Vermont Church Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Vermont|Vermont ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Vermont_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 Vermont were the [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptist''']], [[Congregational Church in the United States|'''Congregational''']], [[Episcopal Church in the United States|'''Episcopal''']], [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist''']], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']] churches.<ref>William Chamberlin Hunt and United States Bureau of the Census, ''Religious Bodies: 1906'' (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1910), Vol. 1:365. Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Z6ZdiZWeStAC Google Books].</ref>


==Information Found in the Records==
<br>
To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:
 
{|
== Record Synopsis  ==
|-
 
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Church records and the information they provide vary greatly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. They may contain information about members of the congregation, such as age; date of baptism, christening, or birth; marriage information and maiden names; and death date. Records may include names of other relatives who were witnesses or members of the congregation. The members of some churches were predominantly of one nationality or ethnic group.
*[[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]]
Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Vermont were the Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, and Roman Catholic churches. For a list of churches in Vermont, see John Gordon Melton’s ''National Directory of Churches, Synagogues and Other Houses of Worship'' in [[United States Church Records|United States Church Records]].<br><br>The Family History Library has the records of some denominations in Vermont. Many denominations have collected their records into central repositories. To locate these repositories, write to the following addresses:  
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
 
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Funerals or Burials|Funerals or Burials]]
== Major Religions  ==
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Membership Lists|Membership Lists]]
 
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
=== Baptist  ===
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
 
|}
'''Bailey-Howe Library'''
 
University of Vermont<br>Burlington, VT 05405-0036<br>Telephone: 802-656-2020<br>Fax: 802-656-4038<br>Internet: http://library.uvm.edu/about/specialcollections/
 
'''American Baptist Historical Society'''<br>1106 South Goodman Street<br>Rochester, NY 14620<br>Telephone: 716-473-1740<br>Internet: http://www.baptisthistory.us/
 
For a history of the Baptist church, see:
 
*Crocker, Henry. [http://www.worldcat.org/title/history-of-the-baptists-in-vermont/oclc/3401565&referer=brief_results ''History of the Baptists in Vermont'']. Bellows Falls, Vermont: P. H. Gobie Press, 1913. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&columns=*%2C0%2C0&titleno=77323&disp=History+of+the+Baptists+in+Vermont++ film 1033832 item 2; fiche 6051223].) This book includes an index.  
 
=== Congregational  ===
 
'''Congregational Library'''
 
14 Beacon Street<br>Boston, MA 02108<br>Telephone: 617-523-0470<br>Fax: 617-523-0470<br>Internet: [http://www.14beacon.org/ www.14beacon.org]  
 
For a history of the Congregational churches in Vermont from 1762 to 1914, see:  
 
*Comstock, John Moore. ''The Congregational Churches of Vermont and Their Ministry, 1762–1914, Historical and Statistical.'' St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Caledonian, 1915. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlefilmnotes&columns=*%2C0%2C0&titleno=257822&disp=The+Congregational+churches+of+Vermont+a++ book 974.3 K2cc; film 874201 item3; fiche 6046853 [set of 3].)] This book includes historical information and is arranged by town.
 
=== Episcopal  ===
 
'''Episcopal Diocesan Center'''


==Finding the Records==
5 Rock Point Road<br>Burlington, VT 05401-2735<br>Telephone: 802-863-3431<br>Fax: 802-860-1562<br>Internet: http://www.dioceseofvermont.org/
===Look for online records.===


<br>
For further information, see:


{|
*Historical Records Survey (Vermont). ''Inventory of Church Archives of Vermont, No.1, Diocese of Vermont, Protestant Episcopal''. Montpelier, Vermont: The Survey, 1940. (Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&columns=*%2C0%2C0&titleno=302920&disp=Inventory+of+the+church+archives+of+Verm++ book 974.3 K23h; fiche 6006639].) This book also includes a historical sketch of each parish or mission.
|-
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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!
|}
----
====FamilySearch====
*'''1765-1908''' {{RecordSearch|1675544|Vermont, Births and Christenings, 1765-1908}} Index. Incomplete. - [[Vermont Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1791-1974''' {{RecordSearch|1675550|Vermont, Marriages, 1791-1974}} Index only. Incomplete. - [[Vermont Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1871-1965''' {{RecordSearch|1675549|Vermont, Deaths and Burials, 1871-1965}} Index. Incomplete. - [[Vermont Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
====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. ($)
====Methodist====
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/9134/ New England, Select United Methodist Church Records, 1787-1922], index & images, incomplete. ($)
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)


===Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
=== Methodist ===
[[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=47&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Vermont%22 '''records of United States, Vermont'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Vermont''' 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, Vermont [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.===
'''Green Mountain College Library'''  
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
*Historical Records Survey (Vermont). '''''Inventory of Church Archives of Vermont, No.1, Diocese of Vermont, Protestant Episcopal'''''. Montpelier, Vermont: The Survey, 1940. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|302920|title-id|disp=book 974.3 K23h; fiche 6006639}}.) This book also includes a historical sketch of each parish or mission.
*[https://neym.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/GuideToRecordsRSOF_1997.pdf '''Guide to the Records of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in New England''']


----
One College Circle<br>Poultney, Vt 05764<br>Telephone: 802-287-8225<br>Fax: 802-287-8222 (Attention Library)<br>Internet: [http://www.greenmtn.edu/ www.greenmtn.edu]


===Correspond with or visit the actual churches.===
=== Roman Catholic  ===
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.===
Roman Catholic genealogical records are kept in each individual parish. For general information, or for the location and addresses of parishes, contact:  
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>
----
====American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library====
[https://acgs.org/research/ '''American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library''']<br>
1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N<br>
Manchester, New Hampshire 03103<br>
<br>
Phone: 603-622-1554<br>
*[https://acgs.org/research/services/ '''Research Services''']
*[https://acgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ACGS-Library-Holdings-Parish-Repertoires-and-Vital-Records.pdf '''Library Holdings Parish Repertoires and Vital Records''']
----
[https://www.vtgenlib.org/ '''Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society''']<br>
57 River Rd (RT 117)<br>
Essex Jct., Vermont<br>
Phone: 802-871-5647<br>
Email: [mailto:mail@vtgenlib.org mail@vtgenlib.org] or [https://www.vtgenlib.org/contact-us/ Contact form]
----


==== Baptist  ====
'''Archives of the Roman Catholic <br>Diocese of Burlington'''<br>351 North Avenue<br>Burlington, VT 05401<br>Telephone: 802-658-6110<br>Fax: 802-658-0436<br>Internet: [http://www.vermontcatholic.org www.vermontcatholic.org]  
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
[https://library.uvm.edu/ '''Howe Library''']<br>University of Vermont<br>Burlington, VT 05405-0036<br>Phone: (802) 656-2020<br>Fax: (802) 656-4038
*[http://library.uvm.edu/ '''Catalog''']
----


==== Episcopal  ====
'''Assemblee des Eveques du Quebec'''<br>1225 St. Joseph Boulevard East<br>Montreal, Quebec<br>Canada H2J 1L7<br>Telephone: 514-274-4323<br>Internet: http://www.eveques.qc.ca/  
<div style="width: 100%; float: left">
[[Image:Vermont churches.png|thumb|right|500px|Vermont churches.png]] [https://diovermont.org/ '''Episcopal Diocesan Center''']<br>5 Rock Point Road<br>Burlington, VT 05401-2735<br>Phone: (802) 863-3431<br>Fax: (802) 860-1562
*[https://diovermont.org/our-locations/ '''Parish Directory''':] Contact the local parish to request information from the records.


==== Roman Catholic ====
=== Universalist and Unitarian ===
[http://www.vermontcatholic.org/ '''Diocese of Burlington''']<br>351 North Avenue<br>Burlington, VT 05401<br>Phone: (802) 658-6110<br>Fax: (802) 658-0436
*[https://www.vermontcatholic.org/about/chancery/archives/ '''Genealogy Records''']
::The Archives repository makes the heritage of the Diocese of Burlington available for historical researchers within the guidelines of the canon, civil, and diocesan law. The Archives staff views genealogical research as a legitimate and important effort in assisting individuals to place themselves and their families within the context of the history of the Catholic church in Vermont.  The archivist will assist researchers within the constraints of available resources such as financial, equipment, space, and staff.


::Sacramental records for the Diocese of Burlington begin in 1830 even though the Diocese of Burlington was established in 1853. Individuals seeking sacramental records for genealogical research will not receive certified copies of records. Rather, the Archives Department will provide names, dates, and places where sacraments (baptism, marriage, burials) took place, if the records can be located. A copy of the original record will not be provided.
*MacDonald, Edith Fox. ''Rebellion in the Mountains: The Story of Universalism and Unitarianism in Vermont''. Concord, New Hampshire: New Hampshire Vermont District of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 1979. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=441233&disp=Rebellion+in+the+mountains%20%20&columns=*,0,0 974.3 K2m]; film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=18158&disp=Rebellion+in+the+mountains%20%20&columns=*,0,0 0974420].) This book relates the history of these religions and their coming together. It shows societies in each county and lists the names, dates, and locations of the ministers’ churches, including the names of the laymen who were involved. It includes an index.  
*[https://www.vermontcatholic.org/resource/procedures-for-requesting-records/ '''Procedures for Requesting Records''']<br> 
*[https://vtgenlib.org/library/search_book.php?search=church+records&Search=Search '''Vermont Genealogy Library Book Search'''] The Vermont French Genealogy Society has transcribed the records of the diocese. [https://vtgenlib.org/library/index.php '''Search the Catalog''']<br>


===Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.===
For more information, see [[United States Church Records|United States Church Records]]. More sources can be found in the Family History Library Catalog by using a Place Search under:  
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. ==
VERMONT- CHURCH RECORDS
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'''.]]
VERMONT, [COUNTY]- CHURCH RECORDS


== References  ==
VERMONT, [COUNTY], [TOWN],- CHURCH RECORDS


{{reflist}}{{Vermont2|Vermont}}{{USChurch}}
[[Category:Vermont|Church]]
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[[Category:Vermont, United States|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]

Revision as of 13:56, 1 September 2010

United States  Gotoarrow.png  Vermont  Gotoarrow.png  Church Records


Record Synopsis[edit | edit source]

Church records and the information they provide vary greatly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. They may contain information about members of the congregation, such as age; date of baptism, christening, or birth; marriage information and maiden names; and death date. Records may include names of other relatives who were witnesses or members of the congregation. The members of some churches were predominantly of one nationality or ethnic group.

Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Vermont were the Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, and Roman Catholic churches. For a list of churches in Vermont, see John Gordon Melton’s National Directory of Churches, Synagogues and Other Houses of Worship in United States Church Records.

The Family History Library has the records of some denominations in Vermont. Many denominations have collected their records into central repositories. To locate these repositories, write to the following addresses:

Major Religions[edit | edit source]

Baptist[edit | edit source]

Bailey-Howe Library

University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405-0036
Telephone: 802-656-2020
Fax: 802-656-4038
Internet: http://library.uvm.edu/about/specialcollections/

American Baptist Historical Society
1106 South Goodman Street
Rochester, NY 14620
Telephone: 716-473-1740
Internet: http://www.baptisthistory.us/

For a history of the Baptist church, see:

Congregational[edit | edit source]

Congregational Library

14 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
Telephone: 617-523-0470
Fax: 617-523-0470
Internet: www.14beacon.org

For a history of the Congregational churches in Vermont from 1762 to 1914, see:

  • Comstock, John Moore. The Congregational Churches of Vermont and Their Ministry, 1762–1914, Historical and Statistical. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Caledonian, 1915. (Family History Library book 974.3 K2cc; film 874201 item3; fiche 6046853 [set of 3.)] This book includes historical information and is arranged by town.

Episcopal[edit | edit source]

Episcopal Diocesan Center

5 Rock Point Road
Burlington, VT 05401-2735
Telephone: 802-863-3431
Fax: 802-860-1562
Internet: http://www.dioceseofvermont.org/

For further information, see:

  • Historical Records Survey (Vermont). Inventory of Church Archives of Vermont, No.1, Diocese of Vermont, Protestant Episcopal. Montpelier, Vermont: The Survey, 1940. (Family History Library book 974.3 K23h; fiche 6006639.) This book also includes a historical sketch of each parish or mission.

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Green Mountain College Library

One College Circle
Poultney, Vt 05764
Telephone: 802-287-8225
Fax: 802-287-8222 (Attention Library)
Internet: www.greenmtn.edu

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Roman Catholic genealogical records are kept in each individual parish. For general information, or for the location and addresses of parishes, contact:

Archives of the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Burlington
351 North Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
Telephone: 802-658-6110
Fax: 802-658-0436
Internet: www.vermontcatholic.org

Assemblee des Eveques du Quebec
1225 St. Joseph Boulevard East
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H2J 1L7
Telephone: 514-274-4323
Internet: http://www.eveques.qc.ca/

Universalist and Unitarian[edit | edit source]

  • MacDonald, Edith Fox. Rebellion in the Mountains: The Story of Universalism and Unitarianism in Vermont. Concord, New Hampshire: New Hampshire Vermont District of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 1979. (Family History Library book 974.3 K2m; film 0974420.) This book relates the history of these religions and their coming together. It shows societies in each county and lists the names, dates, and locations of the ministers’ churches, including the names of the laymen who were involved. It includes an index.

For more information, see United States Church Records. More sources can be found in the Family History Library Catalog by using a Place Search under:

VERMONT- CHURCH RECORDS

VERMONT, [COUNTY]- CHURCH RECORDS

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

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