Pennsylvania Church Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States]]  [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Pennsylvania]]  [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Pennsylvania_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==


[[Image:Yocum Church.JPG|thumb|right|400px]]  
[[Pennsylvania Genealogy|'''Pennsylvania''']] was founded as a place of refuge and religious freedom for many diverse groups from Great Britain and Europe. Important religious groups in colonial Pennsylvania were the [[Society of Friends (Quakers) in the United States|'''Society of Friends (Quakers)''']], the German [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutheran''']], [[German Reformed Church in the United States|'''German Reformed''']], [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|'''Presbyterian''']], [[Episcopal Church in the United States|'''Episcopal/Anglican/Church of England''']], [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptist''']], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']] churches, and the [[Church of the Brethren in the United States|'''German Pietist groups, including the Brethren (Dunkard)''']], [[Mennonite Church in the United States|'''Mennonites''']], and [[Moravian Church in the United States|'''Moravians''']].


[[Pennsylvania]] was founded as a place of refuge and religious freedom for many diverse groups from Great Britain and Europe. Important religious groups in colonial Pennsylvania were the [[Society of Friends (Quakers) in the United States|Society of Friends (Quakers)]], the German [[Lutheran Church in the United States|Lutheran]], German Reformed, [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]], [[Episcopal Church in the United States|Episcopal]], [[Baptist Church in the United States|Baptist]], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Catholic]] churches, and the German Pietist groups, including the Brethren (Dunkard), [[Mennonite Church in the United States|Mennonites]], and [[Moravian Church in the United States|Moravians]]. [http://net.lib.byu.edu/fslab/researchoutlines/US/Pennsylvania.pdf Before 1900 the major religious groups in Pennsylvania were the ][[Lutheran Church in the United States|Lutheran]], [[Methodist Church in the United States|Methodist]], [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]], Reformed, [[Episcopal Church in the United States|Episcopal]], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholic]] churches.  
The beginning of the Catholic faith in Pennsylvania can be dated back to French explorers who visited the area in the seventeenth century. The first Catholic church was a chapel built in Fort Duquesne in 1754. In 1808, the Diocese of Philadelphia was organized. It covered the entire state. It was split in 1843 when the Diocese of Pittsburgh was erected to oversee Western Pennsylvania. Other dioceses were erected at later dates.<ref name="pitt">"100 Years of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese 1843–1943," ''Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly'', Vol. 17, No. 1 (Summer 1990):9-33. {{FSC|151821|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.8 B2wg}}.</ref>


Because the keeping of vital records began&nbsp;late in the history of Pennsylvania, church records&nbsp;play a&nbsp; major roll in&nbsp;family history&nbsp;research.&nbsp;It is&nbsp;important that&nbsp;the researcher know the religious affiliation&nbsp;of their ancestor and be able to identify the church or churches&nbsp;their ancestor attended. County histories&nbsp;can help&nbsp;identfy extinct and extant churches in the locality where the ancestor lived.  
Only a small percentage of Colonial Pennsylvania's population belonged to the Church of England.<ref>Frank J. Klingberg, "The Anglican Minority in Colonial Pennsylvania with Particular Reference to the Indian," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 65, No. 3 (Jul. 1941):276-299. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography WeRelate].</ref> Of 26 Episcopalian churches established in Pennsylvania before 1800, 12 have surviving parish registers covering that period.<ref>Philip Syng Physick Conner, "Registers of the Anglican Church in Pennsylvania prior to 1800," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 12 (1888):341-349. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography WeRelate].</ref>


Ministers&nbsp;assigned to a particular church&nbsp;may have&nbsp;"rode&nbsp;the circuit' to outlying areas to perform various ordinances for their parishoners. Records for itinerant (circuit riders)&nbsp;ministers may be recorded in their personal records or the records of the church where they are assigned. County histories&nbsp;may help to identify pastors&nbsp;who&nbsp;served in&nbsp;particular counties and what churches they were assigned too.  
==Information Found in the Records==
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To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Baptisms or Christenings|Baptisms or Christenings]]
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Marriages|Marriages]]
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Funerals or Burials|Funerals or Burials]]
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Membership Lists|Membership Lists]]
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
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If the records can only be viewed at the church, make an appointment with the minister or secretary to examine the records. Remember,&nbsp;the records are the property of the church. There may be instances when the minister or a representive will not allow you to view the record but will look at the record for you.  
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===


A detailed Historical Records Survey inventory of church records available at the State Library of Pennsylvania is ''Inventory of Church Archives in Pennsylvania'',&nbsp;also available in the {{FHL|384182|item}}. To check for a copy nearest you,&nbsp;use [http://www.worldcat.org/title/inventory-of-church-archives/oclc/68150025&referer=brief_results WorldCat.] It lists many Pennsylvania churches existing in the 1930s. It is arranged by county and can help you identify extant churches&nbsp;for that time period.
<br>


The [https://familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library] has extensive collections of church records for the Lutheran, Presbyterian, Reformed (United Church of Christ), and Society of Friends denominations. Many transcripts of local church records have been published.  
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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!
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The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] also has histories of the Church of the Brethren, the Society of Friends, and the Baptist, Schwenkfelder, Evangelical Lutheran, Reformed, Presbyterian, Moravian, and Catholic churches in Pennsylvania.
====FamilySearch Indexes====
*'''1512-1989''' {{RecordSearch|4138689|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1512-1989}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Marriage Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; abstracts taken from various Pennsylvania Church Records
*'''1520-1999''' {{RecordSearch|4138679|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms, 1520-1999}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Births and Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; abstracts taken from various Pennsylvania Church Records
*'''1620-1991''' {{RecordSearch|4138685|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Congregational Records, 1620-1991}}(*) at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Congregational Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1709-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1681005|Pennsylvania, Births and Christenings, 1709-1950}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index.
*'''1709-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1681011|Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1709-1940}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index.
*'''1720-1999''' {{RecordSearch|3535178|Pennsylvania Deaths and Burials, 1720-1999}} at FamilySearch - [[Pennsylvania Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index.
*'''1856-1971''' {{RecordSearch|4138690|Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials, 1856-1971}} at FamilySearch — [[Pennsylvania, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; abstracts taken from various Pennsylvania Church Records


Two of the largest groups were the German Lutheran and Reformed churches. For excellent information on the various congregations and their histories and records, see Charles H. Glatfelter, ''Pastors and Peoples,'' 2 vols. (Breingsville, PA: Pennsylvania German Society, 1980 and 1981) as vols. 13 and 15 of The Publications of the Pennsylvania German Society in the {{FHL|236810|item}}. To check for a copy nearest you,&nbsp;search [http://www.worldcat.org/title/pastors-and-people-german-lutheran-and-reformed-churches-in-the-pennsylvania-field-1717-1793/oclc/6834162&referer=brief_results WorldCat.]
====FamilySearch CD-Rom====
*'''1680-1800''' {{FSC|731849|item|disp=Birth index; southeastern Pennsylvania, 1680-1800}} This collection must be used at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library].


