Illinois Church Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Illinois]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Illinois_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==
In the decades following statehood, the largest religious groups in [[Illinois Genealogy|Illinois]] were the [[Methodist Church in the United States|Methodist]], [[Episcopal Church in the United States|Episcopal]], [[Baptist Church in the United States|Baptist]], and [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]] churches. These groups came primarily from the southern states. At the same time, [[Congregational Church in the United States|Congregationalists]], [[Lutheran Church in the United States|Lutherans]], and members of the Reformed faiths came from the eastern states. [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholics]] became numerous in Illinois after 1860, especially in the northern industrial areas. Several counties in the northeastern part of the state became havens for [[Lutheran Church in the United States|Lutheran]] Scandinavians.


[[Image:{{Pioneer Gothic Church}}]]  
==Information Found in the Records==
To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:
{|
|-
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[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]]
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[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]]
|style="vertical-align:top; padding-right:30px"|
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
|}


Church records and the information they provide vary&nbsp;significantly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. They may contain information about members of the congregation, such as age, date of baptism, christening, or birth; marriage information and maiden names; and death date. Records may include names of other relatives who were witnesses or members of the congregation. The members of some churches were predominantly of one nationality or ethnic group.
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===
{|
|
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!
|}
*'''1824-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1676968|Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940}} at FamilySearch; Index — [[Illinois Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]] 


In the decades following statehood, the largest religious groups in [[Illinois]] were the [[Methodist Church in the United States|Methodist]], [[Episcopal Church in the United States|Episcopal]], [[Baptist Church in the United States|Baptist]], and [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]] churches. These groups came primarily from the southern states. At the same time, [[Congregational Church in the United States|Congregationalists]], [[Lutheran Church in the United States|Lutherans]], and members of the Reformed faiths came from the eastern states. [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholics]] became numerous in Illinois after 1860, especially in the northern industrial areas. Several counties in the northeastern part of the state became havens for [[Lutheran Church in the United States|Lutheran]] Scandinavians.<ref>''Illinois Genealogy Resources, Church and Religious Records'' www.genealoger.com/illinois/il_church_records.htm</ref>
*'''1837-1995''' {{RecordSearch|2787821|Illinois, Church Records, 1837-1995}} at FamilySearch; Index and images — [[Illinois, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]  


[[Illinois State Archives|Illinois State Archives]] has collected some early Illinois church records that were given to the [[Illinois State Library|Illinois State Library]]. There is an [http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives/di/954__002.htm inventory of church archives] (954.012) to be found at the State Library website.
*'''1790-1869''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7851 Illinois Marriages, 1790-1860] at Ancestry, Index ($)
*'''1791-1850''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2086 Illinois Marriages 1791 to 1850] at Ancestry, Index ($)
*'''1805-1985''' {{RecordSearch|2534491|Illinois, Church Marriages, 1805-1985}} at FamilySearch; index — [[Illinois, Church Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]  
*'''1815-1935''' {{RecordSearch|1680829|Illinois Marriages, 1815-1935}} at FamilySearch; Index — [[Illinois Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1749-1999''' {{RecordSearch|3541609|Illinois Deaths and Burials, 1749-1999}} at FamilySearch; index — [[Illinois Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]  
====Illinois Statewide Marriage Index====
*'''1763-1900''' [https://www.ilsos.gov/isavital/marriagesrch.jsp Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763–1900]


The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] has microfilm of the records and histories of several religious denominations including Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist churches.&nbsp; To learn what church records are available at the [[The Family History Library|Family History Library]] go to the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library Catalog] and, at the Place-Names Search, type in the name of the town or county where an ancestor lived. From the list of subjects, choose "Church records" which will indicate what records are available for that locale.
====Genealogy Trails====
*[http://genealogytrails.com/ill/counties.html Information by Illinois County] Use the clickable map to select a county, then click on the "Churches" option.
====Catholic====
*'''1729-1956''' {{RecordSearch|1388122|Illinois, Diocese of Belleville, Catholic Parish Records, 1729-1956}} at FamilySearch — [[Illinois, Diocese of Belleville, Catholic Parish Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]  
*'''1853-1975''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61682/ Illinois, Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield Sacramental Records, 1853-1975] at Ancestry ($) Index and images.
*'''1833-1925''' {{RecordSearch|1452409|Illinois, Chicago, Catholic Church Records, 1833-1925}} at FamilySearch; index & images — [[Illinois, Chicago, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


Most church records are scattered and remain in the custody of existing churches. Some, however, have been collected into central repositories, especially those from congregations that have merged or disbanded.&nbsp; To find the existance of records, you may wish to write to the addresses given below to learn where records of an area are located. For churches not listed on this page, see [[United States Church Records|United States Church Records]] for further information on repositories and collections.
[https://www.findmypast.com/page/catholic-records '''Catholic Heritage Archive''']


=== Non-Denominational  ===
====Jewish====
*'''1861-1956''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1503 US Marriages performed by three Rabbis in Boston, Chicago and Massachusetts,1861-1956] at Ancestry — index ($)


Ruth E. Browning abstracted names and events from '''[http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/resources/index/index.html The Christian Messenger]''' and created an every– name index. The Christian Messenger was a religious newspaper during the 1800's which included "letters with information about the churches, obituaries, death notices, names of subscribers, letters from preachers, etc."<ref>Ruth E. Browning, ''Name Index to the Christian Messenger'' at http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/resources/index/index.html</ref>&nbsp; The information abstracted from this newspaper came from numerous counties in Illinois.  
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969] at Ancestry - index & images, incomplete.($)


For more information on "The Restoration Movement" of the 1800's&nbsp;see the wikipedia article [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restoration_Movement "Restoration Movement."]  
====Methodist====
*'''1824-2009''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9062 Illinois, Select United Methodist Church Records, 1824-2009] at Ancestry ($). Images/index.


