FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject Pennsylvania/Tasks-Church Records Intro 1: Difference between revisions

From FamilySearch Wiki
VisualWikitext
m (Text replacement - "=FS Library book" to "=FS Catalog book")
m (Text replacement - "\{\{(FHL)" to "{{FSC")
(2 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 11: Line 11:
== Instructions  ==
== Instructions  ==


=== PART A   ===
=== PART A   ===


1. Copy the following template: <br>
1. Copy the following template: <br>&nbsp;


:<nowiki> {{PAChurch2}}</nowiki> <br>
:<nowiki> {{PAChurch2}}</nowiki> <br>


<br> 2. Paste the template in wikitext directly below the Church Records heading.
<br> 2. Paste the template in wikitext directly below the Church Records heading.&nbsp;


3. Go to Part B.<br>
3. Go to Part B.<br>&nbsp;


=== PART B   ===
=== PART B &nbsp; ===


1. Using a search engine of your choice, search for a county archives for your county. One example of a search phrase, "York County Pennsylvania archives."<br>  
1. Using a search engine of your choice, search for a county archives for your county. One example of a search phrase, "York County Pennsylvania archives."<br>  
Line 36: Line 36:
{{PAChurch2}}  
{{PAChurch2}}  


Many denominations dot the landscape of Berks County. Visiting the church your ancestor attended is recommended; however, many times, due to distance, that is not possible. The [http://www.berkshistory.org/ Historical Society of Berks County] has an [http://www.berkshistory.org/library/churchrecordindex/index.html on-line index] of more then 1.2 millions names, gleaned from the records of more than 300 local churches. It is not a complete index but still worth your time if you are looking for baptism, marriage, and burial records. The index is searchable in numerous ways, but searching by last name or church name is probably most popular. The index lists the name of the record, volume and page number where the individual record can be found. The volume and page number refer to books located at the historical society. To view the actual record, use the printable on-line form that can be mailed to obtain a copy of the record or visit the society. There is a fee for acquiring the record by mail.
Many denominations dot the landscape of Berks County. Visiting the church your ancestor attended is recommended; however, many times, due to distance, that is not possible. The&nbsp;[http://www.berkshistory.org/ Historical Society of Berks County] has an [http://www.berkshistory.org/library/churchrecordindex/index.html on-line index] of more then 1.2 millions names, gleaned from the records of more than 300 local churches. It is not a complete index but still worth your time if you are looking for baptism, marriage, and burial records. The index is searchable in numerous ways, but searching by last name or church name is probably most popular. The index lists the name of the record,&nbsp;volume and page number where the individual record can be found. The volume and page number refer to books located at the historical society. To view the actual record, use the printable on-line form that can be mailed to&nbsp;obtain a copy of the record or visit the society. There is a fee for acquiring the record by&nbsp;mail.&nbsp;


The [http://www.berksgenes.org/ Berks County Genealogical Society ]has various records for churches throughout the Berks County area. However, the society has not put the records on-line and to view the records one must go to the society.
The [http://www.berksgenes.org/ Berks County Genealogical Society ]has various records for churches throughout the Berks County area. However, the society has not put the records on-line and to view the records one must go to the society.
Line 46: Line 46:
{{PAChurch2}}  
{{PAChurch2}}  


Many denominations dot the landscape of Berks County. Visiting the church your ancestor attended is recommended; however, many times, due to distance, that is not possible. The [http://www.berkshistory.org/ Historical Society of Berks County] has an [http://www.berkshistory.org/library/churchrecordindex/index.html on-line index] of more then 1.2 millions names, gleaned from the records of more than 300 local churches. It is not a complete index but still worth your time if you are looking for baptism, marriage, and burial records. The index is searchable in numerous ways, but searching by last name or church name is probably most popular. The index lists the name of the record, volume and page number where the individual record can be found. The volume and page number refer to books located at the historical society. To view the actual record, use the printable on-line form that can be mailed to obtain a copy of the record or visit the society. There is a fee for acquiring the record by mail.
Many denominations dot the landscape of Berks County. Visiting the church your ancestor attended is recommended; however, many times, due to distance, that is not possible. The&nbsp;[http://www.berkshistory.org/ Historical Society of Berks County] has an [http://www.berkshistory.org/library/churchrecordindex/index.html on-line index] of more then 1.2 millions names, gleaned from the records of more than 300 local churches. It is not a complete index but still worth your time if you are looking for baptism, marriage, and burial records. The index is searchable in numerous ways, but searching by last name or church name is probably most popular. The index lists the name of the record,&nbsp;volume and page number where the individual record can be found. The volume and page number refer to books located at the historical society. To view the actual record, use the printable on-line form that can be mailed to&nbsp;obtain a copy of the record or visit the society. There is a fee for acquiring the record by&nbsp;mail.&nbsp;


