Georgia Church Records: Difference between revisions

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===Historical Background===
===Historical Background===
In the colonial period, the Church of England, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Moravian churches were the largest religous groups in Georgia. After 1900 the largest religious groups were the [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptists''']] and [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodists''']].<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>
In the colonial period, the Church of England, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Moravian churches were the largest religous groups in Georgia. After 1900 the largest religious groups were the [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptists''']] and [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodists''']].<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>


The composition of religious affiliation in Georgia is 70% Protestant, 9% Catholic, 1% Mormon, 1% Jewish, 0.5% Muslim, 0.5% Buddhist, and 0.5% Hindu. The largest Christian denominations by number of adherents in 2010 were the '''Southern Baptist Convention''' with 1,759,317; the '''United Methodist Church''' with 619,394; and the '''Roman Catholic Church''' with 596,384. <ref>"Georgia: Religion" in Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(U.S._state)#Religion, accessed 29 June 2020.</ref>
The composition of religious affiliation in Georgia is 70% Protestant, 9% Catholic, 1% Mormon, 1% Jewish, 0.5% Muslim, 0.5% Buddhist, and 0.5% Hindu. The largest Christian denominations by number of adherents in 2010 were the '''Southern Baptist Convention''' with 1,759,317; the '''United Methodist Church''' with 619,394; and the '''Roman Catholic Church''' with 596,384. <ref>"Georgia: Religion" in Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(U.S._state)#Religion, accessed 29 June 2020.</ref>
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==Finding the Records==
==Finding the Records==
==Online Resources==
===Look for online records.===
===Look for online records.===
 
'''Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local [https://familysearch.org/locations/ family history center] or the [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library Family History Library] in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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#'''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!  
#'''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!  
|}
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====FamilySearch====
===Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
*'''1754-1960''' {{RecordSearch|1674802|Georgia, births and christenings, 1754-1960}}, index, incomplete — [[Georgia Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''Family History Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
 
*The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] (FHL) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States.  
*'''1828-1991''' {{RecordSearch|2790246|Georgia, church vital records, 1828-1991}}, index, incomplete — [[Georgia, Church Vital Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1808-1967''' {{RecordSearch|1674807|Georgia, marriages, 1808-1967}}, index, incomplete — [[Georgia Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
 
====Ancestry.com====
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60264/ Georgia, Select Births and Christenings, 1754-1960], index, incomplete ($)
 
=====Dutch Reformed=====
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60766/ U.S., Selected States Dutch Reformed Church Membership Records, 1701-1995] at Ancestry - index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970] at Ancestry - index & images, incomplete.($)
 
=====Presbyterian=====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970] at Ancestry - index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1822-1916''' [https://dlg.usg.edu/collection/gcl_lpc Lexington Presbyterian Church (Lexington, Ga.) Records, 1822-1916] at Digital Library of Georgia — index & images ($)
*'''1842-1900''' [https://dlg.usg.edu/collection/gcl_hnp Henry Newton Papers, 1842-1900 (Presbyterian Preacher] at Digital Library of Georgia — index & images ($)
 
===Look for digital copies of church records 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.
*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?''']
*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.   
*Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a [https://familysearch.org/locations/ '''Family History Center'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.   
*To find records:  
*To find records:  
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=50&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Georgia%22 '''records of United States, Georgia'''].
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=356&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Alabama%22 '''records of United States, STATE'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Georgia''' and a list of counties will appear.
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, STATE''' and a list of counties will appear.
:::c. Click on your county if it appears.
:::c. Click on your county if it appears.
:::d. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
:::d. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
:::e. Click on '''Places within United States, Georgia [COUNTY]''' and a list of towns will appear.
:::e. Click on '''Places within United States, STATE [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.   
:::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.
:::g. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
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===Consult available finding aids.===
===Consult available finding aids.===
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
====Baptist====
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
*[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo1.ark:/13960/t3902q31p&view=1up&seq=7 Inventory of the church archives of Georgia : Atlanta association of Baptist churches, affiliated with Georgia Baptist convention,] prepared by the Georgia Historical records survey, Division of community service programs, works projects administration, e-book. Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/22860/ Ancestry.com.] ($)
====Presbyterian====
*{{FSC|213196|item|disp=Inventory of the church archives of Georgia Presbyterian Churches : 1969 arrangement with indexes}}, e-book
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===Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.===
===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.
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 [https://algensoc.org/main/researchers.html '''researcher.''']<br>
<br>
===Georgia State Archives===
The largest collection of Georgia church records can be found at the [[Georgia State Archives|Georgia State Archives]]. The archives borrowed pre-1940 church records from many local congregations and preserved them on microfilm. The collection is continually growing but is not complete.
*[http://www.georgiaarchives.org/research Georgia's Virtual Vault Church Records Microfilm Collection]
 