=== Baptist ===
===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:
{{Block indent|1=a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=366&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Illinois%22%20%2Bavailability%3AOnline '''records of United States, Illinois'''].|2=3}}
{{Block indent|b. Click on '''Places within United States, Illinois''' and a list of counties will appear.|3}}
{{Block indent|c. Click on your county if it appears.|3}}
{{Block indent|d. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.|3}}
{{Block indent|e. Click on '''Places within United States, Illinois [COUNTY]''' and a list of towns will appear.|3}}
{{Block indent|f. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village.  |3}}
{{Block indent|g. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.|3}}
{{Block indent|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.|3}}
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[http://www.abhsarchives.org/ American Baptist Historical Society]<br>1106 South Goodman Street<br>Rochester, NY 14620<br>Phone: (716) 473-1740
===Consult available finding aids.===


The American Baptist Historical Society in Rochester, New York, is national in scope, though records in the archive cover primarily the eastern United States. The records are mostly statistical in nature. They may have some information about ministers and missionaries, but they may have little more than lists of lay members. Any records of births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths were kept by the choice of the minister, not by mandate of the church. The departing minister may or may not have left his records with the church or a succeeding minister.  
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/459637-redirection '''Inventory of the church archives of Illinois, Presbyterian church ... Presbytery of Springfield''']
*[http://pblib.org/FamHist.html '''The Primitive Baptist Library of Carthage, Illinois'''] Church and Family History Research Assistance
for Primitive Baptist Churches in Illinois by County. Lists churches, their history, and surnames of member families.


*''The Ministerial Directory of the Baptist Churches in the United States of America.'' Oxford, Ohio: Ministerial Directory Co., 1899. Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=f9gpAAAAYAAJ Google Books.]<br>This 1899 directory of Baptist ministers lists biographical details about many ministers born or serving in the state:<ref>Davis points out that not all ministers participated, see: Robert S. Davis, "Some Baptist Ministers of South Carolina at the Turn of the Century," ''The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research,'' Vol. 32, No. 1 (Winter 2004):13-22. {{FHL|43856|item|disp=FHL Book 975.7 B2sc v. 32}}</ref>


*Smith, Justin A. ''A History of the Baptists in the Western States East of the Mississippi,'' Philadelphia&nbsp;: American Baptist Publication Society, 1896. [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=23776 Ancestry.com ($)] Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=f9gpAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false Google Books.]
----


The website of Primitive Baptist Churches in Illinois have prepared guides for genealogists who wish to learn about their religious ancestors, see, for example: [http://www.carthage.lib.il.us/community/churches/primbap/FamHist-Gallatin.html Church and Family History Research Assistance for Gallatin County, Illinois Primitive Baptists].  
===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.


=== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)  ===
===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>


Early church records, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for Illinois Wards and Branches can be found on microfilm and are located at the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The film numbers for each ward can be accessed through the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog Family History Library Catalog], or by refering to:
<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>
<br>
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[https://ilgensoc.org/index.php '''Illinois State Genealogical Society''']<br>
P. O. Box 10195<br>
Springfield, IL 62791-0195<br>
<br>
Telephone: (217) 789-1968<br>
Email: isgsoffice@ilgensoc.org<br>
*[https://ilgensoc.org/cpage.php?pt=66 '''Research Tools''']
<br>


:*Jaussi, Laureen R., and Gloria D. Chaston. ''Register of Genealogical Society Call Numbers'' 2 volumes, Provo, Utah: Genealogy Tree, 1982. [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/8443469 Other Libraries (WorldCat)] {{FHL|129780|item|disp=FHL fiche 6031507; book 979.2258 A3j.}} These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple record films.
[https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/archives/gen_research.html '''Illinois State Archives''']
*[https://www.ilsos.gov/isa/globalsrch.jsp '''Global Database Search''']
*'''1763-1900''' [https://www.ilsos.gov/isavital/marriagesrch.jsp Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763–1900]
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====St. Louis County Library====
[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy '''History & Genealogy<br>St. Louis County Library''']<br>
1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard<br>
St. Louis, Missouri 63131<br>
Phone: 314-994-3300<br>
*[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy/catholic-church-records '''Catholic Church Records''']
*[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy/centenary-united-methodist-church-records-1871-1969 '''Centenary United Methodist Church Records 1871-1969''']
*[https://slcl.libguides.com/Denominational_Records '''Denominational Records'''] for Lutheran, Jewish, Baptist, Friends, Presbyterian, and others.  
*[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy/united-church-christ-congregations-alphabetical '''United Church of Christ Holdings''']
*[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy/lookups-other-services'''Look-ups and Other Services''']
*[https://www.slcl.org/contact-us '''Contact Us''']
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For further information regarding how to access Early LDS church records see [[Early Church Membership Records by Susan Easton Black|Early Church Membership Records]] and [[Tracing LDS Ancestors|Tracing LDS Ancestors.]]
====Baptist====
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
*[http://pblib.org/FamHist.html '''The Primitive Baptist Library of Carthage, Illinois'''] Church and Family History Research Assistance
for Primitive Baptist Churches in Illinois by County. Lists churches, their history, and surnames of member families.