The [http://www.berksgenes.org/ Berks County Genealogical Society ]has various records for churches throughout the Berks County area. However, the society has not put the records on-line and to view the records one must go to the society.  
The [http://www.berksgenes.org/ Berks County Genealogical Society ]has various records for churches throughout the Berks County area. However, the society has not put the records on-line and to view the records one must go to the society.  
Line 56: Line 56:
:*[http://discover.hsp.org/Search/Results?lookfor={{{1}}}+county+church+records&type=AllFields&submit=Find Historical Society of Pennsylvania]  
:*[http://discover.hsp.org/Search/Results?lookfor={{{1}}}+county+church+records&type=AllFields&submit=Find Historical Society of Pennsylvania]  
:*[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q={{{1}}}+county+church+records&qt=results_page WorldCat] (For instructions see [[WorldCat Online Catalog]]).  
:*[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q={{{1}}}+county+church+records&qt=results_page WorldCat] (For instructions see [[WorldCat Online Catalog]]).  
:*{{FSC|{{{2}}}|subject-id|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}} (For instructions see [[FamilySearch Catalog Place-name Search|FS Catalog Place-name Search]]).
:*{{FSC|{{{2}}}|subject-id|disp=Family History Library Catalog}} (For instructions see [[Family History Library Catalog Place-name Search|FS Catalog Place-name Search]]).


==== County-wide Database - Multi-denominational  ====
==== County-wide Database - Multi-denominational  ====


:*'''1708-1985''' - [http://hsp.org/collections/catalogs-research-tools/members-only-database Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985] at [http://hsp.org/ Historical Society of Pennsylvania] – $, free to members of the society; Also available at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 Ancestry.com] – $; ''This database is incomplete for all counties.''
:*'''1708-1985''' - [http://hsp.org/collections/catalogs-research-tools/members-only-database Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985] at [http://hsp.org/ Historical Society of Pennsylvania]&nbsp;– $, free to members of the society; Also available at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 Ancestry.com]&nbsp;–&nbsp;$; ''This database is incomplete for all counties.''


===== Baptists  =====
===== Baptists  =====


Baptists settled in Berks County about 1738 along the Tulpehocken creek by individuals from the counties of Chester and Philadelphia. Two congregations were formed but by 1774 both had disappeared from the Tulpehocken region.<ref>Morton L. Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania" (Chicago: J.H. Beers and Co., 1909), 47. {{WorldCat|4281157}}; {{FSC|27721|item|disp=FS Catalog book 974.816 D2m}}</ref>  
Baptists settled in Berks County about 1738 along the Tulpehocken creek by individuals from the counties of Chester and Philadelphia. Two congregations were formed but by 1774 both had disappeared from the Tulpehocken region.<ref>Morton L. Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania" (Chicago: J.H. Beers and Co., 1909), 47. {{WorldCat|4281157}}; {{FSC|27721|item|disp=FS Library book 974.816 D2m}}</ref>  


:*[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~buckscounty/churches/Southampton_Baptist_Church_Tomb.html Southampton Old School Baptist Church] at [http://usgenweb.org/ USGenWeb] - index only; original name may have been Pennypack(Pennepack) Church<br>
:*[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~buckscounty/churches/Southampton_Baptist_Church_Tomb.html Southampton Old School Baptist Church] at [http://usgenweb.org/ USGenWeb] - index only; original name may have been Pennypack(Pennepack) Church<br>
Line 70: Line 70:
===== Brethren  =====
===== Brethren  =====


Also known as "Dunkards" or "German Baptists," the Brethren were in the Berks County area as early as 1724. However, the first Brethren congregation was settled in 1723 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Early Berks County congregations were located near Pricetown, Millersburg and Oley with additional groups in the townships of Tulpehocken, Upper Tulpehocken and Bern.<ref>Morton L. Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania" (Chicago: J.H. Beers and Co., 1909), 46-47. {{WorldCat|4281157}}; {{FSC|27721|item|disp=FS Catalog book 974.816 D2m}}</ref><br>  
Also known as "Dunkards" or "German Baptists," the Brethren were in the Berks&nbsp;County area as early as 1724. However, the first Brethren congregation was settled in 1723 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Early Berks County congregations were located near Pricetown, Millersburg and Oley with additional groups in the townships of Tulpehocken, Upper Tulpehocken and Bern.<ref>Morton L. Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania" (Chicago: J.H. Beers and Co., 1909), 46-47. {{WorldCat|4281157}}; {{FSC|27721|item|disp=FS Library book 974.816 D2m}}</ref><br>  


===== Moravian  =====
===== Moravian  =====

Revision as of 11:31, 6 December 2022

WikiProject Pennsylvania Gotoarrow.png Progress Chart Gotoarrow.png Pennsylvania Wiki Project Task - Church Records Intro 1

Task[edit | edit source]

Wiki Project Pennsylvania Tasks - Church Records Intro 1

Description[edit | edit source]

This task is in two parts: A) Add the intro template and B) Determine where church records are kept in the county in county archives, historical and genealogical societies.