===Baptist===


<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>
[http://www.sbhla.org/links.htm Georgia Baptist Historical Collection]<br>Eugene W. Stetson Memorial Library<br>Mercer University<br>Macon, Ga 31207
====Georgia State Archives====
The largest collection of Georgia church records can be found at the [[Georgia State Archives|Georgia State Archives]]. '''The archives borrowed pre-1940 church records from many local congregations and preserved them on microfilm.''' <br>


[https://www.georgiaarchives.org/ '''Georgia State Archives''']<br>
The Family History Library has microfilmed some research materials at Mercer University. For example, {{FHL|204489}} includes ten histories of various Baptist associations. There are also histories and inventories such as the following:  
5800 Jonesboro Road<br>
Morrow, GA 30260<br>
<br>
Telephone: 678-364-3710<br>
Fax:  678-364-3860<br>
*[https://vault.georgiaarchives.org/digital/collection/churchcards Georgia's Virtual Vault Church Records Microfilm Collection]<br>


====Baptist====
*''Inventory of the Church Archives of Georgia: Atlanta Association of Baptist Churches'' {{WorldCat|29122660|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|180229|item|disp=FHL Film 1425645 Item 3; Book 975.8 K2hb}} A copy is available online at [https://archive.org/details/cu31924029785007 Archive.org].
*Campbell, Jesse H. ''Georgia Baptists: Historical and Biographical''. Richmond: H.K. Ellyson, 1847. [https://dcms.lds.org/view/action/ieViewer.do?from_proxy=true&dps_pid=IE87774&dps_dvs=1334595989066~773&dps_pid=IE87774&change_lng=en Digital Version]; {{WorldCat|5065358|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}<nowiki>; {{FHL|195312|item|disp=FHL Film 1033617 Item 3; Book 975.8 K2c (1874 edition)}; 1847 edition </nowiki>{{FHL|314275|item|disp=FHL Film 206288 Item 2}} A copy of the 1874 edition is available at [https://archive.org/details/georgiabaptists00campgoog Archive.org].
*''History of the Baptist Denomination in Georgia.'' Atlanta, Ga.: J.P. Harrison &amp; Company, 1881. {{WorldCat|2545923|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|105941|item|disp=FHL Film 896565}}


[http://www.sbhla.org/links.htm '''Georgia Baptist Historical Collection''']<br>Eugene W. Stetson Memorial Library<br>Mercer University<br>Macon, Ga 31207
===Church of England (Anglican, Protestant Episcopal)===
=====Books=====
*[https://archive.org/details/georgiabaptists00campgoog ''Georgia Baptists: Historical and Biographical''.] Campbell, Jesse H.  Richmond: H.K. Ellyson, 1847.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/102916-redirection ''History of the Baptist Denomination in Georgia.'']  Atlanta, Ga.: J.P. Harrison &amp; Company, 1881.


====Church of England (Anglican, Protestant Episcopal)====
Records are maintained in the local parish.<br>
If your ancestor was a minister in Colonial Georgia, see:  
If your ancestor was a minister in Colonial Georgia, see:  
*Frederick Lewis Weis's ''The Colonial Clergy of Maryland, Delaware, and Georgia,'' is an alphabetical listing of the clergy in Delaware from 1638-1776, and includes names, dates, and places. A copy of the book is located in the {{FSC|589337|item}}. For a copy nearest you, check [http://www.worldcat.org/title/colonial-clergy-of-maryland-delaware-and-georgia/oclc/4040295&referer=brief_results WorldCat].