Many denominations have deposited their records in central repositories. You can write to the following addresses for more information. Additional copies of church records may be located at the county historical or genealogical societies. Records at&nbsp;local societies may be more accessible.  
====Findmypast Indexes====
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-births-and-baptisms Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Births & Baptisms], index, incomplete($)
*'''1709-1760''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/pennsylvania-baptisms-1709-1760 Pennsylvania Baptisms 1709-1760], index, incomplete($)
*[https://search.findmypast.com/results/world-records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-marriages Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Marriages], index, incomplete.
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-deaths-and-burials Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Deaths & Burials], index, incomplete($)
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/philadelphia-roman-catholic-parish-baptisms Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms], index & images ($).
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/philadelphia-roman-catholic-parish-marriages Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Marriages], index & images ($).
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/philadelphia-roman-catholic-parish-registers-browse Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Registers Browse], images ($).


=== Baptist  ===
====Ancestry.com====
*'''1664-1902''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2206/ Pennsylvania, Published Archives Series, 1664–1902], images ($)
*'''1700-1821''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2383 Pennsylvania, Marriage Records, 1700-1821] ($)
*'''1708-1985''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2451 Pennsylvania, Church and Town Records, 1708-1985 ]($)
*'''1709-1760''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4030 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Church Records, 1709-1760] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


[[Image:Pennsylvania churches.png|thumb|right|400px]] [http:/​/​www.abhsarchives.org/ American Baptist Historical Society] American Baptist Historical Society<br>3001 Mercer University Dr<br>Atlanta,​ GA 30341<br>Telephone: (678) 547-6680
====I Dream of Genealogy====
*[http://www.idreamof.com/church/pa.html Pennsylvania Church Records], indexed transcripts organized by county


=== Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) ===
====Catholic====
[https://www.findmypast.com/page/catholic-records Catholic Heritage Archive]($)
====Church of the Brethren====
*[https://dcms.lds.org/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?from=fhd&dps_pid=IE5412152 Every name index, A history of the Church of the Brethren of Southern District of Pennsylvania], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/545492-redirection Index of names, A history of the Church of the Brethren in the Middle District of Pennsylvania], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/298965-redirection Index of names, History of the Church of the Brethren of the Western District of Pennsylvania], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/604651-redirection Surname index to History of the German Baptist brethren], e-book
*'''1884-1902''' {{FSC|1053098|item|disp=Church records, 1884-1902 [Pennsylvania Conference United Brethren in Christ}}, images


Early church records, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for Pennsylvania Wards and Branches can be found on film and are located at the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The film numbers, for each ward, can be locate through the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library Catalog] . Or by refering to Jaussi, Laureen R., and Gloria D. Chaston. Register of Genealogical Society Call Numbers. 2 vols. Provo, Utah: Genealogy Tree, 1982. (FHL book 979.2258 A3j; fiche 6031507). These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple record films.
====Congregational====
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/historical-society-of-pennsylvania-congregational-records Historical Society Of Pennsylvania, Congregational Records], index, incomplete($)
====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1769-1800''' {{FSC|181513|item|disp=Church records of the Dutch Reformed, 1769-1800}}, images
*'''1639-1989''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6961/ U.S., Dutch Reformed Church Records in Selected States, 1639-1989], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1701-1995''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60766/ U.S., Selected States Dutch Reformed Church Membership Records, 1701-1995], index & images, incomplete.($)


=== Episcopal ===
====Episcopal/Anglican====
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/pennsylvania-episcopalian-congregational-records Pennsylvania, Episcopalian Congregational Records] at Findmypast - index & images ($)
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/pennsylvania-episcopalian-births-and-baptisms Pennsylvania, Episcopalian Births and Baptisms] at Findmypast - index & images ($)
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/pennsylvania-episcopalian-marriages Pennsylvania, Episcopalian Marriages] at Findmypast - index & images ($)
*'''1600s-1900s''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/pennsylvania-episcopalian-deaths-and-burials Pennsylvania, Episcopalian Deaths and Burials] at Findmypast - index & images ($)
*'''1759-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62460/ Pennsylvania, U.S., Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Church Records, 1759-1970] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1911-1950''' {{FSC|783601|item|disp=Diocesan confirmation registers, 1911-1950, Episcopal Church. Diocese of Pennsylvania}}, images


[http://www.diopa.org/ Diocese of Pennsylvania]<br>The History Committee<br>240 S. 4th Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19106<br>Telephone: (215) 627-6434<br>Fax: (215) 627-7550
====Jewish Records====
*'''1850-1900''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2521 US Hochheimer Marriage Records, 1850-1900] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


This diocese has records for churches that are now closed for [[Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Bucks]], [[Chester County, Pennsylvania|Chester]], [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania|Delaware]], [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery]], and [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]] counties only. Churches that are not closed should be contacted for their records. The appropriate diocese holds the records for other counties.  
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1680-1800''' {{FSC|731849|item|disp=''Birth Index; Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1680-1800''.}} Humphrey, John T. n.p.: Brøderbund, 1998. {{FSC|731849|item}} CD-ROM no. 9 pt. 196. [https://www.worldcat.org/title/family-tree-maker-birth-index-southeastern-pennsylvania-1680-1800/oclc/39795001 '''WorldCat''']
*'''1730-1799''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4640 Pennsylvania, Lutheran Baptisms and Marriages, 1730-1799]($), index
*'''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.($)


Only a small percentage of Colonial Pennsylvania's population belonged to the Church of England.<ref>Frank J. Klingberg, "The Anglican Minority in Colonial Pennsylvania with Particular Reference to the Indian," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 65, No. 3 (Jul. 1941):276-299. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography WeRelate].</ref> Of 26 Episcopalian churches established in Pennsylvania before 1800, 12 have surviving parish registers covering that period.<ref>Philip Syng Physick Conner, "Registers of the Anglican Church in Pennsylvania prior to 1800," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 12 (1888):341-349. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography WeRelate].</ref>
====Mennonite====
*'''1750-2014''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60592/ Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mennonite Vital Records, 1750-2014], index & images from book, incomplete. ($)


=== Lutheran  ===
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)


A. R. Wentz Library<br>Lutheran Theological Seminary<br>61 Seminary Ridge<br>Gettysburg, PA 17325<br>Telephone: (717) 334-6286<br>Email: [mailto:info@ltsg.edu info@ltsg.edu]  
====Quaker (Society of Friends)====
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3753/ U.S., Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy], index, at Ancestry ($). Incomplete.
*'''1680-1940''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2705/ U.S., Hinshaw Index to Selected Quaker Records, 1680-1940], index, at Ancestry ($). Incomplete.
*'''1681-1935''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2189/ U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935], index & images ($). Incomplete.
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3042/ U.S., Surname Index to Quaker Records], index, at Ancestry ($). Incomplete.
*'''1682-1750''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/48461/ Quaker Arrivals at Philadelphia 1682-1750], index and e-book($).
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=scYbAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA385&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=3#v=onepage&q&f=false "The Early Welsh Quakers and Their Emigration to Pennsylvania,"] ''Levick, James J. The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 17 (1893):385-413.


