through your local public library.&nbsp;  
*'''1855-1908''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61335 Nebraska, Marriage Records, 1855-1908]($), Index and images
*'''1855-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1708654|Nebraska, Marriages, 1855-1995}} at FamilySearch - [[Nebraska Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1875-1899''' {{RecordSearch|2790263|Nebraska, Church Records, 1875-1899}} at FamilySearch - [[Nebraska, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


====Dutch Reformed====
The [https://familysearch.org/search/search/library_catalog#searchType=catalog&filtered=true&fed=false&collectionId=&catSearchType=place&searchCriteria=&placeName=Nebraska&author_givenName=&author_surname=&subjectCountTotal=160 Family History Library] has very few church records from Nebraska. It has microfilms of some Presbyterian records, such as session minutes, baptisms, and membership rolls. The library also has DAR transcripts of some other denominations' records.<br>
*'''1639-1989''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6961/ U.S., Dutch Reformed Church Records in Selected States, 1639-1989], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
====Lutheran====
*'''1800-1947''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61584/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index & images, incomplete.($)


====Germans From Russia====
=== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) ===
*[http://www.odessa3.org/collections/churches/ '''Odessa3.org'''] - This site contains German-Russian emigrant ancestry in pocket settlements in mid-west states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. Contains transcribed minutes of meetings, membership lists (some with parentage listed), birth, deaths, and marriages.


====Quaker (Society of Friends)====
Early Nebraska ward and branch records are available on microfilm at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Find film numbers by searching 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 book 979.2258 A3j; fiche 6031507). These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple records.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6027 Nebraska Monthly Meeting: Quaker Records]($), index


===Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
=== Lutheran ===
[[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=356&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Nebraska%22'''records of United States, Nebraska'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Nebraska''' 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, Nebraska [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.
-----


===Consult available finding aids.===
Archives of the [http://site.nebraskasynod.org/ Nebraska Synod]<br>4980 South 118 Street, Suite D<br>Omaha, NE 68137-2220<br>Phone: (402) 896-5311<br>Fax: (402) 896-5354<br>E-mail: [mailto:nebsynod@aol.com office@nebraskasynod.org]


'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
Early congregations and pioneers are described in Charles F. Sandahl, ''The Nebraska Conference of the Augustana Synod''. (n.p.: Nebraska Conference, 1931); {{FHL|359382|item}} film 1036240 item 3
*[https://history.nebraska.gov/sites/history.nebraska.gov/files/doc/6.%20Nebraska%20Church%20Records%20at%20History%20Nebraska.pdf '''Nebraska Church Records at History Nebraska''']
----


===Correspond with or visit the actual churches.===
Abstracts of records relating to German immigrants can be found in:
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.


===Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.===
*[http://www.pictonpress.com/store/show/3360 ''German Immigrants in Nebraska Protestant Church Records''].
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>


====History Nebraska: Nebraska State Historical Society====
[http://www.odessa3.org/collections/churches/ Odessa3.org] - This site contains German-Russian emigrant ancestry in pocket settlements in mid-west states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska . Contains transcribed minutes of meetings, membership lists (some with parentage listed), birth, deaths, and marriages.  
[https://history.nebraska.gov '''History Nebraska''']<br>
1500 “R” Street<br>
Lincoln, Nebraska 68501<br>
<br>
Phone: 402-471-4751<br>
Email: hn.reference@nebraska.gov<br>
*[https://history.nebraska.gov/sites/history.nebraska.gov/files/doc/6.%20Nebraska%20Church%20Records%20at%20History%20Nebraska.pdf '''Nebraska Church Records at History Nebraska''']
*[https://history.nebraska.gov/collections/research-and-reference-services '''Research and Reference Services''']
*[https://history.nebraska.gov/sites/history.nebraska.gov/files/doc/Geneology%20Guide%20Booklet-FINAL.pdf '''Genealogy Guide''']
*[https://history.nebraska.gov/collections/research-guides '''Research Guides''']
*[https://history.nebraska.gov/sites/history.nebraska.gov/files/doc/16.%20A%20Guide%20to%20German%20Sources%20at%20the%20Nebraska%20State%20Historical%20Society_0.pdf '''A Guide to German Sources At the Nebraska State Historical Society''']