=== Disciples of Christ ===
====Disciples of Christ====
*[https://www.archive.org/details/historyofdiscipl00hayn '''''History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois, 1819-1914'' Online'''] (1915)


[http://www.archive.org/details/historyofdiscipl00hayn ''History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois, 1819-1914''] (1915) is available online.  
====Evangelical====
*[https://ilgensoc.org/cstm_confEvangChurch.php '''History of the Illinois Conference of the Evangelical Church 1837-1937'''] ICE Church Records 1837-1937: This index names persons who were associated with the development of this German-speaking church denomination within the northern part of Illinois from the 1840s to 1937 and the capacity in which they were associated. Those persons were primarily clergymen, but early church founding members and others are often named.


=== Episcopal  ===
====Lutheran====


There was little Episcopal activity early in central and southern Illinois, but a church was organized in Chicago in 1824.<ref name="Schweitzer Illinois">George K. Schweitzer, Ph.D. Sc.D, ''Illinois Genealogical Research'' (Knoxville, Tennessee), p. 82 {{FHL|666743|item|disp=FHL book 977.3 D27s}}</ref> Some records are kept at the Historiographer's office, Episcopal Diocesan Center, 821 South Second St. in Springfield, Illinois 61704. See the [[Episcopal Church in the United States|Episcopal Church]]&nbsp;Wiki page for&nbsp;further information on a National level. &nbsp;
[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy  '''History & Genealogy<br>St. Louis County Library''']<br>
1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard<br>
St. Louis, Missouri 63131<br>
Phone: 314-994-3300<br>
*[https://slcl.libguides.com/Denominational_Records '''Denominational Records'''] for Lutheran, Jewish, Baptist, Friends, Presbyterian, and others.
*[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy/lookups-other-services'''Look-ups and Other Services''']
*[https://www.slcl.org/contact-us '''Contact Us''']
----
'''ELCA Region 5 Archives'''<br>
Wartburg Theological Seminary<br>
333 Wartburg Place<br>
Dubuque, IA 52003-5004<br>
<br>
Phone:(563) 589-0320<br>
Email:Region5archives@wartburgseminary.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.''']]
----


<br>
====Methodist====


=== Lutheran  ===
[http://www.igrc.org/ '''Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference''']<br>United Methodist Church Historical Society<br>1211 North Park Street<br>Bloomington, Illinois 61701<br>Phone: (309) 828-5092, ext. 227
{{Block indent|Records cover central and southern Illinois as well as records of some disbanded congregations. Members of the staff will do some searching of those records for a small fee. |2}}


[http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/History/ELCA-Archives.aspx Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA Archives)]<br>8765 West Higgins Road<br>Chicago IL 60631-4198<br>Phone: (800) 638-3522 or (773) 380-2700<br>Fax: (773) 380-1465
[http://www.garrett.edu/ '''Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary''']<br>Attn: Archives<br>2121 Sheridan Road<br>Evanston, Illinois 60201<br>Phone: (847) 866-3909


The ELCA Archives (formerly known as the ALC Archives or Archives of the American Lutheran Church) is the central archive for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States. If a church unit is still active, the archives will help locate its records. If a church has been disbanded, its records will be located in the archives. The archives will accept genealogy requests by mail. It has microfilm copies of records for many congregations, which can be borrowed for a small fee. A partial list of church records in the archive collection is listed in:
The Archive of the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary houses the records of the Northern Illinois Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church. In addition to records of disbanded churches, it has records of many Scandinavian congregations. Selected records of the archive have been microfilmed and are in the FamilySearch Library collection.


:*ALC Archives. ''ALC Congregations on Microfilm''. Dubuque, Iowa: The Archives, 197–?. {{FHL|269930|item|disp=FHL fiche 6330690–6330693.}} The records are arranged by state and city of congregation. Fiche 6330690 includes Illinois.
====Roman Catholic====
[[Image:Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago map 1.png|thumb|right|300px]]
[http://archives.archchicago.org/ '''Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Archives and Records Center of the Archdiocese of Chicago''']<br>Attn: Assistant Research Archivist<br>711 West Monroe<br>Chicago, Illinois 60661<br>Phone: (312) 534-4400<br>Fax: (312) 831-0610<br>


A bibliography of Illinois Lutheran Church Records and Histories can be found at [http://www.genealoger.com/lutheran/church%20records/luth_chrec_illinois.htm The Genealoger.com Lutheran Genealogy.]  
*'''1833-1925''' {{RecordSearch|1452409|Illinois, Chicago, Catholic Church Records, 1833-1925}} at FamilySearch; index & images — [[Illinois, Chicago, Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*[https://archives.archchicago.org/genealogy-resources '''Genealogy Resources''']
*[https://archives.archchicago.org/request-a-record '''Request a Record''']  The archives has records for some '''closed parishes'''. For open parishes, [https://www.archchicago.org/parish-map '''contact the local parish.''']