The A. R. Wentz Library records are not available to the general public, but the Family History Library has filmed many of their church records.  
===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.
*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=345&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Pennsylvania%22'''records of United States, Pennsylvania'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Pennsylvania''' 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, Pennsylvania [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.
-----


Krauth Memorial Library<br>[http://www.ltsp.edu/lutheran-archives-philadelphia Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia]<br>Seminary Ridge<br>Gettysburg PA 17325<br>Phone: (717) 334-6286, ext 2131<br>
===Consult available finding aids.===


[http://www.thiel.edu/library/Archives1.htm#trisynod Tri-Synod Archives]<br>Thiel College<br>75 College Avenue<br>Greenville PA 16125<br>Phone: (724) 589-2131
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
----
*{{FSC|384182|item|disp=''Inventory of Church Archives in Pennsylvania''}}


The archives has the records for the local congregations that have disbanded in the eastern third of [[Pennsylvania|Pennsylvania]] and in [[New Jersey|New Jersey]], [[New England|New England]], and upstate [[New York|New York]]. Those congregations still active will have&nbsp;their records or will know where their older records are located.  
====Dutch Reformed====
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/236246-redirection Inventory and digest of early church records in the library of the Holland Society of New York], e-book.
====German Churches====
*{{FSC|245008|item|disp=Proceedings and addresses (Pennsylvania German Society)}} at FamilySearch.
*Charles H. Glatfelter, ''Pastors and Peoples,'' 2 vols. (Breingsville, PA: Pennsylvania German Society, 1980 and 1981) as vols. 13 and 15 of The Publications of the Pennsylvania German Society in the {{FSC|236810|item}}. To check for a copy nearest you, search [http://www.worldcat.org/title/pastors-and-people-german-lutheran-and-reformed-churches-in-the-pennsylvania-field-1717-1793/oclc/6834162&referer=brief_results WorldCat.]


A helpful source is Frederick S. Weiser, ''Pennsylvania Lutheran Church Records'', 4 vols. included in the {{FHL|284545|item}}. This includes records from [[Adams County, Pennsylvania|Adams]], [[Columbia County, Pennsylvania|Columbia]], [[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania|Cumberland]], [[Franklin County, Pennsylvania|Franklin]], [[Fulton County, Pennsylvania|Fulton]], [[Lebanon County, Pennsylvania|Lebanon]], [[Northumberland County, Pennsylvania|Northumberland]], [[Snyder County, Pennsylvania|Snyder]], and [[York County, Pennsylvania|York]] counties.  
====Lutheran====
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=scYbAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA241&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=3#v=onepage&q&f=false "The Founding of the German Churches of Pennsylvania,"] Dubbs, Joseph Henry. ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 17 (1893):241-262.


[http://www.genealoger.com/lutheran/church%20records/luth_chrec_pennsylvania.htm Genealoger.com ]has a bibliography of Pennsylvania Lutheran Church Records and Histories
====Presbyterian====
*{{FSC|98833|item|disp=Inventory of the church archives of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Churches. Historical Records Survey (Pennsylvania)}}


For an index to birth (baptism) information for Colonial Pennsylvania Lutherans, see:  
====Quaker (Society of Friends)====
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/357284-redirection Inventory of church archives, Society of Friends in Pennsylvania], e-book
*{{FSC|410303|item|disp=A list of the records of the meetings constituting the yearly meeting of the Society of Friends held at 16th and Race Streets, Philadelphia}} and {{FSC|395296|item|disp=Index }}
*{{FSC|29644|item|disp=Locality list of Friends Meeting records, 1904}}
*'''''Guide to the Records of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting''''' (Philadelphia, PA: Haverford College, Records Committee of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, Jack Eckert. Swarthmore College, 1989; available in the {{FSC|363543|item}}. It also contains a bibliography, a glossary, and the record location for the other yearly meetings throughout the United States and Canada. The yearly meeting includes the monthly and quarterly meeting records, etc., under its jurisdiction. To locate a copy of the book nearest you, use [http://www.worldcat.org/title/guide-to-the-records-of-philadelphia-yearly-meeting/oclc/21324848&referer=brief_results WorldCat].
*'''''The William Wade Hinshaw Index to Pennsylvania Quaker Meeting Records''.''' 8 vols. (Kokomo, Indiana: Selby Publishing &amp; Printing, 1990; available in the {{FSC|181459|item}}. To locate copies nearest you, use [http://www.worldcat.org/title/william-wade-hinshaw-index-to-pennsylvania-quaker-meeting-records/oclc/20749152&referer=brief_results WorldCat].
*'''''The William Wade Hinshaw Index to Quaker Meeting Records in the Friends Library in Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania''''' {{FSC|357909|item}}.


*Humphrey, John T. ''Birth Index; Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1680-1800''. n.p.: Brøderbund, 1998. {{FHL|731849|item}} CD-ROM no. 9 pt. 196.
====United Church of Christ====
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/675509-redirection Church and pastoral records in the archives of the United Church of Christ and the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society, Lancaster, Pa.], e-book.
----


For a history of colonial German Lutheran churches, read:
===Correspond with or visit the actual churches.===
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.


:*Dubbs, Joseph Henry. "The Founding of the German Churches of Pennsylvania," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 17 (1893):241-262. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography WeRelate].
===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.<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>


=== Mennonite  ===
-----


[http://www.mhep.org/index.php The Mennonite Heritage Center]<br> 565 Yoder Road<br> Harleysville PA 19438-1020<br> 215-256-3020<br>[mailto:library@mhep.org library@mhep.org]<br> Hours: Tuesday thru Friday, 10am–5pm, Saturday, 10am–2pm<br>  
====Baptist====
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
====Episcopal/Anglican/Church of England====
[http://www.diobeth.org/ '''Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem''']<br>
333 Wyandotte Street<br>
Bethlehem, PA 18015-1527<br>


The Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania support the John L. Ruth Historical Library and Museum at the Mennonite Heritage Center. Located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania the records and resources of this treasure also cover the counties of Bucks, Chester, Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, and Philadelphia. The website provides a comprehensive overview of library resources, online cemetery database, manuscript collections, photo collections, archival collections, and more.  
Phone: (610) 691-5655<br>
*[https://episcopalchurch.org/diocese/bethlehem '''Churches that are not closed'''] should be contacted for their records.
*The Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem has records for '''closed parishes''' of the 14 counties in Pennsylvania to the north and west of Philadelphia.  
----
[http://www.diocesecpa.org/ '''Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania''']<br>
101 Pine Street<br>
Harrisburg, PA 17108<br>
<br>
Phone: (717) 236-5959<br>
Email: info@diocesecpa.org<br>
Mail: PO Box 11937, Harrisburg, PA 17108
Fax: (717) 236-6448
*[https://episcopalchurch.org/diocese/central-pennsylvania '''Churches that are not closed'''] should be contacted for their records.
*The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania has records for '''closed parishes'''.
----
[http://www.diopa.org/ '''Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania''']<br>The History Committee<br>240 S. 4th Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19106<br>Telephone: (215) 627-6434<br>Fax: (215) 627-7550
*[https://www.diopa.org/find-a-church '''Churches that are not closed'''] should be contacted for their records.
*This diocese has records for '''churches that are now closed''' for [[Bucks County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Bucks]], [[Chester County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Chester]], [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Delaware]], [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Montgomery]], and [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Philadelphia]] counties only.  
----
[https://www.episcopalpgh.org/ '''Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh''']<br>
325 Oliver Avenue, Suite 300<br>
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2403<br>
<br>
Phone: (412) 721-0853<br>
Email: info@episcopalpgh.org<br>