====Lutheran====
=== Methodist  ===


[https://nebraskasynod.org/about-us/ '''Nebraska Lutheran Synod ECLA''']<br>4980 South 118 Street, Suite D<br>Omaha, NE 68137-2220<br>Phone: (402) 896-5311<br>Fax: (402) 896-5354<br>Email: [mailto:nebsynod@aol.com office@nebraskasynod.org]
Nebraska Wesleyan University<br>Historical Archives United Methodist Church<br>5000 St. Paul Avenue<br>Lincoln, NE 68504<br>Phone: (402) 465-2400<br>Fax: (402) 465-2189


Early congregations and pioneers are described in Charles F. Sandahl, ''The Nebraska Conference of the Augustana Synod''. (n.p.: Nebraska Conference, 1931); {{FSC|359382|item}} film 1036240 item 3
United Methodist Historical Center<br>Nebraska Conference<br>P.O. Box 4553<br>Lincoln, NE 68504-0553<br>Phone: (402) 465-2175
----
[https://www.midlandu.edu/luther-library '''Luther Library''']<br>
Midland Lutheran College<br>
900 North Clarkson<br>
Fremont, Nebraska  68025<br>
Email: hinmanl@midlandu.edu<br>
Phone: (402) 941-6252<br>
*This collection has both Augustana materials and records from the German Nebraska Synod, part of the former United Lutheran Church in America.<br>
----


====Methodist====
=== Presbyterian  ===


*[https://www.greatplainsumc.org/archivesandhistory '''Nebraska Wesleyan University'''<br>'''Historical Archives United Methodist Church''']<br>5000 St. Paul Avenue<br>Lincoln, NE 68504<br>Phone: Phone: (402) 465-2175<br>Fax: (402) 465-2189<br>Email: gpcarchives@greatplainsumc.org
[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ Presbyterian Historical Society]<br>United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147<br>Phone: (215) 627-1852<br>Fax: (215) 627-0509


====Roman Catholic====
[http://www.history.pcusa.org/collections/hiapc2.cfm Hall's Index of American Presbyterian Congregations] briefly summarizes information published as part of General Assembly minutes, annual denomination yearbooks, and related sources. The index contains the organization and dissolution dates of churches, denomination and location changes, mergers, etc. Search Hall's Index to see if a Presbyterian congregation existed in a town or city, and then search [http://www.history.pcusa.org/databases/calvin/ CALVIN], the on-line catalog, to learn what registers, minutes, and other records are available in the Presbyterian Historical Society Archives.<br>
 
=== Roman Catholic ===
 
[http://www.gidiocese.org/ Diocese of Grand Island]<br>P.O. Box 153<br>2708 Old Fair Road<br>Grand Isle, NE 68802<br>Phone: (800) 652-0004
 
There are no records at the above site.