Instructions[edit | edit source]

PART A  [edit | edit source]

1. Copy the following template:
 

{{PAChurch2}}


2. Paste the template in wikitext directly below the Church Records heading. 

3. Go to Part B.
 

PART B  [edit | edit source]

1. Using a search engine of your choice, search for a county archives for your county. One example of a search phrase, "York County Pennsylvania archives."

2. If you locate a county archives for your county, search the website to see if they have church records. Add a paragraph about how to search/request church records from the archives. An example is listed below. This is ONLY an example and the paragraph does not need to be as detailed or that length.

3. Now search for any historical or genealogical societies in the county to see if they have any church records in their collections (google and try this website).

4. If the county or historical or genealogical societies have church records, add a paragraph about how to search/request church records from the archives. An example is listed below. This is ONLY an example and the paragraph does not need to be as detailed or that length.

Example of Task[edit | edit source]

Church Records[edit | edit source]

Church records and the information they provide vary significantly 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. In Pennsylvania, church records are often used as a substitute for birth, marriage, and death information. For general information about Pennsylvania denominations, view the Pennsylvania Church Records wiki page.


Many denominations dot the landscape of Berks County. Visiting the church your ancestor attended is recommended; however, many times, due to distance, that is not possible. The Historical Society of Berks County has an on-line index of more then 1.2 millions names, gleaned from the records of more than 300 local churches. It is not a complete index but still worth your time if you are looking for baptism, marriage, and burial records. The index is searchable in numerous ways, but searching by last name or church name is probably most popular. The index lists the name of the record, volume and page number where the individual record can be found. The volume and page number refer to books located at the historical society. To view the actual record, use the printable on-line form that can be mailed to obtain a copy of the record or visit the society. There is a fee for acquiring the record by mail. 

The Berks County Genealogical Society has various records for churches throughout the Berks County area. However, the society has not put the records on-line and to view the records one must go to the society.

Example of Complete Church Records Section[edit | edit source]

Church Records[edit | edit source]

Church records and the information they provide vary significantly 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. In Pennsylvania, church records are often used as a substitute for birth, marriage, and death information. For general information about Pennsylvania denominations, view the Pennsylvania Church Records wiki page.


Many denominations dot the landscape of Berks County. Visiting the church your ancestor attended is recommended; however, many times, due to distance, that is not possible. The Historical Society of Berks County has an on-line index of more then 1.2 millions names, gleaned from the records of more than 300 local churches. It is not a complete index but still worth your time if you are looking for baptism, marriage, and burial records. The index is searchable in numerous ways, but searching by last name or church name is probably most popular. The index lists the name of the record, volume and page number where the individual record can be found. The volume and page number refer to books located at the historical society. To view the actual record, use the printable on-line form that can be mailed to obtain a copy of the record or visit the society. There is a fee for acquiring the record by mail. 

The Berks County Genealogical Society has various records for churches throughout the Berks County area. However, the society has not put the records on-line and to view the records one must go to the society.

Finding Church Records at Other Repositories

Additional church records can sometimes be found using search phrases such as Berks County, Pennsylvania Church Records in online catalogs like:

County-wide Database - Multi-denominational[edit | edit source]

Baptists[edit | edit source]

Baptists settled in Berks County about 1738 along the Tulpehocken creek by individuals from the counties of Chester and Philadelphia. Two congregations were formed but by 1774 both had disappeared from the Tulpehocken region.[1]

Brethren[edit | edit source]

Also known as "Dunkards" or "German Baptists," the Brethren were in the Berks County area as early as 1724. However, the first Brethren congregation was settled in 1723 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Early Berks County congregations were located near Pricetown, Millersburg and Oley with additional groups in the townships of Tulpehocken, Upper Tulpehocken and Bern.[2]

Moravian[edit | edit source]
Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

While never a denomination of prominence in Berks County, their beginnings were early in the county. Organized in 1812 the First Presbyterian Church is currently located at 37 South Fifth Street in Reading, PA. There are currently five Presbyterian churches in the city of Reading and the surrounding area. Currently the Historical of Berks County has only records for First Presbyterian. Additional records may be located at the individual churches.

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]


  1. ↑ Morton L. Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania" (Chicago: J.H. Beers and Co., 1909), 47. WorldCat 4281157; FS Library book 974.816 D2m
  2. ↑ Morton L. Montgomery, "Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County Pennsylvania" (Chicago: J.H. Beers and Co., 1909), 46-47. WorldCat 4281157; FS Library book 974.816 D2m
Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=FamilySearch_Wiki:WikiProject_Pennsylvania/Tasks-Church_Records_Intro_1&oldid=5059208"