=== Moravian ===
*[https://www.episcopalpgh.org/where-we-are/parishes/ '''Churches that are not closed'''] should be contacted for their records.
*The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, founded in 1865, covers the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. This diocese has records for '''churches that are now closed''' for the current counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland.
----
[http://www.dionwpa.org/ '''Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania''']<br>
145 West 6th Street<br>
Erie, PA 16501<br>
<br>
Phone: (814) 456-4203<br>
*[https://episcopalchurch.org/diocese/northwestern-pennsylvania '''Churches that are not closed'''] should be contacted for their records.
*The Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania has records for '''closed parishes''' of the 13 counties in the northwestern part of the state of Pennsylvania.  
----


[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
====Lutheran====
*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.''']]
----
Among the files of the Region 7 archives at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia are those of the '''Ministerium of Pennsylvania''', which was the first North American Lutheran church body, founded in 1748. <br>
'''For all synods except the Slovak-Zion Synod:'''<br>
[http://www.lacphila.org '''Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia''']<br>
7301 Germantown Avenue<br>
Philadelphia, PA 19119-1794<br>
Phone: 215-248-6383<br>
Email: [mailto:info@lacphila.org info@lacphila.org]
----
'''For Slovak Zion Synod:'''<br>
Slovak Zion Synod<br>
P.O. Box 1003<br>
Torrington, CT 06790-1003<br>
Phone: 860-482-6100
----
Older material in the Tri-Synod Archives collection relates to the '''former Pittsburgh Synod''' of the General Council.<br>
'''For Western Pennsylvania:'''<br>
[https://www.thiel.edu/library/the-thiel-archives '''Tri-Synod Archives''']<br>
Thiel College<br>
75 College Avenue<br>
Greenville, PA 16125<br>
Phone: 724-589-2131<br>
----
'''For Central Pennsylvania:'''<br>
[https://library.uls.edu/home '''A.R. Wentz Library''']<br>
United Lutheran Seminary<br>
61 Seminary Ridge<br>
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1795<br>
Phone: 717-339-1313<br>
*Also housed in the Gettysburg Seminary's archives are the records of the first large confederation of American Lutheran synods, namely the General Synod. This archives also has significant personal papers collected by the Lutheran Historical Society. The A. R. Wentz Library records are not available to the general public, but the FamilySearch Library has filmed many of their church records.
----


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.]  
====Mennonite====
'''Mennonite Heritage Center Historical Library and Archives'''<br>
565 Yoder Road<br>
Harleysville, PA<br>
19438-1020<br>
Phone: 215-256-3020<br>
Email: info@mhep.org
*[https://mhep.org/library/ '''Website''']
*[https://mhep.org/library/genealogy-resources/ '''Genealogy Resources''']
*[https://mhep.org/library/genealogy-resources/#cemetery-database '''Cemetery Database''']
*[https://mennoniteheritagecenter.pastperfectonline.com/ '''Online Collections Database''']
----


Mission records are also available in the {{FHL|301362|item}}. The records are indexed in the {{FHL|53079|item}}Book 970.1 F642i.  
====Moravian====
'''The Northern Province Moravian Archives'''<br>
41 West Locust Street<br>
Bethlehem, PA 18018<br>
Phone: 610.866.3255<br>
Email: info@moravianchurcharchives.org
*[http://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/ '''Website''']
*[http://bdhp.moravian.edu/site_index/site_index.html '''Bethlehem Digital History Project''']
*[https://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/research/digital-resources/ '''Digital Resources''']
*[https://roots.moravianchurcharchives.org/ '''Search Our Church Registers Index''']
*[http://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/documents/Ch.Reg.pdf '''Inventory of Church Registers''']
*[https://www.moravianchurcharchives.findbuch.net/php/main.php?ar_id=3687 '''Online Finding Aid''']
*[https://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/research/plan-visit/ '''Schedule a Visit''']<br>
<br>


=== Presbyterian ===
====Presbyterian====
[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ '''Presbyterian Historical Society''' ]<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147 <br>Phone: (215) 627-1852 <br>Fax: (215) 627-0509


[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ Presbyterian Historical Society]<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147<br>Telephone: (215) 627-1852<br>Fax: (215) 627-0509
*[http://www.history.pcusa.org/collections/hiapc.cfm '''Online Index'''] for their collection. This includes a Congregation Vertical Files Index, a Biographical Vertical Files Index and Hall's Index of American Presbyterian Congregations.
*[http://prestohost68.inmagic.com/Presto/home/home.aspx?ssid=Halls_Index_of_American_Presbyterian_Congregations '''Hall's Index of American Presbyterian Congregations''']
*[https://www.history.pcusa.org/collections/online-catalogs/calvin '''CALVIN: Online Catalog Search Engine''']
*[https://www.history.pcusa.org/collections/research-tools/church-record-surveys '''Church Record Surveys''']
*[https://www.history.pcusa.org/services/reference/genealogy/genealogy-research-service '''Genealogy Research Service''']
----


The society and the {{FHL|98115|item}} have "''Miscellaneous Biographical Collection''". This collection contains information from the 1600s up to 1960s. It includes obituaries, funeral discourses, memorial sermons, newspaper clippings, records of ministerial service, published genealogies, histories, golden anniversary of work in the ministry, church newsletters with biographical information, ordination service bulletins, installation service bulletins, biographical sketches and photographs. The collection is national in scope.
====Reformed====
 
'''Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society'''<br>
''Inventory of the Church Archives of Pennsylvania Presbyterian Churches''. Works Progress Administration, compiled from 1936-1940 and is available in the {{FHL|98833|item}}. Also try Candace Belfield's book [http://www.worldcat.org/title/inventory-of-the-church-archives-of-pennsylvania-presbyterian-churches/oclc/8298386&referer=brief_results ''Inventory of the church archives of Pennsylvania&nbsp;: Presbyterian churches.'']''<br>''
Lancaster Theological Seminary<br>
 
555 W. James Street<br>
=== Reformed ===
Lancaster, PA 17602<br>
 
Phone: (717) 290-8734<br>
[http://www.erhs.info/Home.html Archives of the Evangelical and Reformed Church]<br>Philip Schaff Library<br>Evangelical and Reformed Historical Library<br>555 W. James Street<br>Lancaster, PA 17603<br>Telephone: (717) 290-8734  
Email:info@erhistoricalsociety.org<br>
 
*[https://erhistoricalsociety.org/ '''Website''']
A guide to the records in the above&nbsp;named archive is, Florence M. Bricker, comp. and ed., ''Church and Pastoral Records in the Archives of the United Church of Christ and the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society, Lancaster, PA'' Lancaster, PA: The Society, 1982; and is available in the {{FHL|44871|item}}. To locate the book nearest you, search [http://www.worldcat.org/title/church-and-pastoral-records-in-the-archives-of-the-united-church-of-christ-and-the-evangelical-and-reformed-historical-society-lancaster-pa/oclc/9732056&referer=brief_results WorldCat].&nbsp;
:The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society holds a variety of church records for church congregations that originated in the former Reformed (German) Church in the United States, Evangelical (German) Synod of North America, the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and the present United Church of Christ. Many of these record collections contain original documents, whereas others include photocopies, digitized scans, or transcriptions of the original documents.
 
