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|[[Image:Church of the Assumption Houghton County MI.jpg|thumb|right|Church of the Assumption Houghton County MI.jpg]]
|[[Image:Church of the Assumption Houghton County MI.jpg|thumb|right|Church of the Assumption Houghton County MI.jpg]]
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Before 1900, the largest religious groups in Michigan were the '''[[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist''']], [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptist''']], [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutheran''']], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']] 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>
Before 1900, the largest religious groups in Michigan were the '''[[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist''']], [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptist''']], [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutheran''']], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']] 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>
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The Roman Catholic Church was the only organized religion in Michigan until the 19th century, reflecting the territory's French colonial roots. The Lutheran Church was introduced by German and Scandinavian immigrants; Lutheranism is the second largest religious denomination in the state.  In West Michigan, Dutch immigrants fled from the specter of religious persecution and famine in the Netherlands around 1850 and settled in and around what is now Holland, Michigan, establishing a "colony" on American soil that fervently held onto Calvinist doctrine that established a significant presence of Reformed churches.<ref> "Michigan: Religion" in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan#Religion. Accessed 8 July 2020. </ref>
The Roman Catholic Church was the only organized religion in Michigan until the 19th century, reflecting the territory's French colonial roots. The Lutheran Church was introduced by German and Scandinavian immigrants; Lutheranism is the second largest religious denomination in the state.  In West Michigan, Dutch immigrants fled from the specter of religious persecution and famine in the Netherlands around 1850 and settled in and around what is now Holland, Michigan, establishing a "colony" on American soil that fervently held onto Calvinist doctrine that established a significant presence of Reformed churches.<ref> "Michigan: Religion" in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan#Religion. Accessed 8 July 2020. </ref>
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==Finding the Records==
==Finding the Records==
===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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====FamilySearch Indexes====
====FamilySearch Indexes====
*'''1819-1991''' - {{RecordSearch|2787825|Michigan, Church Records, 1819-1991}} at [https://familysearch.org/search FamilySearch] index
*'''1819-1991''' {{RecordSearch|2787825|Michigan, Church Records, 1819-1991}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1775-1995''' - {{RecordSearch|1675348|Michigan, Births and Christenings, 1775-1995}} Index only.
*'''1775-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1675348|Michigan, Births and Christenings, 1775-1995}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1822-1995''' - {{RecordSearch|1675359|Michigan, Marriages, 1822-1995}} Index only.
*'''1822-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1675359|Michigan, Marriages, 1822-1995}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1865-1931''' - [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/2515887?availability=Online Michigan church marriages, 1865-1931], images. {{RecordSearch|2515887|Index.}}
*'''1865-1931''' {{RecordSearch|2515887|Michigan, Church Marriages, 1865-1931}} at FamilySearch - [[Michigan Church Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images
*'''1800-1995''' - {{RecordSearch|1675357|Michigan, Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995}} Index only.
*'''1800-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1675357|Michigan, Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


====Ancestry.com Indexes====
====Ancestry.com Indexes====
*'''1695-1954''' - [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 U.S., French Catholic Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1695-1954], ($), index<br><br>
*'''1695-1954''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 U.S., French Catholic Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1695-1954]($), index<br><br>
*'''1867-1911''' - [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2560 Michigan, Births and Christenings Index, 1867-1911] ($)
*'''1867-1911''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2560 Michigan, Births and Christenings Index, 1867-1911] ($)
*'''1817-1850''' - [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2092 Michigan Marriages 1817 to 1850] Index only ($)  
*'''1817-1850''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2092 Michigan Marriages 1817 to 1850] Index only ($)  
*'''1867-1995''' - [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2549 Michigan, Deaths and Burials Index, 1867-1995] ($)
*'''1867-1995''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2549 Michigan, Deaths and Burials Index, 1867-1995] ($)
*'''1909-1915''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62187/ New York, U.S., Frank S. Rowland Church Register, 1889-1917] at Ancestry - images ($)
 
====Presbyterian====
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)


====Lutheran====
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1800-1947''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61584/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1800-1947''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61584/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947], index & images, incomplete.($)


====Dutch Reformed====
====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1639-1989''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6961/ U.S., Dutch Reformed Church Records in Selected States, 1639-1989], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1639-1989''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6961/ U.S., Dutch Reformed Church Records in Selected States, 1639-1989], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1701-1995''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60766/ U.S., Selected States Dutch Reformed Church Membership Records, 1701-1995], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1701-1995''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60766/ U.S., Selected States Dutch Reformed Church Membership Records, 1701-1995], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)


====Other Collections====
====Other Collections====
*[https://www.theancestorhunt.com/blog/free-michigan-online-church-records '''The Ancestor Hunt: Free Michigan Online Church Records''']
 
*[http://data.wmgs.org/ChurchRecords/FMPro?-db=Orders&-lay=ChurchRecordsOrders&-format=search.htm&-New West Michigan Church Records Database] Incomplete. Index to Church Records at the Grand Rapids Public Library. This index is for indexes and records of churches in the Western Michigan area, particularly the counties of Kent and Ottawa. Other counties include Muskegon, Allegan, Ionia, Newaygo, Oceana and etc.
*[http://data.wmgs.org/ChurchRecords/FMPro?-db=Orders&-lay=ChurchRecordsOrders&-format=search.htm&-New West Michigan Church Records Database]. Incomplete. Index to Church Records at the Grand Rapids Public Library. This index is for indexes and records of churches in the Western Michigan area, particularly the counties of Kent and Ottawa. Other counties include Muskegon, Allegan, Ionia, Newaygo, Oceana and etc.


===Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
===Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''Family History Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''FamilySearch 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.  
*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://www.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://familysearch.org/locations/ '''Family History Center'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.   
*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:  
*To find records:  
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=367&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Michigan%22 '''records of United States, Michigan'''].
:::a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=17&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Michigan%22 '''records of United States, Michigan'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Michigan''' and a list of counties will appear.
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Michigan''' and a list of counties will appear.
:::c. Click on your county if it appears.
:::c. Click on your county if it appears.
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*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/484266-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Protestant Episcopal Church, diocese of northern Michigan], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/484266-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Protestant Episcopal Church, diocese of northern Michigan], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/481203-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Salvation Army in Michigan], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/481203-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Salvation Army in Michigan], e-book
*The [http://mimgc.org/index.html Michigan Genealogical Council] has published '''''Guide to the Michigan Genealogical and Historical Collections at the Library of Michigan and the State Archives of Michigan.''''' The book is also available at the {{FHL|764051|item|disp=FHL film 2055576 item 9; book 977.4 A3g}} both in book and microfilm.  
*The [http://mimgc.org/index.html Michigan Genealogical Council] has published '''''Guide to the Michigan Genealogical and Historical Collections at the Library of Michigan and the State Archives of Michigan.''''' The book is also available at the {{FSC|764051|item|disp=FS Library film 2055576 item 9; book 977.4 A3g}} both in book and microfilm.  
*[https://cache.kzoo.edu/handle/10920/6354 Calendar of the Baptist Collection of Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan.] Prepared by the Michigan Historical Records Survey Project, Division of Professional and Service Projects, Work Projects Administration.
*[https://cache.kzoo.edu/handle/10920/6354 Calendar of the Baptist Collection of Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan.] Prepared by the Michigan Historical Records Survey Project, Division of Professional and Service Projects, Work Projects Administration.
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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 [https://algensoc.org/main/researchers.html '''researcher.''']<br>
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>
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<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>
<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>
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111 Library Street NE<br>
111 Library Street NE<br>
Grand Rapids, MI  49503-3268<br>
Grand Rapids, MI  49503-3268<br>
E-mail: wmgs@wmgs.org<br>
Email: wmgs@wmgs.org<br>


*[http://data.wmgs.org/ChurchRecords/ West Michigan Church Records Database]
*[http://data.wmgs.org/ChurchRecords/ West Michigan Church Records Database]
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====Christian Reformed Church in North America====
====Christian Reformed Church in North America====
[https://library.calvin.edu/guide/collections/hh/crc_archives '''The Hekman Library''']<br>Heritage Hall<br>1855 Knollcrest Circle SE<br>Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4402<br>Phone: 616.526.6313<br>Fax: 616.526.7689<br>E-mail: crcarchives@calvin.edu<br>
[https://library.calvin.edu/guide/collections/hh/crc_archives '''The Hekman Library''']<br>Heritage Hall<br>1855 Knollcrest Circle SE<br>Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4402<br>Phone: 616.526.6313<br>Fax: 616.526.7689<br>Email: crcarchives@calvin.edu<br>
*[https://library.calvin.edu/guide/collections/hh/crc_archives '''Archives of the Christian Reformed Church in North America: Historical (Closed) Church Records--Family Information''']
*[https://library.calvin.edu/guide/collections/hh/crc_archives '''Archives of the Christian Reformed Church in North America: Historical (Closed) Church Records--Family Information''']
::In 1962 the Historical Committee of the Christian Reformed Church was instructed by Synod to collect the records of local, active congregations and microfilm their minutes (council, elders, deacons, the executive committee and the congregation), returning the originals to the congregation, so that a back-up set of records was available to local congregations should anything happen to their original set. The microfilm is stored in our vault, and the originals are returned to the congregation sending them.
::In 1962 the Historical Committee of the Christian Reformed Church was instructed by Synod to collect the records of local, active congregations and microfilm their minutes (council, elders, deacons, the executive committee and the congregation), returning the originals to the congregation, so that a back-up set of records was available to local congregations should anything happen to their original set. The microfilm is stored in our vault, and the originals are returned to the congregation sending them.
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<br>
Phone: (614) 236-6855<br>
Phone: (614) 236-6855<br>
E-mail: reg6archives@capital.edu<br>
Email: reg6archives@capital.edu<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.''']]
*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.''']]


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===Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.===
===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:  
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:  
*[http://www.daddezio.com/society/hill/SH-MI-NDX.html '''Society Hill List of Michigan Societies''']<br>
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==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
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