====Methodist====
*Frederick Lewis Weis's&nbsp;''The Colonial Clergy of Maryland, Delaware, and Georgia,''&nbsp;is an alphabetical listing of the clergy in Delaware from 1638-1776, and includes names, dates, and places. A copy of the book is located&nbsp;in the {{FHL|589337|item}}. For a copy nearest you, check [http://www.worldcat.org/title/colonial-clergy-of-maryland-delaware-and-georgia/oclc/4040295&referer=brief_results WorldCat].
 
===Methodist===


[http://gcah.org/research/how-to-research-your-family '''United Methodist Museum''']<br>P.O. Box 24081<br>St. Simons Island, GA 31522 <br>Phone: (912) 638-4050<br>Fax: (912) 638-9050<br>Email Address: [mailto:methmuse@bellsouth.net <u>methmuse@bellsouth.net</u>]  
[http://gcah.org/research/how-to-research-your-family United Methodist Museum]<br>P.O. Box 24081<br>St. Simons Island, GA 31522 <br>Phone: (912) 638-4050<br>Fax: (912) 638-9050<br>E-mail Address: [mailto:methmuse@bellsouth.net <u>methmuse@bellsouth.net</u>]  


For a history of the Methodist Church, see:  
For a history of the Methodist Church, see:  


*Harold Lawrence, ''Methodist Preachers in Georgia 1783-1900'' (Tignall, Georgia: Boyd Pub., 1984). {{WorldCat|11273795|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|240441|item|disp=FS Library Book 975.8 K2L}}
*Harold Lawrence, ''Methodist Preachers in Georgia 1783-1900'' (Tignall, Georgia: Boyd Pub., 1984). {{WorldCat|11273795|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|240441|item|disp=FHL Book 975.8 K2L}}
*James Lloyd Knox, ''Methodist Preachers in Georgia 1783-1900, a supplement''. (Milledgeville, Georgia : Boyd Pub. Co., c1995). {{WorldCat|32248508|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|750884|item|disp=FS Library Book  974.743 K2a}}
*James Lloyd Knox, ''Methodist Preachers in Georgia 1783-1900, a supplement''. (Milledgeville, Georgia&nbsp;: Boyd Pub. Co., c1995). {{WorldCat|32248508|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|750884|item|disp=FHL Book  974.743 K2a}}


====Lutheran====
===Moravian===
[http://www.crumleyarchives.org '''James R. Crumley Jr. Archives''']<br>
4201 Main St.<br>
Columbia, SC 29203 <br>
<br>
Phone: 803-461-3234<br>
Email: crumleyarchivist@gmail.com<br>
*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.''']]


====Moravian====
[http://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/general.php The Moravian Archives]<br>41 West Locust Street<br>Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018<br>United States of America<br>Phone: (610) 866-3255<br>Fax: (610) 866-9210
*'''The Southern Province Moravian Archives'''<br>
:457 S. Church Street<br>
:Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101<br>
:Phone: (336) 722-1742<br>
:Email: moravianarchives@mcsp.org<br>
*[https://moravianarchives.org/ '''Website''']
*[https://moravianarchives.org/our-memoir-collection/ '''Our Memoir Collection''']
*[https://moravianarchives.org/library-resources/ '''The Genealogy Bookshelves'''] List of family surnames in the collection.
*[https://moravianarchives.org/congregations/ '''Moravian Churches Historical List''']
*[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015025929681&view=1up&seq=4 '''1932 Catalog''']  Overview of older holdings
*[https://www.moravianarchives.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Moravian-Archives-Researcher-Application-Final.pdf '''Researcher Application'''] Schedule an appointment.
----
====Roman Catholic====


[https://archatl.com/offices/archives/ '''Archdiocese of Atlanta''']<br>
For information concerning missions to the American Indians visit [http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/GUIDES/153.htm Moravian Missions Among American Indians.]&nbsp;For a map and list of missions visit [http://bdhp.moravian.edu/community_records/christianindians/missionmap.html Early Moravian Missions in Eastern Pennsylvania and Surrounding Areas 1740-1773.]  
Office of Archives & Records<br>
2401 Lake Park Drive SE<br>
Smyrna, GA 30080-8862<br>
<br>
Main Office Phone Number: 404-920-7690<br>
Fax Number: 404-920-7691<br>
<br>
Sacramental records of Baptisms, Marriages, Confirmations, and Deaths are created and maintained at the individual parishes of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. If you are searching for a copy of your sacramental record and the sacrament occurred after 1930, then you will need to contact the parish in which the sacrament was performed. The Office of Archives and Records does not issue certificates.
*'''1840-1980''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62456 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta Sacramental Records, 1840-1980] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*[https://archatl.com/offices/archives/sacramental-research/ Sacramental Research]
*'''Genealogical Research:'''<br>
::[https://2nix922u0v5c1unycf149lry-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/genealogical_research_request_form.pdf Genealogical Research Request Form]<br>
::Research on general family lines cannot be conducted by Archives staff. However, research for '''specific individuals''' can be done by the staff if the records are housed in the Office of Archives and Records.