=== Mennonite  ===
The diocese includes the counties of [[Cook County, Illinois Genealogy|Cook]] and [[Lake County, Illinois Genealogy|Lake]]
<br><br>
----
[https://www.diobelle.org/canonical-affairs/archives '''Diocese of Belleville''']<br>Catholic Pastoral Center<br>2620 Lebanon Avenue, Building 6<br>Belleville, IL 62221<br>Phone: 618-722-5057<br>Fax:  618-235-7115<br>Email: mflynn@diobelle.org
*'''1729-1956''' {{RecordSearch|1388122|Illinois, Diocese of Belleville, Catholic Parish Records, 1729-1956}}.
*The archives has records for some closed parishes. For open parishes, contact the local parish.
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Alexander County, Illinois Genealogy|Alexander]], [[Clay County, Illinois Genealogy|Clay]], [[Clinton County, Illinois Genealogy|Clinton]], [[Edwards County, Illinois Genealogy|Edwards]], [[Franklin County, Illinois Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Gallatin County, Illinois Genealogy|Gallatin]], [[Hamilton County, Illinois Genealogy|Hamilton]], [[Hardin County, Illinois Genealogy|Hardin]], [[Jackson County, Illinois Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Jefferson County, Illinois Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Johnson County, Illinois Genealogy|Johnson]], [[Lawrence County, Illinois Genealogy|Lawrence]], [[Marion County, Illinois Genealogy|Marion]], [[Monroe County, Illinois Genealogy|Monroe]], [[Perry County, Illinois Genealogy|Perry]], [[Pope County, Illinois Genealogy|Pope]], [[Pulaski County, Illinois Genealogy|Pulaski]], [[Randolph County, Illinois Genealogy|Randolph]], [[Richland County, Illinois Genealogy|Richland]], [[Saline County, Illinois Genealogy|Saline]], [[St. Clair County, Illinois Genealogy|St. Clair]], [[Wabash County, Illinois Genealogy|Wabash]], [[Washington County, Illinois Genealogy|Washington]], [[Wayne County, Illinois Genealogy|Wayne]], [[White County, Illinois Genealogy|White]], and [[Williamson County, Illinois Genealogy|Williamson]]<ref name="rome">[http://www.cdeducation.org/oym/connections/dioceseusmap.htm Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America], Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.</ref>
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[https://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ct/sectioncontent.php?secid=2 '''Diocese of Joliet''']<br>425 Summit St.<br>Joliet, IL 60435<br>Phone:  815-221-6100 <br>Email: archivist@dioceseofjoliet.org<br>
*The archives has records for some closed parishes. For open parishes, [http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/content1.php?id=15 '''contact the local parish.''']<br><br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[DuPage County, Illinois Genealogy|DuPage]], [[Ford County, Illinois Genealogy|Ford]], [[Grundy County, Illinois Genealogy|Grundy]], [[Iroquois County, Illinois Genealogy|Iroquois]], [[Kankakee County, Illinois Genealogy|Kankakee]], [[Kendall County, Illinois Genealogy|Kendall]], and [[Will County, Illinois Genealogy|Will]].<ref name="rome" /> The 1859 records of St. Anne’s Church, which stood in what is now Richton Park, along with the two Mission churches of St. James in Strassburg and St. Boniface in Monee, are included in this Diocese's records.
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'''[https://cdop.org/ Catholic Diocese of Peoria]'''<br>419 NE Madison Avenue<br>Peoria, IL 61603<br>Phone: (309) 671-1568 <br>
*[https://cdop.org/offices/archives-and-records/researchers/ '''Historical or Genealogical Research''']
The archives has records for some closed parishes. For open parishes, contact [https://cdop.org/directories/parishes/ '''the local parish.''']<br>The diocese includes the following counties: [[Bureau County, Illinois Genealogy|Bureau]], [[Champaign County, Illinois Genealogy|Champaign]], [[DeWitt County, Illinois Genealogy|DeWitt]], [[Fulton County, Illinois Genealogy|Fulton]], [[Hancock County, Illinois Genealogy|Hancock]], [[Henderson County, Illinois Genealogy|Henderson]], [[Henry County, Illinois Genealogy|Henry]], [[Knox County, Illinois Genealogy|Knox]], [[LaSalle County, Illinois Genealogy|LaSalle]], [[Livingston County, Illinois Genealogy|Livingston]], [[Logan County, Illinois Genealogy|Logan]], [[Marshall County, Illinois Genealogy|Marshall]], [[Mason County, Illinois Genealogy|Mason]], [[McDonough County, Illinois Genealogy|McDonough]], [[McLean County, Illinois Genealogy|McLean]], [[Mercer County, Illinois Genealogy|Mercer]], [[Peoria County, Illinois Genealogy|Peoria]], [[Piatt County, Illinois Genealogy|Piatt]], [[Putnam County, Illinois Genealogy|Putnam]], [[Rock Island County, Illinois Genealogy|Rock Island]], [[Schuyler County, Illinois Genealogy|Schuyler]], [[Stark County, Illinois Genealogy|Stark]], [[Tazewell County, Illinois Genealogy|Tazewell]], [[Vermilion County, Illinois Genealogy|Vermilion]], [[Warren County, Illinois Genealogy|Warren]] and [[Woodford County, Illinois Genealogy|Woodford]].<ref name="rome" />
----
[http://www.rockforddiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Rockford''']<br>555 Colman Center Drive<br>P.O. Box 7044<br>Rockford, IL 61108<br>(815) 399-4300 <br>The archives has records for some '''closed parishes'''. For open parishes, contact [https://www.rockforddiocese.org/parishes/ '''the local parish'''.]<br>The diocese includes the counties of:[[Boone County, Illinois Genealogy|Boone]], [[Carroll County, Illinois Genealogy|Carroll]], [[DeKalb County, Illinois Genealogy|DeKalb]], [[Jo Daviess County, Illinois Genealogy|Jo Daviess]], [[Kane County, Illinois Genealogy|Kane]], [[Lee County, Illinois Genealogy|Lee]], [[McHenry County, Illinois Genealogy|McHenry]], [[Ogle County, Illinois Genealogy|Ogle]], [[Stephenson County, Illinois Genealogy|Stephenson]], [[Whiteside County, Illinois Genealogy|Whiteside]], and [[Winnebago County, Illinois Genealogy|Winnebago]].<ref name="rome" />
----
[http://archives.dio.org/ '''Diocese of Springfield''']<br>Catholic Pastoral Center<br>1615 West Washington St.<br>P.O. Box 3187<br>Springfield, Illinois 62708-3187<br>Phone: (217) 698-8500 <br>
*'''1853-1975''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61682/ '''Illinois, Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield Sacramental Records, 1853-1975'''] at Ancestry ($) Index and images.
*To contact a local parish: [https://www.dio.org/directories/parish-directory.html '''Parish Directory''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Illinois Genealogy|Adams]], [[Bond County, Illinois Genealogy|Bond]], [[Brown County, Illinois Genealogy|Brown]], [[Calhoun County, Illinois Genealogy|Calhoun]], [[Cass County, Illinois Genealogy|Cass]], [[Christian County, Illinois Genealogy|Christian]], [[Clark County, Illinois Genealogy|Clark]], [[Coles County, Illinois Genealogy|Coles]], [[Crawford County, Illinois Genealogy|Crawford]], [[Cumberland County, Illinois Genealogy|Cumberland]], [[Douglas County, Illinois Genealogy|Douglas]], [[Edgar County, Illinois Genealogy|Edgar]], [[Effingham County, Illinois Genealogy|Effingham]], [[Fayette County, Illinois Genealogy|Fayette]], [[Greene County, Illinois Genealogy|Greene]], [[Jasper County, Illinois Genealogy|Jasper]], [[Jersey County, Illinois Genealogy|Jersey]], [[Macon County, Illinois Genealogy|Macon]], [[Macoupin County, Illinois Genealogy|Macoupin]], [[Madison County, Illinois Genealogy|Madison]], [[Menard County, Illinois Genealogy|Menard]], [[Moultrie County, Illinois Genealogy|Moultrie]], [[Pike County, Illinois Genealogy|Pike]], [[Sangamon County, Illinois Genealogy|Sangamon]], [[Scott County, Illinois Genealogy|Scott]], and [[Shelby County, Illinois Genealogy|Shelby]].<ref name="rome" />
-----