[http://www.gidiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Grand Island''']<br>P.O. Box 153<br>2708 Old Fair Road<br>Grand Isle, NE 68802<br>Phone: (800) 652-0004
*Contact [https://www.gidiocese.org/parishfinder '''the local parish'''] for research requests.
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Arthur County, Nebraska Genealogy|Arthur]], [[Banner County, Nebraska Genealogy|Banner]], [[Blaine County, Nebraska Genealogy|Blaine]], [[Box Butte County, Nebraska Genealogy|Box Butte]], [[Brown County, Nebraska Genealogy|Brown]], [[Buffalo County, Nebraska Genealogy|Buffalo]], [[Cherry County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cherry]], [[Cheyenne County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cheyenne]], [[Custer County, Nebraska Genealogy|Custer]], [[Dawes County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dawes]], [[Dawson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dawson]], [[Deuel County, Nebraska Genealogy|Deuel]], [[Garden County, Nebraska Genealogy|Garden]], [[Garfield County, Nebraska Genealogy|Garfield]] [[Grant County, Nebraska Genealogy|Grant]], [[Greeley County, Nebraska Genealogy|Greeley]], [[Hall County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hall]], [[Hooker County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hooker]], [[Howard County, Nebraska Genealogy|Howard]], [[Keith County, Nebraska Genealogy|Keith]], [[Keya Paha County, Nebraska Genealogy|Keya Paha]], [[Kimball County, Nebraska Genealogy|Kimball]], [[Lincoln County, Nebraska Genealogy|Lincoln]], [[Logan County, Nebraska Genealogy|Logan]], [[Loup County, Nebraska Genealogy|Loup]], [[McPherson County, Nebraska Genealogy|McPherson]] , [[Morrill County, Nebraska Genealogy|Morrill]], [[Rock County, Nebraska Genealogy|Rock]], [[Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska Genealogy|Scotts Bluff]], [[Sheridan County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sheridan]], [[Sherman County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sherman]], [[Sioux County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sioux]], [[Thomas County, Nebraska Genealogy|Thomas]], [[Valley County, Nebraska Genealogy|Valley]] and [[Wheeler County, Nebraska Genealogy|Wheeler]].<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>  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Arthur County, Nebraska Genealogy|Arthur]], [[Banner County, Nebraska Genealogy|Banner]], [[Blaine County, Nebraska Genealogy|Blaine]], [[Box Butte County, Nebraska Genealogy|Box Butte]], [[Brown County, Nebraska Genealogy|Brown]], [[Buffalo County, Nebraska Genealogy|Buffalo]], [[Cherry County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cherry]], [[Cheyenne County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cheyenne]], [[Custer County, Nebraska Genealogy|Custer]], [[Dawes County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dawes]], [[Dawson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dawson]], [[Deuel County, Nebraska Genealogy|Deuel]], [[Garden County, Nebraska Genealogy|Garden]], [[Garfield County, Nebraska Genealogy|Garfield]] [[Grant County, Nebraska Genealogy|Grant]], [[Greeley County, Nebraska Genealogy|Greeley]], [[Hall County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hall]], [[Hooker County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hooker]], [[Howard County, Nebraska Genealogy|Howard]], [[Keith County, Nebraska Genealogy|Keith]], [[Keya Paha County, Nebraska Genealogy|Keya Paha]], [[Kimball County, Nebraska Genealogy|Kimball]], [[Lincoln County, Nebraska Genealogy|Lincoln]], [[Logan County, Nebraska Genealogy|Logan]], [[Loup County, Nebraska Genealogy|Loup]], [[McPherson County, Nebraska Genealogy|McPherson]] , [[Morrill County, Nebraska Genealogy|Morrill]], [[Rock County, Nebraska Genealogy|Rock]], [[Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska Genealogy|Scotts Bluff]], [[Sheridan County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sheridan]], [[Sherman County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sherman]], [[Sioux County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sioux]], [[Thomas County, Nebraska Genealogy|Thomas]], [[Valley County, Nebraska Genealogy|Valley]] and [[Wheeler County, Nebraska Genealogy|Wheeler]].<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>  
----
[https://www.lincolndiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Lincoln''']<br>P.O. Box 80328<br>Lincoln, NE 68501-0328<br>Phone: (402) 488-0921


[https://www.lincolndiocese.org/diocese/institutions/archives-and-museums '''Sister Loretta Gosen Memorial Archives''']<br>
[http://www.dioceseoflincoln.org/Archives/directory_archives-museums.aspx Diocese of Lincoln]<br>P.O. Box 80328<br>Lincoln, NE 68501-0328<br>Phone: (402) 488-0921  
Catholic Chancery<br>
 