::The requester will be provided with a copy of the information contained in a specific record entry whenever possible. In the event that the Office of Archives and Records cannot provide the researcher with a copy of the record entry, staff will contact the individual who submitted the request.
Mission records are also available through {{FHL|301362|item}}. The records are indexed in ''Index to the records of the Moravian Mission among the Indians of North America'' by Carl John Fliegel. {{WorldCat|120374|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|53079|item|disp=FHL Book 970.1 F642i, 4 vol}}.  


::Please complete the Genealogical Research Request Form supplied at the bottom of the page and submit it along with appropriate payment to the following address:
===Roman Catholic===


:::Archdiocese of Atlanta<br>Office of Archives & Records<br>2401 Lake Park Drive SE<br>Smyrna, GA 30080-8862<br>
[http://www.archatl.com/offices/archives/ Office of Archives and Records]<br>Archdiocese of Atlanta<br>680 W. Peachtree Street, N.W.<br>Atlanta, GA 30308-1984<br>Phone: (404) 978-2772<br>Fax: (404) 885-7462


::The fee for genealogical research requests is $25.00. Payment can be made by check or money order (U.S. currency) made payable to the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Please note that the fee is not refundable in the event that no research results are obtained. The Office of Archives and Records can only conduct research up to one hour per genealogical research request.
The Archdiocese includes the counties of: [[Baldwin County, Georgia Genealogy|Baldwin]], [[Banks County, Georgia Genealogy|Banks]], [[Barrow County, Georgia Genealogy|Barrow]], [[Bartow County, Georgia Genealogy|Bartow]], [[Butts County, Georgia Genealogy|Butts]], [[Carroll County, Georgia Genealogy|Carroll]], [[Catoosa County, Georgia Genealogy|Catoosa]], [[Chattooga County, Georgia Genealogy|Chattooga]], [[Cherokee County, Georgia Genealogy|Cherokee]], [[Clarke County, Georgia Genealogy|Clarke]], [[Clayton County, Georgia Genealogy|Clayton]], [[Cobb County, Georgia Genealogy|Cobb]], [[Coweta County, Georgia Genealogy|Coweta]], [[Dade County, Georgia Genealogy|Dade]], [[Dawson County, Georgia Genealogy|Dawson]], [[DeKalb County, Georgia Genealogy|DeKalb]], [[Douglas County, Georgia Genealogy|Douglas]], [[Elbert County, Georgia Genealogy|Elbert]], [[Fannin County, Georgia Genealogy|Fannin]], [[Fayette County, Georgia Genealogy|Fayette]], [[Floyd County, Georgia Genealogy|Floyd]], [[Forsyth County, Georgia Genealogy|Forsyth]], [[Franklin County, Georgia Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Fulton County, Georgia Genealogy|Fulton]], [[Gilmer County, Georgia Genealogy|Gilmer]], [[Gordon County, Georgia Genealogy|Gordon]], [[Greene County, Georgia Genealogy|Greene]], [[Gwinnett County, Georgia Genealogy|Gwinnett]], [[Habersham County, Georgia Genealogy|Habersham]], [[Hall County, Georgia Genealogy|Hall]], [[Hancock County, Georgia Genealogy|Hancock]], [[Haralson County, Georgia Genealogy|Haralson]], [[Hart County, Georgia Genealogy|Hart]], [[Heard County, Georgia Genealogy|Heard]], [[Henry County, Georgia Genealogy|Henry]], [[Jackson County, Georgia Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Jasper County, Georgia Genealogy|Jasper]], [[Lamar County, Georgia Genealogy|Lamar]], [[Lincoln County, Georgia Genealogy|Lincoln]], [[Lumpkin County, Georgia Genealogy|Lumpkin]], [[Madison County, Georgia Genealogy|Madison]], [[McDuffie County, Georgia Genealogy|McDuffie]], [[Meriwether County, Georgia Genealogy|Meriwether]], [[Monroe County, Georgia Genealogy|Monroe]], [[Morgan County, Georgia Genealogy|Morgan]], [[Murray County, Georgia Genealogy|Murray]], [[Newton County, Georgia Genealogy|Newton]], [[Oconee County, Georgia Genealogy|Oconee]], [[Oglethorpe County, Georgia Genealogy|Oglethorpe]], [[Paulding County, Georgia Genealogy|Paulding]], [[Pickens County, Georgia Genealogy|Pickens]], [[Pike County, Georgia Genealogy|Pike]], [[Polk County, Georgia Genealogy|Polk]], [[Putnam County, Georgia Genealogy|Putnam]], [[Rabun County, Georgia Genealogy|Rabun]], [[Rockdale County, Georgia Genealogy|Rockdale]], [[Spalding County, Georgia Genealogy|Spalding]], [[Stephens County, Georgia Genealogy|Stephens]], [[Taliaferro County, Georgia Genealogy|Taliaferro]], [[Towns County, Georgia Genealogy|Towns]], [[Troup County, Georgia Genealogy|Troup]], [[Union County, Georgia Genealogy|Union]], [[Upson County, Georgia Genealogy|Upson]], [[Walker County, Georgia Genealogy|Walker]], [[Walton County, Georgia Genealogy|Walton]], [[Warren County, Georgia Genealogy|Warren]], [[White County, Georgia Genealogy|White]], [[Whitfield County, Georgia Genealogy|Whitfield]] and [[Wilkes County, Georgia Genealogy|Wilkes]].<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>