[http://imhgs.org/ Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society]<br>675 State Route 116<br>Metamora, IL 61548-7732<br>Phone: (309) 367-2551
====United Church of Christ====
[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy '''History & Genealogy<br>St. Louis County Library''']<br>
1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard<br>
St. Louis, Missouri 63131<br>
Phone: 314-994-3300<br>
*[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy/united-church-christ-congregations-alphabetical '''United Church of Christ Holdings''']
*[https://www.slcl.org/research-learn/genealogy/lookups-other-services'''Look-ups and Other Services''']
*[https://www.slcl.org/contact-us '''Contact Us''']
----


The Library collection includes holdings in genealogy and Anabaptist history for research.  
===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.  


<br>  
==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>


=== Methodist  ===
==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>


[http://www.igrc.org/ Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference]<br>United Methodist Church Historical Society<br>1211 North Park Street<br>Bloomington, Illinois 61701<br>Phone: (309) 828-5092, ext. 227
'''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'''.]]


The Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMC Historical Society was recently created through the merger of the Southern and the Central conferences and its records cover central and southern Illinois as well as records of some disbanded congregations. Members of the staff will do some searching of those records for a small fee.
==References==
 
[http://www.garrett.edu/ Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary]<br>Attn: Archives<br>2121 Sheridan Road<br>Evanston, Illinois 60201<br>Phone: (847) 866-3909
 
The Archive of the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary houses the records of the Northern Illinois Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church. In addition to records of disbanded churches, it has records of many Scandinavian congregations. The archive has no direct phone line, so you will need to make inquiries by mail. Selected records of the archive have been microfilmed and are in the Family History Library collection.
 
[http://archives.umc.org/Directory/ChurchListing.asp?City=&StateLong=IL&State=IL&zipcode=&MaxRecords=25&Sort=Preferredname&TypeID=07&mid=222&ReturnAll=&Remember=Forget&Action=Find-A-Church Find-A-Church] gives a listing of Methodist churches in Illinois arranged by town and city.
 