3400 Sheridan Blvd<br>
Lincoln NE 68506-6125<br>
<br>
Phone:402-488-0921
*Those who wish to do genealogy research may request a Sacramental Records Research Form, which allows for up to three people to be researched. There is research fee of $10 per form, whether one or three people are researched.  Please note that only 80-year-old records of deceased persons may be released to the public. For requests that pertain to persons born after 1900, proof of death must be given (e.g. death certificate, obituary).
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Nebraska Genealogy|Adams]], [[Butler County, Nebraska Genealogy|Butler]], [[Cass County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cass]], [[Chase County, Nebraska Genealogy|Chase]], [[Clay County, Nebraska Genealogy|Clay]], [[Dawson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dawson]], [[Dundy County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dundy]], [[Fillmore County, Nebraska Genealogy|Fillmore]], [[Franklin County, Nebraska Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Frontier County, Nebraska Genealogy|Frontier]], [[Furnas County, Nebraska Genealogy|Furnas]], [[Hamilton County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hamilton]], [[Harlan County, Nebraska Genealogy|Harlan]], [[Hayes County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hayes]], [[Hitchcock County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hitchcock]], [[Jefferson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Johnson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Johnson]], [[Kearney County, Nebraska Genealogy|Kearney]], [[Keith County, Nebraska Genealogy|Keith]], [[Lancaster County, Nebraska Genealogy|Lancaster]], [[Lincoln County, Nebraska Genealogy|Lincoln]], [[Nemaha County, Nebraska Genealogy|Nemaha]], [[Nuckolls County, Nebraska Genealogy|Nuckolls]], [[Otoe County, Nebraska Genealogy|Otoe]], [[Pawnee County, Nebraska Genealogy|Pawnee]], [[Perkins County, Nebraska Genealogy|Perkins]], [[Phelps County, Nebraska Genealogy|Phelps]], [[Polk County, Nebraska Genealogy|Polk]], [[Red Willow County, Nebraska Genealogy|Red Willow]], [[Saline County, Nebraska Genealogy|Saline]], [[Richardson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Richardson]], [[Saunders County, Nebraska Genealogy|Saunders]], [[Seward County, Nebraska Genealogy|Seward]], [[Thayer County, Nebraska Genealogy|Thayer]], [[Webster County, Nebraska Genealogy|Webster]] and [[York County, Nebraska Genealogy|York]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Nebraska Genealogy|Adams]], [[Butler County, Nebraska Genealogy|Butler]], [[Cass County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cass]], [[Chase County, Nebraska Genealogy|Chase]], [[Clay County, Nebraska Genealogy|Clay]], [[Dawson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dawson]], [[Dundy County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dundy]], [[Fillmore County, Nebraska Genealogy|Fillmore]], [[Franklin County, Nebraska Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Frontier County, Nebraska Genealogy|Frontier]], [[Furnas County, Nebraska Genealogy|Furnas]], [[Hamilton County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hamilton]], [[Harlan County, Nebraska Genealogy|Harlan]], [[Hayes County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hayes]], [[Hitchcock County, Nebraska Genealogy|Hitchcock]], [[Jefferson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Johnson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Johnson]], [[Kearney County, Nebraska Genealogy|Kearney]], [[Keith County, Nebraska Genealogy|Keith]], [[Lancaster County, Nebraska Genealogy|Lancaster]], [[Lincoln County, Nebraska Genealogy|Lincoln]], [[Nemaha County, Nebraska Genealogy|Nemaha]], [[Nuckolls County, Nebraska Genealogy|Nuckolls]], [[Otoe County, Nebraska Genealogy|Otoe]], [[Pawnee County, Nebraska Genealogy|Pawnee]], [[Perkins County, Nebraska Genealogy|Perkins]], [[Phelps County, Nebraska Genealogy|Phelps]], [[Polk County, Nebraska Genealogy|Polk]], [[Red Willow County, Nebraska Genealogy|Red Willow]], [[Saline County, Nebraska Genealogy|Saline]], [[Richardson County, Nebraska Genealogy|Richardson]], [[Saunders County, Nebraska Genealogy|Saunders]], [[Seward County, Nebraska Genealogy|Seward]], [[Thayer County, Nebraska Genealogy|Thayer]], [[Webster County, Nebraska Genealogy|Webster]] and [[York County, Nebraska Genealogy|York]].<ref name="rome" />  
----
Chancery Office<br>[http://www.archomaha.org/ '''Archdiocese of Omaha''']<br>100 North 62 Street<br>Omaha, NE 68132-2795<br>Phone: (402) 558-3100<br>Fax: (402) 558-3026
*Contact [https://archomaha.org/find-a-parish/ '''the local parish'''] with research requests.
The Archdiocese includes the counties of: Antelope, [[Boone County, Nebraska Genealogy|Boone]], [[Boyd County, Nebraska Genealogy|Boyd]], [[Burt County, Nebraska Genealogy|Burt]], [[Cedar County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cedar]], [[Colfax County, Nebraska Genealogy|Colfax]], [[Cuming County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cuming]], [[Dakota County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dakota]], [[Dixon County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dixon]], [[Dodge County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dodge]], [[Douglas County, Nebraska Genealogy|Douglas]], [[Holt County, Nebraska Genealogy|Holt]], [[Knox County, Nebraska Genealogy|Knox]], [[Madison County, Nebraska Genealogy|Madison]], [[Merrick County, Nebraska Genealogy|Merrick]], [[Nance County, Nebraska Genealogy|Nance]], [[Pierce County, Nebraska Genealogy|Pierce]], [[Platte County, Nebraska Genealogy|Platte]], [[Sarpy County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sarpy]], [[Stanton County, Nebraska Genealogy|Stanton]], [[Thurston County, Nebraska Genealogy|Thurston]], [[Washington County, Nebraska Genealogy|Washington]] and [[Wayne County, Nebraska Genealogy|Wayne]].<ref name="rome" />
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===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 these lists:
<br>