*[https://erhistoricalsociety.org/home/resources/church-records/ '''Click on your state in the clickable map'''] to see records available for each state. Covers 800 individual churches.<br>
=== Roman Catholic  ===
 
The beginning of the Catholic faith in Pennsylvania can be dated back to French explorers who visited the area in the seventeenth century. The first Catholic church was a chapel built in Fort Duquesne in 1754. In 1808, the Diocese of Philadelphia was organized. It covered the entire state. It was split in 1843 when the Diocese of Pittsburgh was erected to oversee Western Pennsylvania. Other dioceses were erected at later dates.<ref name="pitt">"100 Years of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese 1843–1943," ''Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly'', Vol. 17, No. 1 (Summer 1990):9-33. {{FHL|151821|item|disp=FHL Book 974.8 B2wg}}.</ref>
 
At present there are eight dioceses in Pennsylvania:
 
[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Allentown''']<br>P.O. Box F<br>Allentown, PA 18105-1538
 
The diocese consists&nbsp;of&nbsp;the counties of&nbsp;[[Berks County, Pennsylvania|Berks]], [[Carbon County, Pennsylvania|Carbon]], [[Lehigh County, Pennsylvania|Lehigh]], [[Northampton County, North Carolina|Northampton]] and [[Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania|Schuylkill]].<ref name="rc">[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>
 
[http://www.ajdiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Altoona''']<br>927 S. Logan Boulevard<br>hollidaysburg, PA 16648<br>Phone: (814) 695-5579
 
The diocese consists of the counties of [[Bedford County, Pennsylvania|Bedford]], [[Blair County, Pennsylvania|Blair]], [[Cambria County, Pennsylvania|Cambria]], [[Centre County, Pennsylvania|Centre]], [[Fulton County, Pennsylvania|Fulton]], [[Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania|Huntingdon]] and [[Somerset County, Pennsylvania|Somerset]].<ref name="rc" />
 
[http://www.eriercd.org/ '''Diocese of Erie''']<br>St. Mark Catholic Center<br>429 East Grandview Blvd.<br>Erie, PA 16504
 
The diocese coonsists of&nbsp;the of&nbsp;counties of [[Cameron County, Pennsylvania|Cameron]], [[Clarion County, Pennsylvania|Clarion]], [[Clearfield County, Pennsylvania|Clearfield]], [[Crawford County, Pennsylvania|Crawford]], [[Elk County, Pennsylvania|Elk]], [[Erie County, Pennsylvania|Erie]], [[Forest County, Pennsylvania|Forest]], [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania|Jefferson]], [[Mercer County, Pennsylvania|Mercer]], [[McKean County, Pennsylvania|McKean]], [[Potter County, Pennsylvania|Potter]], [[Venango County, Pennsylvania|Venango]] and [[Warren County, Pennsylvania|Warren]].<ref name="rc" />  


----
====Roman Catholic====
[http://www.pahrc.net/ '''Archdiocese of Philadelphia Historical Reseach Center''']<br>100 E. Wynnewood<br>Wynnewood, PA 19096<br>Telephone: (610) 667-3394<br>
*Sacramental (baptismal and marriage) records up until 1919 have been digitized and are available through Findmypast.com.
**[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/philadelphia-roman-catholic-parish-baptisms '''Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Baptisms'''], index & images ($).
**[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/philadelphia-roman-catholic-parish-marriages '''Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Marriages'''], index & images ($).
**[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/philadelphia-roman-catholic-parish-registers-browse '''Philadelphia Roman Catholic Parish Registers Browse'''], images ($).
*Records from 1920-1945 can be obtained through the CHRC. Use the [https://chrc-phila.org/research/fee-schedule/request-forms/ '''Research Request Form'''.]
*For records after 1945, contact [http://archphila.org/parish/ '''the local parish'''.]<br>
*Also, please note that CHRC does not hold death or burial records, with two exceptions: Holy Trinity: Death Registers: 1790-1836, 1848-1872 and  Old St. Mary’s: Burial Registers: 1823-1878; Funeral Registers: 1856-1874; Death Registers: 1837-1856 (Lists cause of death)
<br>
The diocese (erected 1808) consists of the counties of [[Bucks County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Bucks]], [[Chester County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Chester]], [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Delaware]], [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Montgomery]] and [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Philadelphia]].<ref name="rc" />
----
[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Allentown''']<br>4029 W. Tilghman St. <br>P.O. Box F<br>Allentown, PA 18105-1538<br>Phone: (610) 437-0755 <br>Fax:  (610) 433-7822
*Contact [https://www.allentowndiocese.org/find-parish '''the local parish'''] for information and records.
The diocese consists of the counties of [[Berks County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Berks]], [[Carbon County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Carbon]], [[Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Lehigh]], [[Northampton County, North Carolina|Northampton]] and [[Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Schuylkill]].<ref name="rc">[https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=a945f185eab041378d595f6c0a7f628f Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America], Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.</ref>
----
[http://www.ajdiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown''']<br>2713 West Chestnut Avenue<br>Altoona, PA  16601-1720<br>Phone: (814) 695-5579<br>Fax: (814) 949-8234<br>Email: tdegol@dioceseaj.org
*Contact [https://www.dioceseaj.org/parish-finder/ '''the local parish'''] for information and records.<br>
The diocese consists of the counties of [[Bedford County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Bedford]], [[Blair County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Blair]], [[Cambria County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Cambria]], [[Centre County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Centre]], [[Fulton County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Fulton]], [[Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Huntingdon]] and [[Somerset County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Somerset]].<ref name="rc" />
----
[https://www.eriercd.org/bishop/chanceryarchives.html '''Diocese of Erie''']<br>St. Mark Catholic Center<br>429 East Grandview Blvd.<br>Erie, PA 16504
*Contact [https://www.eriercd.org/find-parish-school.php '''the local parish'''] for information and records.<br>
The diocese coonsists of the of counties of [[Cameron County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Cameron]], [[Clarion County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Clarion]], [[Clearfield County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Clearfield]], [[Crawford County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Crawford]], [[Elk County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Elk]], [[Erie County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Erie]], [[Forest County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Forest]], [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Mercer County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Mercer]], [[McKean County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|McKean]], [[Potter County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Potter]], [[Venango County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Venango]] and [[Warren County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Warren]].<ref name="rc" />
----
[http://www.dioceseofgreensburg.org/Pages/default.aspx '''Diocese of Greensburg''']<br>723 East Pittsburgh St.<br>Greensburg, PA 15601<br>Phone: (724) 837-0901  
[http://www.dioceseofgreensburg.org/Pages/default.aspx '''Diocese of Greensburg''']<br>723 East Pittsburgh St.<br>Greensburg, PA 15601<br>Phone: (724) 837-0901  
 
*[https://ww.dioceseofgreensburg.org/parish-life/Pages/former.aspx '''Location of records from former parishes''']
The diocese consists of the counties of [[Armstrong County, Pennsylvania|Armstrong]], [[Fayette County, Pennsylvania|Fayette]], [[Indiana County, Pennsylvania|Indiana]] and [[Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania|Westmoreland]].<ref name="rc" />  
*Contact [https://ww.dioceseofgreensburg.org/parish-life/directory/Pages/default.aspx '''the local parish'''] for information and records.<br>
 