=== Presbyterian  ===
 
Prior to 1815 there were not many Presbyterians who came to Illinois and established their first church at Sharon in 1816. They cooperated closely in mission work with the Congregationalists in Illinois..<ref name="Schweitzer Illinois" /> To learn more about where to write for records, see the [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian Church]] Wiki page.
 
=== Roman Catholic  ===
 
==== Archdiocese of Chicago  ====
 
{{Wikipedia|Archdiocese of Chicago}}[[Image:Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago map 1.png|thumb|right|300px|Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago map 1.png]][http://archives.archchicago.org/ '''Archives of the Archdiocese of Chicago''']<br>Joseph Cardinal Bernadine Archive and Record Center<br>Attn: Assistant Research Archivist<br>711 West Monroe<br>Chicago, Illinois 60661<br>Phone: (312) 831-0711<br><br>The diocese includes the counties of [[Cook County, Illinois|Cook]] and [[Lake County, Illinois|Lake]]<br><br>The telephone number of the Archive and Record Center accesses a voice mail menu. Selecting the "reference" option allows a caller to place a request for genealogical research.<br><br>The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] has microfilm copies of parish records from the Archdiocese of Chicago to 1915. These may be accessed by typing Chicago, Illinois at the Place-names Search of the library catalog. Once at the list of subjects for Chicago, choose "Church records."
 
==== [[Illinois Belleville Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Diocese of Belleville]]  ====
 
{{Wikipedia|Roman Catholic Diocese of Belleville}} [http://www.diobelle.org/offices/deptinfo.aspx#2 '''Diocese of Belleville''']<br>222 South Third Street<br>Belleville, IL 62220<br>Phone: (618) 277-8181 <br><br>The diocese includes the counties of: [[Alexander County, Illinois|Alexander]], [[Clay County, Illinois|Clay]], [[Clinton County, Illinois|Clinton]], [[Edwards County, Illinois|Edwards]], [[Franklin County, Illinois|Franklin]], [[Gallatin County, Illinois|Gallatin]], [[Hamilton County, Illinois|Hamilton]], [[Hardin County, Illinois|Hardin]], [[Jackson County, Illinois|Jackson]], [[Jefferson County, Illinois|Jefferson]], [[Johnson County, Illinois|Johnson]], [[Lawrence County, Illinois|Lawrence]], [[Marion County, Illinois|Marion]], [[Monroe County, Illinois|Monroe]], [[Perry County, Illinois|Perry]], [[Pope County, Illinois|Pope]], [[Pulaski County, Illinois|Pulaski]], [[Randolph County, Illinois|Randolph]], [[Richland County, Illinois|Richland]], [[Saline County, Illinois|Saline]], [[St. Clair County, Illinois|St. Clair]], [[Wabash County, Illinois|Wabash]], [[Washington County, Illinois|Washington]], [[Wayne County, Illinois|Wayne]], [[White County, Illinois|White]], and [[Williamson County, Illinois|Williamson]]<ref name="rome">[http://www.cdeducation.org/oym/connections/dioceseusmap.htm Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America], Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.</ref>
 
Many of the Catholic Church records in the Belleville Diocese are available online through FamilySearch in the collection {{RecordSearch|1388122|Illinois, Diocese of Belleville, Catholic Parish Records, 1729-1956}}. These records are also available at the [http://www.slcl.org/branches/hq/sc/catholic/cath-research.htm St. Louis County Library] and the [http://www.bellevillepubliclibrary.org/ Belleville Public Library].
 
The book ''A Time of Favor: The Story of the Catholic Family of Southern Illinois'' by Betty Burnett contains a great deal of historical context that will help genealogists better understand their ancestors' lives.
 
'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:'''
 
[https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Illinois_Belleville_Catholic_Church_Records_(FamilySearch_Historical_Records) Ilinios Belleville Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]
 
==== Diocese of Joliet  ====
 
{{Wikipedia|Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet}}&nbsp;[http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ '''Diocese of Joliet''']<br>425 Summit St.<br>Joliet, IL 60435<br>Phone: (815) 722-6606 <br><br>The diocese includes the counties of: [[DuPage County, Illinois|DuPage]], [[Ford County, Illinois|Ford]], [[Grundy County, Illinois|Grundy]], [[Iroquois County, Illinois|Iroquois]], [[Kankakee County, Illinois|Kankakee]], [[Kendall County, Illinois|Kendall]], and [[Will County, Illinois|Will]].<ref name="rome" />
 
==== Diocese of Peoria  ====
 
{{Wikipedia|Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria}} [http://www.cdop.org/pages/AArchivesOffice.aspx '''Catholic Diocese of Peoria''']<br>419 NE Madison Avenue<br>Peoria, IL 61603<br>Phone: (309) 671-1568 <br><br>The diocese includes the following counties: [[Bureau County, Illinois|Bureau]], [[Champaign County, Illinois|Champaign]], [[DeWitt County, Illinois|DeWitt]], [[Fulton County, Illinois|Fulton]], [[Hancock County, Illinois|Hancock]], [[Henderson County, Illinois|Henderson]], [[Henry County, Illinois|Henry]], [[Knox County, Illinois|Knox]], [[LaSalle County, Illinois|LaSalle]], [[Livingston County, Illinois|Livingston]], [[Logan County, Illinois|Logan]], [[Marshall County, Illinois|Marshall]], [[Mason County, Illinois|Mason]], [[McDonough County, Illinois|McDonough]], [[McLean County, Illinois|McLean]], [[Mercer County, Illinois|Mercer]], [[Peoria County, Illinois|Peoria]], [[Piatt County, Illinois|Piatt]], [[Putnam County, Illinois|Putnam]], [[Rock Island County, Illinois|Rock Island]], [[Schuyler County, Illinois|Schuyler]], [[Stark County, Illinois|Stark]], [[Tazewell County, Illinois|Tazewell]], [[Vermilion County, Illinois|Vermilion]] [[Warren County, Illinois|Warren]] and [[Woodford County, Illinois|Woodford]].<ref name="rome" />
 