==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
Chancery Office<br>[http://www.archomaha.org/ Archdiocese of Omaha]<br>100 North 62 Street<br>Omaha, NE 68132-2795<br>Phone: (402) 558-3100<br>Fax: (402) 558-3026
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==
For a helpful history see Henry Weber Casper, ''History of the Catholic Church in Nebraska'', Three Volumes (Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Catholic Life Pub., 1960-66); {{FHL|193714|item}} book 978.2 K2c.&nbsp; A brief [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11249b.htm History of the Archidiocese of Omaha] is available as part of the [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ Catholic Encyclopedia]. <br>  
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>


[[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'''.]]
The Archdiocese includes the counties of: Antelope, [[Boone County, Nebraska Genealogy|Boone]], [[Boyd County, Nebraska Genealogy|Boyd]], [[Burt County, Nebraska Genealogy|Burt]], [[Cedar County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cedar]], [[Colfax County, Nebraska Genealogy|Colfax]], [[Cuming County, Nebraska Genealogy|Cuming]], [[Dakota County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dakota]], [[Dixon County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dixon]], [[Dodge County, Nebraska Genealogy|Dodge]], [[Douglas County, Nebraska Genealogy|Douglas]], [[Holt County, Nebraska Genealogy|Holt]], [[Knox County, Nebraska Genealogy|Knox]], [[Madison County, Nebraska Genealogy|Madison]], [[Merrick County, Nebraska Genealogy|Merrick]], [[Nance County, Nebraska Genealogy|Nance]], [[Pierce County, Nebraska Genealogy|Pierce]], [[Platte County, Nebraska Genealogy|Platte]], [[Sarpy County, Nebraska Genealogy|Sarpy]], [[Stanton County, Nebraska Genealogy|Stanton]], [[Thurston County, Nebraska Genealogy|Thurston]], [[Washington County, Nebraska Genealogy|Washington]] and [[Wayne County, Nebraska Genealogy|Wayne]].<ref name="rome" />


==References==
== References ==


<references />  
<references />  
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{{Nebraska|Nebraska}} {{USChurch}}
{{Nebraska|Nebraska}} {{USChurch}}


[[Category:Nebraska, United States|Church]]  
[[Category:Nebraska, United States|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]
[[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]

Revision as of 13:05, 15 November 2016

Nebraska Wiki Topics
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Beginning Research
Record Types
Nebraska Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources


Bold textUnited States  Gotoarrow.png  Nebraska  Gotoarrow.png  Church Records

Online Resources[edit | edit source]

Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Nebraska were the Roman Catholic, Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches.[1]

The Nebraska State Historical Library has an extensive collection of Protestant church records. These are listed in the reference leaflet Nebraska Church Records at the Nebraska State Historical Society.  Library research services are fee-based.  Some materials are available for loan via Interlibrary Loan through your local public library. 