The diocese consists of the counties of [[Armstrong County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Armstrong]], [[Fayette County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Fayette]], [[Indiana County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Indiana]] and [[Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Westmoreland]].<ref name="rc" />  
[http://www.hbgdiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Harrisburg''']<br>4800 Union Deposit Road<br>Harrisburg, PA 17111<br>Phone: (717) 657-4804  
----
 
[https://www.hbgdiocese.org/about/diocesan-offices/archives/#genealogy-research-archives '''Diocese of Harrisburg''']<br>4800 Union Deposit Road<br>Harrisburg, PA 17111<br>Phone: (717) 657-4804  
Archive houses many records of genealogical value. Website includes guide [http://www.hbgdiocese.org/archives/geneology-research-for-families-2/ Genealogy Research for Families]. Professional look-up services are available.  
*[https://www.hbgdiocese.org/about/diocesan-offices/archives/#genealogy-research-archives '''Genealogy Research for Families'''].  
 
*[https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/ '''Location of records from former parishes''']
The diocese of Harrisburg consists of&nbsp;the counties of [[Adams County, Pennsylvania|Adams]], [[Columbia County, Pennsylvania|Columbia]], [[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania|Cumberland]], [[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania|Dauphin]], [[Franklin County, Pennsylvania|Franklin]], [[Juniata County, Pennsylvania|Juniata]], [[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]], [[Lebanon County, Pennsylvania|Lebanon]], [[Mifflin County, Pennsylvania|Mifflin]], [[Montour County, Pennsylvania|Montour]], [[Northumberland County, Pennsylvania|Northumberland]], [[Perry County, Pennsylvania|Perry]], [[Snyder County, Pennsylvania|Snyder]], [[Union County, Pennsylvania|Union]] and [[York County, Pennsylvania|York]].<ref name="rc" />  
The diocese of Harrisburg consists of the counties of [[Adams County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Adams]], [[Columbia County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Columbia]], [[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Cumberland]], [[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Dauphin]], [[Franklin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Juniata County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Juniata]], [[Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Lancaster]], [[Lebanon County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Lebanon]], [[Mifflin County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Mifflin]], [[Montour County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Montour]], [[Northumberland County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Northumberland]], [[Perry County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Perry]], [[Snyder County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Snyder]], [[Union County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Union]] and [[York County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|York]].<ref name="rc" />  
 
----
[http://archphila.org/home.php '''Archdiocese of Philadelphia''']<br>222 North 17th Street,<br>Philadelphia, PA 19103-1299<br>Phone: (215) 587-3600
 
:[http://www.pahrc.net/ '''Philadelphia Archdiocesan&nbsp;Historical&nbsp;Reseach Center''']<br>100 E. Wynnewood<br>Wynnewood, PA 19096<br>Telephone: (610) 667-3394<br>
 
The diocese (erected 1808) consists of the counties&nbsp;of&nbsp;[[Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Bucks]], [[Chester County, Pennsylvania|Chester]], [[Delaware County, Pennsylvania|Delaware]], [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery]] and [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]].<ref name="rc" />
 
[http://www.diopitt.org/ '''Diocese of Pittsburgh'''] <br>111 Blvd. of the Allies<br>Pittsburgh, PA 15222<br>Phone: (412) 456-3000  
[http://www.diopitt.org/ '''Diocese of Pittsburgh'''] <br>111 Blvd. of the Allies<br>Pittsburgh, PA 15222<br>Phone: (412) 456-3000  
 
*Contact [https://www.diopitt.org/onmission '''the local parish'''] for information and records.<br>
The diocese (erected 1843) consists of&nbsp;the counties of [[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania|Allegheny]], [[Beaver County, Pennsylvania|Beaver]], [[Butler County, Pennsylvania|Butler]], [[Greene County, Pennsylvania|Greene]], [[Lawrence County, Pennsylvania|Lawrence]] and [[Washington County, Pennsylvania|Washington]].<ref name="rc" />  
The diocese (erected 1843) consists of the counties of [[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Allegheny]], [[Beaver County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Beaver]], [[Butler County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Butler]], [[Greene County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Greene]], [[Lawrence County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Lawrence]] and [[Washington County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Washington]].<ref name="rc" />  


The Diocese of Pittsburgh originally included Catholic churches throughout Western Pennsylvania, including: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.<ref name="pitt" />  
The Diocese of Pittsburgh originally included Catholic churches throughout Western Pennsylvania, including: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.<ref name="pitt" />  
Line 131: Line 375:
For a centennial history, see:  
For a centennial history, see:  


*"100 Years of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese 1843–1943," ''Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly'', Vol. 17, No. 1 (Summer 1990):9-33. {{FHL|151821|item|disp=FHL Book 974.8 B2wg}}. Chronology, map, county-by-county information.
*"100 Years of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese 1843–1943," ''Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly'', Vol. 17, No. 1 (Summer 1990):9-33. {{FSC|151821|item|disp=FS Library Book 974.8 B2wg}}. Chronology, map, county-by-county information.
 
----
[http://www.dioceseofscranton.org/ '''Diocese of Scranton''']<br>300 Wyoming Avenue<br>Scranton, PA 18593<br>Phone: (570) 207-2238  
[http://www.dioceseofscranton.org/ '''Diocese of Scranton''']<br>300 Wyoming Avenue<br>Scranton, PA 18593<br>Phone: (570) 207-2238  


The diocese consists of the counties of [[Bradford County, Pennsylvania|Bradford]], [[Clinton County, Pennsylvania|Clinton]], [[Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania|Lackawanna]], [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania|Luzerne]], [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming]], [[Monroe County, Pennsylvania|Monroe]], [[Pike County, Pennsylvania|Pike]], [[Sullivan County, Pennsylvania|Sullivan]], [[Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania|Susquehanna]], [[Tioga County, Pennsylvania|Tioga]], [[Wayne County, Pennsylvania|Wayne]], [[Wyoming County, Pennsylvania|Wyoming]].<ref name="rc" />  
*Contact [https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/find-a-parish/ '''the local parish'''] for information and records.
 