::Please allow approximately four weeks for request(s) to be answered.
[https://diosav.org/offices/archives-records Archivist, Catholic Diocese of Savannah]<br>601 East Liberty St.<br>Savannah, GA 31401<br>Phone: (912) 201-4070
-----
[https://diosav.org/archives '''Diocese of Savannah Archives and Records''']<br>
Office of the Chancellor<br>
CATHOLIC PASTORAL CENTER<br>
2170 EAST VICTORY DRIVE<br>
SAVANNAH, GA 31404-3918<br>
<br>
PHONE: 912-201-4100<br>
Toll-Free (in GA): 888-295-7144 <br>
FAX: 912-201-4101<br>
:[https://diosav.org/archives/research '''Genealogy and Research''']
::Original Sacramental Registers from closed parishes are kept with care in the Diocesan Archives & Records Management Office. Information from sacraments celebrated and recorded more than eighty-five (85) years ago is available upon request without discrimination. A register falling within this time frame is accessible to the public if it is digitized, microfilmed, or a preservation copy. '''We currently have a selection of sacramental registers that have been digitized and are fully available to the public to view from our Reading Room.''' A full list of these registers will be available soon. Original Sacramental Registers are not open for public examination in order to protect the original books from wear and ensure the privacy of records that are less than eighty-five (85) years old. Research in original books must be conducted by authorized Diocesan personnel.
::A [https://diosav.org/component/edocman/genealogical-information/viewdocument/647?Itemid=0 '''Sacramental Information Request Form'''] must be completed for sacramental record searches conducted by the Diocese of Savannah Archives & Records Management Office. Because staff is limited, no sacramental information will be accepted over the phone or via e-mail and requests will take a minimum of 4-6 weeks. All requests must be accompanied with valid proof of identity (a photo id with a signature) from the person requesting those records. A $25 administrative fee will be required for each sacrament that is requested. The office accepts cash, a cashier’s check, or money orders made payable to the Catholic Diocese of Savannah. Personal checks are discouraged. This is a non-refundable administrative fee and will still be charged in the event that no results are obtained. Fees may be waived at the discretion of the Director of Archives & Records or Chancellor.
----


===Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.===
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Appling County, Georgia Genealogy|Appling]], [[Atkinson County, Georgia Genealogy|Atkinson]], [[Bacon County, Georgia Genealogy|Bacon]], [[Baker County, Georgia Genealogy|Baker]], [[Ben Hill County, Georgia Genealogy|Ben Hill]], [[Berrien County, Georgia Genealogy|Berrien]], [[Bibb County, Georgia Genealogy|Bibb]], [[Bleckley County, Georgia Genealogy|Bleckley]], [[Brantley County, Georgia Genealogy|Brantley]], [[Brooks County, Georgia Genealogy|Brooks]], [[Bulloch County, Georgia Genealogy|Bulloch]], [[Burke County, Georgia Genealogy|Burke]], [[Bryan County, Georgia Genealogy|Bryan]], [[Calhoun County, Georgia Genealogy|Calhoun]], [[Camden County, Georgia Genealogy|Camden]], [[Candler County, Georgia Genealogy|Candler]], [[Charlton County, Georgia Genealogy|Charlton]], [[Chatham County, Georgia Genealogy|Chatham]], [[Chattahoochee County, Georgia Genealogy|Chattahoochee]], [[Clay County, Georgia Genealogy|Clay]], [[Clinch County, Georgia Genealogy|Clinch]], [[Coffee County, Georgia Genealogy|Coffee]], [[Colquitt County, Georgia Genealogy|Colquitt]], [[Columbia County, Georgia Genealogy|Columbia]], [[Cook County, Georgia Genealogy|Cook]], [[Crawford County, Georgia Genealogy|Crawford]], [[Crisp County, Georgia Genealogy|Crisp]], [[Decatur County, Georgia Genealogy|Decatur]], [[Dodge County, Georgia Genealogy|Dodge]], [[Dooly County, Georgia Genealogy|Dooly]], [[Dougherty County, Georgia Genealogy|Dougherty]], [[Early County, Georgia Genealogy|Early]], [[Echols County, Georgia Genealogy|Echols]], [[Effingham County, Georgia Genealogy|Effingham]], [[Emanuel County, Georgia Genealogy|Emanuel]], [[Evans County, Georgia Genealogy|Evans]], [[Glascock County, Georgia Genealogy|Glascock]], [[Glynn County, Georgia Genealogy|Glynn]], [[Grady County, Georgia Genealogy|Grady]], [[Harris County, Georgia Genealogy|Harris]], [[Houston County, Georgia Genealogy|Houston]], [[Irwin County, Georgia Genealogy|Irwin]], [[Jeff Davis County, Georgia Genealogy|Jeff Davis]], [[Jefferson County, Georgia Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Jones County, Georgia Genealogy|Jones]], [[Lanier County, Georgia Genealogy|Lanier]], [[Lee County, Georgia Genealogy|Lee]], [[Liberty County, Georgia Genealogy|Liberty]], [[Long County, Georgia Genealogy|Long]], [[Lowndes County, Georgia Genealogy|Lowndes]], [[Macon County, Georgia Genealogy|Macon]], [[McIntosh County, Georgia Genealogy|McIntosh]], [[Miller County, Georgia Genealogy|Miller]], [[Mitchell County, Georgia Genealogy|Mitchell]], [[Montgomery County, Georgia Genealogy|Montgomery]], [[Muscogee County, Georgia Genealogy|Muscogee]], [[Peach County, Georgia Genealogy|Peach]], [[Pierce County, Georgia Genealogy|Pierce]], [[Pulaski County, Georgia Genealogy|Pulaski]], [[Quitman County, Georgia Genealogy|Quitman]], [[Randolph County, Georgia Genealogy|Randolph]], [[Richmond County, Georgia Genealogy|Richmond]], [[Screven County, Georgia Genealogy|Screven]], [[Seminole County, Georgia Genealogy|Seminole]], [[Stewart County, Georgia Genealogy|Stewart]], [[Sumter County, Georgia Genealogy|Sumter]], [[Talbot County, Georgia Genealogy|Talbot]], [[Tattnall County, Georgia Genealogy|Tattnall]], [[Taylor County, Georgia Genealogy|Taylor]], [[Telfair County, Georgia Genealogy|Telfair]], [[Thomas County, Georgia Genealogy|Thomas]], [[Tift County, Georgia Genealogy|Tift]], [[Toombs County, Georgia Genealogy|Toombs]], [[Treutlen County, Georgia Genealogy|Treutlen]], [[Turner County, Georgia Genealogy|Turner]], [[Twiggs County, Georgia Genealogy|Twiggs]], [[Ware County, Georgia Genealogy|Ware]], [[Wayne County, Georgia Genealogy|Wayne]], [[Webster County, Georgia Genealogy|Webster]], [[Wheeler County, Georgia Genealogy|Wheeler]], [[Wilcox County, Georgia Genealogy|Wilcox]] and [[Worth County, Georgia Genealogy|Worth]].<ref name="rome" />
Some church records have been given to historical societies. Also, historical societies may be able to tell you where the records are being held.