The Family History Library has very few church records from Nebraska. It has microfilms of some Presbyterian records, such as session minutes, baptisms, and membership rolls. The library also has DAR transcripts of some other denominations' records.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)[edit | edit source]

Early Nebraska ward and branch records are available on microfilm at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Find film numbers by searching the 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 book 979.2258 A3j; fiche 6031507). These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple records.

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Archives of the Nebraska Synod
4980 South 118 Street, Suite D
Omaha, NE 68137-2220
Phone: (402) 896-5311
Fax: (402) 896-5354
E-mail: office@nebraskasynod.org

Early congregations and pioneers are described in Charles F. Sandahl, The Nebraska Conference of the Augustana Synod. (n.p.: Nebraska Conference, 1931); FHL Collection film 1036240 item 3

Abstracts of records relating to German immigrants can be found in:

Odessa3.org - This site contains German-Russian emigrant ancestry in pocket settlements in mid-west states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska . Contains transcribed minutes of meetings, membership lists (some with parentage listed), birth, deaths, and marriages.

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Nebraska Wesleyan University
Historical Archives United Methodist Church
5000 St. Paul Avenue
Lincoln, NE 68504
Phone: (402) 465-2400
Fax: (402) 465-2189

United Methodist Historical Center
Nebraska Conference
P.O. Box 4553
Lincoln, NE 68504-0553
Phone: (402) 465-2175

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian Historical Society
United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.
425 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 627-1852
Fax: (215) 627-0509

Hall's Index of American Presbyterian Congregations briefly summarizes information published as part of General Assembly minutes, annual denomination yearbooks, and related sources. The index contains the organization and dissolution dates of churches, denomination and location changes, mergers, etc. Search Hall's Index to see if a Presbyterian congregation existed in a town or city, and then search CALVIN, the on-line catalog, to learn what registers, minutes, and other records are available in the Presbyterian Historical Society Archives.

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Diocese of Grand Island
P.O. Box 153
2708 Old Fair Road
Grand Isle, NE 68802
Phone: (800) 652-0004

There are no records at the above site.

The diocese includes the counties of: Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Brown, Buffalo, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Garden, Garfield Grant, Greeley, Hall, Hooker, Howard, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson , Morrill, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler.[2]

Diocese of Lincoln
P.O. Box 80328
Lincoln, NE 68501-0328
Phone: (402) 488-0921

The diocese includes the counties of: Adams, Butler, Cass, Chase, Clay, Dawson, Dundy, Fillmore, Franklin, Frontier, Furnas, Hamilton, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Keith, Lancaster, Lincoln, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Pawnee, Perkins, Phelps, Polk, Red Willow, Saline, Richardson, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Webster and York.[2]

Chancery Office
Archdiocese of Omaha
100 North 62 Street
Omaha, NE 68132-2795
Phone: (402) 558-3100
Fax: (402) 558-3026

For a helpful history see Henry Weber Casper, History of the Catholic Church in Nebraska, Three Volumes (Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Catholic Life Pub., 1960-66); FHL Collection book 978.2 K2c.  A brief History of the Archidiocese of Omaha is available as part of the Catholic Encyclopedia.

The Archdiocese includes the counties of: Antelope, Boone, Boyd, Burt, Cedar, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Douglas, Holt, Knox, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Pierce, Platte, Sarpy, Stanton, Thurston, Washington and Wayne.[2]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). FHL Book 973 K2ah.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America, Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.
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