==== Diocese of Rockford  ====
 
{{Wikipedia|Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford}}&nbsp;[http://www.rockforddiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Rockford''']<br>555 Colman Center Drive<br>P.O. Box 7044<br>Rockford, IL 61108<br>(815) 399-4300 <br><br>The diocese includes the counties of:[[Boone County, Illinois|Boone]], [[Carroll County, Illinois|Carroll]], [[DeKalb County, Illinois|DeKalb]], [[Jo Daviess County, Illinois|Jo Daviess]], [[Kane County, Illinois|Kane]], [[Lee County, Illinois|Lee]], [[McHenry County, Illinois|McHenry]], [[Ogle County, Illinois|Ogle]], [[Stephenson County, Illinois|Stephenson]], [[Whiteside County, Illinois|Whiteside]], and [[Winnebago County, Illinois|Winnebago]].<ref name="rome" />
 
==== Diocese of Springfield  ====
 
{{Wikipedia|Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois}} [http://archives.dio.org/ '''Diocese of Springfield''']<br>Catholic Pastoral Center<br>1615 West Washington St.<br>P.O. Box 3187<br>Springfield, Illinois 62708-3187<br>Phone: (217) 698-8500 <br><br>The diocese includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Illinois|Adams]], [[Bond County, Illinois|Bond]], [[Brown County, Illinois|Brown]], [[Calhoun County, Illinois|Calhoun]], [[Cass County, Illinois|Cass]], [[Christian County, Illinois|Christian]], [[Clark County, Illinois|Clark]], [[Coles County, Illinois|Coles]], [[Crawford County, Illinois|Crawford]], [[Cumberland County, Illinois|Cumberland]], [[Douglas County, Illinois|Douglas]], [[Edgar County, Illinois|Edgar]], [[Effingham County, Illinois|Effingham]], [[Fayette County, Illinois|Fayette]], [[Greene County, Illinois|Greene]], [[Jasper County, Illinois|Jasper]], [[Jersey County, Illinois|Jersey]], [[Macon County, Illinois|Macon]], [[Macoupin County, Illinois|Macoupin]], [[Madison County, Illinois|Madison]], [[Menard County, Illinois|Menard]], [[Moultrie County, Illinois|Moultrie]], [[Pike County, Illinois|Pike]], [[Sangamon County, Illinois|Sangamon]], [[Scott County, Illinois|Scott]], and [[Shelby County, Illinois|Shelby]].<ref name="rome" />
 
==== The Drouin Collection  ====
 
[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954] ($) (Ancestry).<br>
 
This database contains the French Catholic parish records from the United States. It is the U.S. part of the U.S. and French-Canadian Drouin Collection. It includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania. For more details on these records and the rest of the Drouin Collection see [[The Drouin Collection: Six databases|"The Drouin Collection: Six Databases"]]
 
The types of records include baptisms, marriages, and burials as well as confirmations, dispensations, censuses, statements of readmission to the church, and so on. They are written mainly in French, as well as English, Latin, and Italian.
 
When searching this database, be creative in the spellings when searching for an ancestor. The French language has many possible spellings for names and there are always indexing errors as well.
 
==== Missions  ====
 
Many early missions were established by religious denominations to serve the Indians, including:
 
*Abnaki Mission
*[[Kaskaskia, Illinois|Kaskaskia Mission]] (1674)
 
=== Society of Friends - Quaker  ===
 
University of Illinois University Library<br>Illinois History and Lincoln Collections<br>322 Library, 1408 W. Gregory Drive<br>Urbana, Illinois 61801<br>Phone: (217) 333-1777<br>Email: ihlc@library.illinois.edu<br><br>[http://www.library.illinois.edu/ihx/index.html The Illinois Historical Survey] at the University of Illinois holds the main body of records for meetings in Illinois with the earliest records beginning in 1828.<br>[http://www.library.illinois.edu/ihx/archon/index.php?p=collections/controlcard&id=873&q=Quaker Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Records, 1828-2011.]Includes 85 volumes. <ref>Ellen T. Berry, David A. Berry ‘’Our Quaker Ancestors’’ (Baltimore, Maryland : Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 1987)</ref>
 
Records may also be found at the Lilly Library in Richmond, Indiana<br>Lilly Library, Earlham College Archives<br>801 National Road West<br>Richmond, Indiana 47374-4095<br>Phone: (765) 983-1287<br>[http://legacy.earlham.edu/library/content/friends/index.html Friends Collection and College Archives]
 
Online database for Illinois Quaker records is found at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4752&cj=1&o_xid=0001546952&o_lid=0001546952 Ancestry.com ($)]
 
See [http://www.outfitters.com/illinois/history/family/quakers/quakers1.html Outfitters.com] for further information on Quakers in Illinois.
 