*[https://www.nepgs.com '''The Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, Inc.'''] has digitized the [https://www.nepgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Digital-Resources-3_23_20.html?v=757e5b5109ed#C:/Resources/Digital%20Files/Church%20Records_Roman%20Catholic ''' Digital Catalog of Sacramental Registers of the Diocese of Scranton''']. The collection encompasses over 300 churches in eleven counties. '''Registers 70 years and older''' are '''available for research at the Society headquarters:'''<br>
<br>  
'''Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society'''<br>
 
57 North Franklin St.<br>
For a listing of many vital records, see Albert H. Ledoux. ''Catholic Vital Records of Central Pennsylvania'', 4 vols. (Altoona, PA: A. H. Ledoux, 1993-1996; see {{FHL|644078|item}}. Also check [http://www.worldcat.org/title/catholic-vital-records-of-central-pennsylvania/oclc/29179250&referer=brief_results WorldCat] for a copy of the book nearest you.  
Wilkes Barre PA 18701<br>
 
Phone:(570) 829-1765<br>
=== Society of Friends (Quakers)  ===
Email: nepgsmail@gmail.com<br>
 
<br>
'''For Hicksite records:'''
The diocese consists of the counties of [[Bradford County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Bradford]], [[Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Lackawanna]], [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Luzerne]], [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Lycoming]], [[Monroe County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Monroe]], [[Pike County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Pike]], [[Sullivan County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Sullivan]], [[Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Susquehanna]], [[Tioga County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Tioga]], [[Wayne County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Wayne]], [[Wyoming County, Pennsylvania Genealogy|Wyoming]].<ref name="rc" />  
 
<br>
[http://www.swarthmore.edu/fhl.xml Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College]<br>Swarthmore College<br>500 College Avenue<br>Swarthmore, PA 19081<br>Telephone: (610) 328-8496<br>Email: [mailto:friends@swarthmore.edu friends@swarthmore.edu]
----
For a listing of many vital records, see Albert H. Ledoux. ''Catholic Vital Records of Central Pennsylvania'', 4 vols. (Altoona, PA: A. H. Ledoux, 1993-1996; see {{FSC|644078|item}}. Also check [http://www.worldcat.org/title/catholic-vital-records-of-central-pennsylvania/oclc/29179250&referer=brief_results WorldCat] for a copy of the book nearest you.


'''For Orthodox records:'''
----


Quaker Collection<br>Haverford College<br>James P. Magill Library<br>370 Lancaster Avenue<br>Haverford, PA 19041-1392<br>Telephone: (610) 896-1000
====Society of Friends (Quakers)====
'''For Hicksite records:''' <br>
'''[[Swarthmore College Friends Historical Library]]'''<br>500 College Avenue<br>Swarthmore, PA 19081<br>Telephone: 610-328-8496<br>
*[http://www.swarthmore.edu/library/friends/ '''Website''']
::Covers New York, Baltimore, PhiladelphiaEmail: [mailto:friends@swarthmore.edu friends@swarthmore.edu]
*'''''The William Wade Hinshaw Index to Quaker Meeting Records in the Friends Library in Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania''''' {{FSC|357909|item}}.
----
'''For Orthodox records:''' <br>
[https://www.haverford.edu/library/quaker-special-collections '''Quaker Collection''']<br>'''[[Haverford College Library]]'''<br>Haverford, PA 19041<br>Telephone: 610-896-1175<br>Fax: 610-896-1102<br>
:*[https://www.haverford.edu/library/quaker-special-collections '''Website''']
----


A card index to Quaker records is William Wade Hinshaw, ''The William Wade Hinshaw Index to Quaker Meeting Records in the Friends Library in Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania&nbsp;''can be found&nbsp;in&nbsp;the {{FHL|357909|item}}.  
===Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.===
Some church records have been given to historical societies. Also, historical societies may be able to tell you where the records are being held. To find a society near you, consult these lists:
<br>


For help in finding Quaker records, see:
==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
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>


*''Inventory of Church Archives, Society of Friends in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, PA: Historical Records Survey, 1941, ''can be searched in the {{FHL|205420|item}}.
[[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'''.]]
*Hinshaw, William Wade. ''Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy. 6 Vols''. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Edwards Brothers, 1936-1950. Volume II covers Pennsylvania Monthly Meetings. {{FHL|192159|item}}; digital version at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48130 Ancestry] ($). To locate copies nearest you, use [http://www.worldcat.org/title/encyclopedia-of-american-quaker-genealogy-vol-i-vi/oclc/255684770&referer=brief_results WorldCat].
*''The William Wade Hinshaw Index to Pennsylvania Quaker Meeting Records''. 8 vols. (Kokomo, Indiana: Selby Publishing &amp; Printing, 1990; available in the {{FHL|181459|item}}. To locate copies nearest you, use [http://www.worldcat.org/title/william-wade-hinshaw-index-to-pennsylvania-quaker-meeting-records/oclc/20749152&referer=brief_results WorldCat].


An important resource for Eastern Pennsylvania is Jack Eckert, ''Guide to the Records of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting'' (Philadelphia, PA: Haverford College, Records Committee of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, Swarthmore College, 1989; available in the {{FHL|363543|item}}. It also contains a bibliography, a glossary, and the record location for the other yearly meetings throughout the United States and Canada. The yearly meeting includes the monthly and quarterly meeting records, etc., under its jurisdiction. To locate a copy of the book nearest&nbsp;you, use [http://www.worldcat.org/title/guide-to-the-records-of-philadelphia-yearly-meeting/oclc/21324848&referer=brief_results WorldCat].&nbsp;
==References==
 
Many sources are also listed in the Place Search of the [https://familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library Catalog] under PENNSYLVANIA - CHURCH HISTORY.
 
A few&nbsp;church records have been indexed for most Pennsylvania Counties in the [http://www.idreamof.com/church/pa.html I Dream of Genealogy] website.&nbsp; They are indexed by County, Township and then Church.<br>
 
For a history of Welsh Quakers in Pennsylvania, read:
 
:*Levick, James J. "The Early Welsh Quakers and Their Emigration to Pennsylvania," ''The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography,'' Vol. 17 (1893):385-413. For free online access, see [http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Source:Historical_Society_of_Pennsylvania._Pennsylvania_Magazine_of_History_and_Biography WeRelate].
 
{{Template:Pros-PA}}
 
=== References ===


{{reflist}}  
{{reflist}}  


{{Place|Pennsylvania}}  
{{Place|Pennsylvania}}{{USChurch}}
 
<br>
 
[[Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County Digital Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]


[[Category:Pennsylvania|Church Records]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania, United States|Church Records]]
[[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]

Revision as of 14:36, 27 October 2024

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

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Pennsylvania was founded as a place of refuge and religious freedom for many diverse groups from Great Britain and Europe. Important religious groups in colonial Pennsylvania were the Society of Friends (Quakers), the German Lutheran, German Reformed, Presbyterian, Episcopal/Anglican/Church of England, Baptist, and Roman Catholic churches, and the German Pietist groups, including the Brethren (Dunkard), Mennonites, and Moravians.

The beginning of the Catholic faith in Pennsylvania can be dated back to French explorers who visited the area in the seventeenth century. The first Catholic church was a chapel built in Fort Duquesne in 1754. In 1808, the Diocese of Philadelphia was organized. It covered the entire state. It was split in 1843 when the Diocese of Pittsburgh was erected to oversee Western Pennsylvania. Other dioceses were erected at later dates.[1]

Only a small percentage of Colonial Pennsylvania's population belonged to the Church of England.[2] Of 26 Episcopalian churches established in Pennsylvania before 1800, 12 have surviving parish registers covering that period.[3]

Information Found in the Records[edit | edit source]

Yocum Church.JPG

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]


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!