==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
==References==
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>


[[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'''.]]
'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found in:'''  
 
==References==
<references/>


[https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/Georgia_Births_and_Christenings_%28FamilySearch_Historical_Records%29 Georgia Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)]


{{Georgia|Georgia}} {{USChurch}}
{{Georgia|Georgia}} {{USChurch}}

Revision as of 19:08, 29 June 2020

Georgia Wiki Topics
Georgia flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Georgia Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources
Moderator



Historical Background[edit | edit source]

In the colonial period, the Church of England, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Moravian churches were the largest religous groups in Georgia. After 1900 the largest religious groups were the Baptists and Methodists.[1]

The composition of religious affiliation in Georgia is 70% Protestant, 9% Catholic, 1% Mormon, 1% Jewish, 0.5% Muslim, 0.5% Buddhist, and 0.5% Hindu. The largest Christian denominations by number of adherents in 2010 were the Southern Baptist Convention with 1,759,317; the United Methodist Church with 619,394; and the Roman Catholic Church with 596,384. [2]

Information Found in the Records[edit | edit source]

To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:

Finding the Records[edit | edit source]

Look for online records.[edit | edit source]

Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local family history center or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Caution sign.png

Online databases are incomplete. This can lead to two common errors:

  1. Near matches: Researchers might mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
  2. Stopping research: Researchers might assume the database proves church records do not exist. Actually the record is still out there, just not in this incomplete collection of records. Keep searching!

Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog.[edit | edit source]

Family History Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
  • The Family History Library (FHL) 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 How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?
  • 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, STATE.
b. Click on Places within United States, STATE 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, STATE [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.

Consult available finding aids.[edit | edit source]

These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.

Correspond with or visit the actual churches.[edit | edit source]

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 for help with composing letters.
  • Each denomination page offers an online address directory of local churches for that denomination.

Check the church records collections in archives and libraries.[edit | edit source]

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.

Georgia State Archives[edit | edit source]

The largest collection of Georgia church records can be found at the Georgia State Archives. The archives borrowed pre-1940 church records from many local congregations and preserved them on microfilm. The collection is continually growing but is not complete.

Baptist[edit | edit source]

Georgia Baptist Historical Collection
Eugene W. Stetson Memorial Library
Mercer University
Macon, Ga 31207

The Family History Library has microfilmed some research materials at Mercer University. For example, FHL 204489 includes ten histories of various Baptist associations. There are also histories and inventories such as the following:

Church of England (Anglican, Protestant Episcopal)[edit | edit source]

If your ancestor was a minister in Colonial Georgia, see:

  • Frederick Lewis Weis's The Colonial Clergy of Maryland, Delaware, and Georgia, is an alphabetical listing of the clergy in Delaware from 1638-1776, and includes names, dates, and places. A copy of the book is located in the FHL Collection. For a copy nearest you, check WorldCat.

Methodist[edit | edit source]

United Methodist Museum
P.O. Box 24081
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Phone: (912) 638-4050
Fax: (912) 638-9050
E-mail Address: methmuse@bellsouth.net

For a history of the Methodist Church, see:

Moravian[edit | edit source]

The Moravian Archives
41 West Locust Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018
United States of America
Phone: (610) 866-3255
Fax: (610) 866-9210

For information concerning missions to the American Indians visit Moravian Missions Among American Indians. For a map and list of missions visit Early Moravian Missions in Eastern Pennsylvania and Surrounding Areas 1740-1773.

Mission records are also available through FHL Collection. The records are indexed in Index to the records of the Moravian Mission among the Indians of North America by Carl John Fliegel. At various libraries (WorldCat); FHL Book 970.1 F642i, 4 vol.