== Websites  ==
 
*[http://www.churchangel.com/illinois.htm Church Angel] lists churches in Illinois by cities and towns.
 
'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:'''
 
[[Illinois Belleville Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Illinois Belleville Catholic Church Records (FamilySearch HIstorical Records)]]
 
== References ==


<references />  
<references />  
 
{{USChurch}}{{-}}</div>
{{Illinois|Illinois}}  
[[Category:Illinois Church Records]]
 
[[Category:U S States Church records]]
[[Category:Illinois|Church Records]]

Latest revision as of 16:56, 19 August 2025

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

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

In the decades following statehood, the largest religious groups in Illinois were the Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches. These groups came primarily from the southern states. At the same time, Congregationalists, Lutherans, and members of the Reformed faiths came from the eastern states. Roman Catholics became numerous in Illinois after 1860, especially in the northern industrial areas. Several counties in the northeastern part of the state became havens for Lutheran Scandinavians.

Information Found in the Records[edit | edit source]

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

Finding the Records[edit | edit source]

Look for online records.[edit | edit source]

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!

Illinois Statewide Marriage Index[edit | edit source]

Genealogy Trails[edit | edit source]

Catholic[edit | edit source]

Catholic Heritage Archive

Jewish[edit | edit source]

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Methodist[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:
b. Click on Places within United States, Illinois 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, Illinois [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.

for Primitive Baptist Churches in Illinois by County. Lists churches, their history, and surnames of member families.


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.

Illinois State Genealogical Society
P. O. Box 10195
Springfield, IL 62791-0195

Telephone: (217) 789-1968
Email: isgsoffice@ilgensoc.org


Illinois State Archives

St. Louis County Library[edit | edit source]

History & Genealogy
St. Louis County Library
1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Phone: 314-994-3300

Baptist[edit | edit source]

for Primitive Baptist Churches in Illinois by County. Lists churches, their history, and surnames of member families.

Disciples of Christ[edit | edit source]

Evangelical[edit | edit source]

  • History of the Illinois Conference of the Evangelical Church 1837-1937 ICE Church Records 1837-1937: This index names persons who were associated with the development of this German-speaking church denomination within the northern part of Illinois from the 1840s to 1937 and the capacity in which they were associated. Those persons were primarily clergymen, but early church founding members and others are often named.

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

History & Genealogy
St. Louis County Library
1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Phone: 314-994-3300

ELCA Region 5 Archives
Wartburg Theological Seminary
333 Wartburg Place
Dubuque, IA 52003-5004

Phone:(563) 589-0320
Email:Region5archives@wartburgseminary.edu

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

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference
United Methodist Church Historical Society
1211 North Park Street
Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Phone: (309) 828-5092, ext. 227

Records cover central and southern Illinois as well as records of some disbanded congregations. Members of the staff will do some searching of those records for a small fee.

Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
Attn: Archives
2121 Sheridan Road
Evanston, Illinois 60201
Phone: (847) 866-3909

The Archive of the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary houses the records of the Northern Illinois Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church. In addition to records of disbanded churches, it has records of many Scandinavian congregations. Selected records of the archive have been microfilmed and are in the FamilySearch Library collection.

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago map 1.png

Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Archives and Records Center of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Attn: Assistant Research Archivist
711 West Monroe
Chicago, Illinois 60661
Phone: (312) 534-4400
Fax: (312) 831-0610

The diocese includes the counties of Cook and Lake

Diocese of Belleville
Catholic Pastoral Center
2620 Lebanon Avenue, Building 6
Belleville, IL 62221
Phone: 618-722-5057
Fax: 618-235-7115
Email: mflynn@diobelle.org

The diocese includes the counties of: Alexander, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Marion, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Saline, St. Clair, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, and Williamson[1]

Diocese of Joliet
425 Summit St.
Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: 815-221-6100
Email: archivist@dioceseofjoliet.org

The diocese includes the counties of: DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, Kendall, and Will.[1] The 1859 records of St. Anne’s Church, which stood in what is now Richton Park, along with the two Mission churches of St. James in Strassburg and St. Boniface in Monee, are included in this Diocese's records.

Catholic Diocese of Peoria
419 NE Madison Avenue
Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: (309) 671-1568

The archives has records for some closed parishes. For open parishes, contact the local parish.
The diocese includes the following counties: Bureau, Champaign, DeWitt, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Knox, LaSalle, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Piatt, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Vermilion, Warren and Woodford.[1]

Diocese of Rockford
555 Colman Center Drive
P.O. Box 7044
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 399-4300
The archives has records for some closed parishes. For open parishes, contact the local parish.
The diocese includes the counties of:Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Kane, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago.[1]

Diocese of Springfield
Catholic Pastoral Center
1615 West Washington St.
P.O. Box 3187
Springfield, Illinois 62708-3187
Phone: (217) 698-8500

The diocese includes the counties of: Adams, Bond, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Christian, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Greene, Jasper, Jersey, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Menard, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Scott, and Shelby.[1]

United Church of Christ[edit | edit source]

History & Genealogy
St. Louis County Library
1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Phone: 314-994-3300

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.

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


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.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 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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