FamilySearch Indexes[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch CD-Rom[edit | edit source]

Findmypast Indexes[edit | edit source]

Ancestry.com[edit | edit source]

I Dream of Genealogy[edit | edit source]

Catholic[edit | edit source]

Catholic Heritage Archive($)

Church of the Brethren[edit | edit source]

Congregational[edit | edit source]

Dutch Reformed[edit | edit source]

Episcopal/Anglican[edit | edit source]

Jewish Records[edit | edit source]

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Mennonite[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Quaker (Society of Friends)[edit | edit source]

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

FamilySearch Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
  • The 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 How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?
  • Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.
  • To find records:
a. Click on the records of United States, Pennsylvania.
b. Click on Places within United States, Pennsylvania 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, Pennsylvania [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.

Dutch Reformed[edit | edit source]

German Churches[edit | edit source]

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Quaker (Society of Friends)[edit | edit source]

United Church of Christ[edit | edit source]

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.

Here you will find archive information unique to the state. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational archives, go to Searching for Church Records by Denomination.

Baptist[edit | edit source]

Episcopal/Anglican/Church of England[edit | edit source]

Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem
333 Wyandotte Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015-1527

Phone: (610) 691-5655

  • Churches that are not closed should be contacted for their records.
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem has records for closed parishes of the 14 counties in Pennsylvania to the north and west of Philadelphia.

Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania
101 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108

Phone: (717) 236-5959
Email: info@diocesecpa.org
Mail: PO Box 11937, Harrisburg, PA 17108 Fax: (717) 236-6448

  • Churches that are not closed should be contacted for their records.
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania has records for closed parishes.

Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
The History Committee
240 S. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Telephone: (215) 627-6434
Fax: (215) 627-7550

Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
325 Oliver Avenue, Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2403

Phone: (412) 721-0853
Email: info@episcopalpgh.org

  • Churches that are not closed should be contacted for their records.
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, founded in 1865, covers the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania. This diocese has records for churches that are now closed for the current counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland.

Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania
145 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16501

Phone: (814) 456-4203

  • Churches that are not closed should be contacted for their records.
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania has records for closed parishes of the 13 counties in the northwestern part of the state of Pennsylvania.

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

  • Archives hold records for closed churches. For open churches write directly to the local church.

Among the files of the Region 7 archives at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia are those of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, which was the first North American Lutheran church body, founded in 1748.
For all synods except the Slovak-Zion Synod:
Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia
7301 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119-1794
Phone: 215-248-6383
Email: info@lacphila.org

For Slovak Zion Synod:
Slovak Zion Synod
P.O. Box 1003
Torrington, CT 06790-1003
Phone: 860-482-6100

Older material in the Tri-Synod Archives collection relates to the former Pittsburgh Synod of the General Council.
For Western Pennsylvania:
Tri-Synod Archives
Thiel College
75 College Avenue
Greenville, PA 16125
Phone: 724-589-2131

For Central Pennsylvania:
A.R. Wentz Library
United Lutheran Seminary
61 Seminary Ridge
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1795
Phone: 717-339-1313

  • Also housed in the Gettysburg Seminary's archives are the records of the first large confederation of American Lutheran synods, namely the General Synod. This archives also has significant personal papers collected by the Lutheran Historical Society. The A. R. Wentz Library records are not available to the general public, but the FamilySearch Library has filmed many of their church records.

Mennonite[edit | edit source]

Mennonite Heritage Center Historical Library and Archives
565 Yoder Road
Harleysville, PA
19438-1020
Phone: 215-256-3020
Email: info@mhep.org

Moravian[edit | edit source]

The Northern Province Moravian Archives
41 West Locust Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone: 610.866.3255
Email: info@moravianchurcharchives.org


Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian Historical Society
425 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 627-1852
Fax: (215) 627-0509

Reformed[edit | edit source]

Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society
Lancaster Theological Seminary
555 W. James Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone: (717) 290-8734
Email:info@erhistoricalsociety.org

The Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society holds a variety of church records for church congregations that originated in the former Reformed (German) Church in the United States, Evangelical (German) Synod of North America, the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and the present United Church of Christ. Many of these record collections contain original documents, whereas others include photocopies, digitized scans, or transcriptions of the original documents.

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Archdiocese of Philadelphia Historical Reseach Center
100 E. Wynnewood
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Telephone: (610) 667-3394


The diocese (erected 1808) consists of the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia.[4]

Diocese of Allentown
4029 W. Tilghman St.
P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
Phone: (610) 437-0755
Fax: (610) 433-7822

The diocese consists of the counties of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill.[4]

Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
2713 West Chestnut Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601-1720
Phone: (814) 695-5579
Fax: (814) 949-8234
Email: tdegol@dioceseaj.org

The diocese consists of the counties of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset.[4]

Diocese of Erie
St. Mark Catholic Center
429 East Grandview Blvd.
Erie, PA 16504

The diocese coonsists of the of counties of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Mercer, McKean, Potter, Venango and Warren.[4]

Diocese of Greensburg
723 East Pittsburgh St.
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 837-0901

The diocese consists of the counties of Armstrong, Fayette, Indiana and Westmoreland.[4]

Diocese of Harrisburg
4800 Union Deposit Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Phone: (717) 657-4804

The diocese of Harrisburg consists of the counties of Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York.[4]

Diocese of Pittsburgh
111 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 456-3000

The diocese (erected 1843) consists of the counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington.[4]

The Diocese of Pittsburgh originally included Catholic churches throughout Western Pennsylvania, including: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.[1]

For a centennial history, see:

  • "100 Years of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese 1843–1943," Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 17, No. 1 (Summer 1990):9-33. FS Library Book 974.8 B2wg. Chronology, map, county-by-county information.

Diocese of Scranton
300 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA 18593
Phone: (570) 207-2238

Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society
57 North Franklin St.
Wilkes Barre PA 18701
Phone:(570) 829-1765
Email: nepgsmail@gmail.com

The diocese consists of the counties of Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming.[4]

For a listing of many vital records, see Albert H. Ledoux. Catholic Vital Records of Central Pennsylvania, 4 vols. (Altoona, PA: A. H. Ledoux, 1993-1996; see FS Catalog Collection. Also check WorldCat for a copy of the book nearest you.

Society of Friends (Quakers)[edit | edit source]

For Hicksite records:
Swarthmore College Friends Historical Library
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA 19081
Telephone: 610-328-8496

Covers New York, Baltimore, PhiladelphiaEmail: friends@swarthmore.edu
  • The William Wade Hinshaw Index to Quaker Meeting Records in the Friends Library in Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania FS Catalog Collection.

For Orthodox records:
Quaker Collection
Haverford College Library
Haverford, PA 19041
Telephone: 610-896-1175
Fax: 610-896-1102

Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.[edit | edit source]

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:

Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination.[edit | edit source]

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.

Major U.S. Religious Denominations



Carefully compare any record you find to known facts about the ancestor[edit | edit source]

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


Dark thin font green pin Version 4.pngCarefully 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.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "100 Years of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese 1843–1943," Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 17, No. 1 (Summer 1990):9-33. FS Library Book 974.8 B2wg.
  2. ↑ Frank J. Klingberg, "The Anglican Minority in Colonial Pennsylvania with Particular Reference to the Indian," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 65, No. 3 (Jul. 1941):276-299. For free online access, see WeRelate.
  3. ↑ Philip Syng Physick Conner, "Registers of the Anglican Church in Pennsylvania prior to 1800," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 12 (1888):341-349. For free online access, see WeRelate.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America, Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.
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