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Office of Archives and Records
Archdiocese of Atlanta
680 W. Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30308-1984
Phone: (404) 978-2772
Fax: (404) 885-7462

The Archdiocese includes the counties of: Baldwin, Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Elbert, Fannin, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Hancock, Haralson, Hart, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Lamar, Lincoln, Lumpkin, Madison, McDuffie, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Murray, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Rabun, Rockdale, Spalding, Stephens, Taliaferro, Towns, Troup, Union, Upson, Walker, Walton, Warren, White, Whitfield and Wilkes.[3]

Archivist, Catholic Diocese of Savannah
601 East Liberty St.
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 201-4070

The diocese includes the counties of: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Bryan, Calhoun, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Harris, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jones, Lanier, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Macon, McIntosh, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscogee, Peach, Pierce, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Richmond, Screven, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth.[3]

References[edit | edit source]

A wiki article describing an online collection is found in:

Georgia Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)

v • d• e
Links to Georgia (state)-related articles
Topics
Counties
Appling · Atkinson · Bacon · Baker · Baldwin · Banks · Barrow · Bartow · Ben Hill · Berrien · Bibb · Bleckley · Brantley · Brooks · Bryan · Bulloch · Burke · Butts · Calhoun · Camden · Candler · Carroll · Catoosa · Charlton · Chatham · Chattahoochee · Chattooga · Cherokee · Clarke · Clay · Clayton · Clinch · Cobb · Coffee · Colquitt · Columbia · Cook · Coweta · Crawford · Crisp · Dade · Dawson · Decatur · DeKalb · Dodge · Dooly · Dougherty · Douglas · Early · Echols · Effingham · Elbert · Emanuel · Evans · Fannin · Fayette · Floyd · Forsyth · Franklin · Fulton · Gilmer · Glascock · Glynn · Gordon · Grady · Greene · Gwinnett · Habersham · Hall · Hancock · Haralson · Harris · Hart · Heard · Henry · Houston · Irwin · Jackson · Jasper · Jeff Davis · Jefferson · Jenkins · Johnson · Jones · Lamar · Lanier · Laurens · Lee · Liberty · Lincoln · Long · Lowndes · Lumpkin · Macon · Madison · Marion · McDuffie · McIntosh · Meriwether · Miller · Mitchell · Monroe · Montgomery · Morgan · Murray · Muscogee · Newton · Oconee · Oglethorpe · Paulding · Peach · Pickens · Pierce · Pike · Polk · Pulaski · Putnam · Quitman · Rabun · Randolph · Richmond · Rockdale · Schley · Screven · Seminole · Spalding · Stephens · Stewart · Sumter · Talbot · Taliaferro · Tattnall · Taylor · Telfair · Terrell · Thomas · Tift · Toombs · Towns · Treutlen · Troup · Turner · Twiggs · Union · Upson · Walker · Walton · Ware · Warren · Washington · Wayne · Webster · Wheeler · White · Whitfield · Wilcox · Wilkes · Wilkinson · Worth
Extinct Co.
Colonial
Parishes
Major
Repositories
Migration
Routes
v • d• e
Links to U.S. Religion Records-related articles
Major
Religion
Adventist · Amish · Anabaptist · Apostolic Christian · Armenian Catholic · Armenian Evangelical · Armenian Orthodox · Assemblies of God · Baháʼí · Baptist · Catholic Apostolic · Brethren · Buddhist · Community of Christ · Confucianism · Congregational · Coptic Orthodox · Disciples of Christ · Dutch Reformed · Episcopal · German Reformed · Greek Orthodox · Hinduism · Huguenot · Hutterites · Jehovah's Witnesses · Jewish · The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) · Lutheran · Maronite Catholic Church · Melkite Greek Catholic Methodist · Mennonite · Moravian · Muslim · Orthodox Church in America (OCA) · Pentecostal · Presbyterian · Schwenkfelders · Serbian Orthodox · Roman Catholic · Russian Orthodox · Society of Friends (Quaker) · Ukrainian Orthodox · United Brethren in Christ · United Church of Christ · Unitarian/Universalist
By State
  1. ↑ Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). FHL Book 973 K2ah.
  2. ↑ "Georgia: Religion" in Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(U.S._state)#Religion, accessed 29 June 2020.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America, Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.

Family History Library (FHL); now called, FamilySearch Library (FSL)

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