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''[[United States|United States ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Washington|Washington ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[Washington_Church_Records|Church Records]]''
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| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[United States Church Records|U.S. Church Records]]
| link3=[[Washington, United States Genealogy|Washington]]
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| link5=[[Washington Church Records|Church Records]]
}}


Before 1900 the largest religious groups in [[Washington]] were the [[Baptist Church in the United States|Baptist]], [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholic]], [[Methodist Church in the United States|Methodist Episcopal]], and [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]] churches.<ref>Sydney E. Ahlstrom, ''A Religious History of the American People'' (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). {{FHL|282712|item|disp=FHL Book 973 K2ah}}.</ref>  
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{|
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|style="border:1px solid DarkBlue; margin:70px; background:GhostWhite; width 15%; padding-right:15px; padding-left:15px; height:50px "|
<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''']]
|}
</div>
------
==Historical Background==
Before 1900 the largest religious groups in [[Washington, United States Genealogy|Washington]] were the [[Baptist Church in the United States|Baptist]], [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholic]], [[Methodist Church in the United States|Methodist Episcopal]], and [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]] churches.<ref>Sydney E. Ahlstrom, ''A Religious History of the American People'' (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). {{FSC|282712|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 K2ah}}.</ref> <br>
Catholic and Protestant faiths were in Washington State from its earliest days. The [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist Episcopal Church''']] was the first Protestant group to organize a local church east of the Cascades. Methodism arrived in Vancouver in 1848 and in Olympia and Seattle in 1853. The [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic Church''']] is one of the oldest denominations in the state and remains today one of its largest. The [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|'''Presbyterian''']] faith arrived in Oregon Territory in 1838. Missionaries from the Utah-based [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|'''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints''']] were sent to the Pacific Northwest as early as 1850, although missionary efforts did not begin seriously until the 1880s and 1890s. The church has emerged today as one of the largest denominations in the state. Also, missionaries from the Missouri-based [[Community of Christ in the United States|'''Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ)''']] arrived in Washington State in the nineteenth century. [[Adventist Churches in the United States|'''Seventh-day Adventists''']] arrived in Washington Territory in the 1860s, with a strong presence in the state today. The [[Episcopal Church in the United States|'''Episcopal/Anglican''']] faith arrived in Washington in 1851 at Cathlamet as a mission outreach from Portland. The [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutheran''']] faith arrived in Washington as the result of migration by Scandinavians to the Puget Sound area.<ref> Dwight A. Radford for Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources.</ref>


To help you learn more about Church records in [[Washington|Washington]], see:  
==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]]
|}


*''Guide to Church Vital Statistics Records in Washington.'' Seattle, Wash.: Historical Records Survey, 1942. {{FHL|207837|item}} book 979.7 A3gc; fiche 6051172
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===


The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] has very few church records from [[Washington|Washington]]. Many denominations have collected their records in central repositories. You can write to the following addresses to learn where their records are located.
<br>


*[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28741 ''History of the Congregational Association of Oregon and Washington Territory&nbsp;: the Home Missionary Society of Oregon and Adjoin''] (If the link does not work, go to [http://www.ancestry.com/ ancestry.com] ($), click '''Search''', select '''Card Catalog''', paste Title into search box, click '''Search''')
{|
|-
|
[[File:Caution sign.png|70px]]
|
Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
#'''Near matches:''' Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor'''</span>, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
#'''Stopping research''': Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''assume the database proves church records do not exist'''</span>.  Actually the record is still out there, just not in this <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span> collection of records.  Keep searching!
|}
----
====FamilySearch====
*'''1810-1960''' {{RecordSearch|3518729|Washington Deaths and Burials, 1810-1960}} at FamilySearch - [[Washington, Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images.


<br>
====Catholic====
*'''1850-1971''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62296 Washington, U.S., Catholic Diocese of Spokane, 1850-1971] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


=== Missions  ===
====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)


*St. Francis Regis Mission - Jesuit 1845-1945
====Episcopal====
*St. Ignatius Mission- Jesuit 1845-1855
*'''1870-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61608/ Washington, U.S., Episcopal Diocese of Spokane Church Records, 1870-1970] at Ancestry - index and images ($)
*St. Mary's Mission - Jesuit 1886-1960
*Tsimshian Mission 1838
*St. Paul's Mission - Jesuit 1845-1865
*Whitman Mission (near Walla Walla)


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


[http://www.crcds.edu/ABHSLib.asp American Baptist - Samuel Colgate Historical Library]<br>1106 South Goodman Street<br>Rochester, NY 14620-2532<br>Phone: (716) 473-1740<br>Fax: (716) 473-1740
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)


=== Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints&nbsp; (Mormons) ===
===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://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/ '''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=58&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Washington%22 '''records of United States, Washington'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Washington''' 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, Washington [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.
-----


'''Early, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church records for&nbsp;Washington''' 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 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.  
===Consult available finding aids.===


=== Methodist  ===
'''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/385944-redirection '''''Guide to Church Vital Statistics Records in Washington.'''''] Seattle, Wash.: Historical Records Survey, 1942.
*[https://www.archive.org/details/historyofsynodof00pres '''History of the Synod of Washington of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America : 1835, 1909'''] Seattle, Wash.: The Synod, [1910?].
----


United Methodist Church<br>[http://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/collins-memorial-library/ Collins Memorial Library]<br>University of Puget Sound<br>1500 North Warner<br>Tacoma, WA 98416<br>Phone: (253) 756-3669<br>Fax: (253) 756-3670 <br>This library has records of ministers but not of church members.  
===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.


For a history of the Methodists in Washington see:
===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>


*Howell, Erle. ''Methodisim in the Northwest.'' Nashville, Tenn.: Pacific Northwest Conference Historical Society, 1966. {{FHL|258378|item}} 979 K2h
-----


=== Presbyterian  ===


[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ Presbyterian Historical Society]<br>Presbyterian Church U.S.A.<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147-1516<br>Phone: (215) 627-1852<br>Fax: (215) 627-0509
====Lutheran====
 
[http://www.plu.edu/archives '''ELCA Region 1 Archives''']<br>
For a history of the Presbyterians in Washington, see:  
Archives and Special Collections<br>
 
Mortvedt Library<br>
*Boyd, Robert. ''History of the Synod of Washington of The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America 1835-1909.'' Seattle, Wash.: The Synod, [1910?]. {{FHL|207808|item}} 979.7 K2p; film 1321456 item 4; digital versions at&nbsp;[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28739 Ancestry] ($); [http://www.archive.org/details/historyofsynodof00pres Internet Archive].&nbsp;
Pacific Lutheran University<br>
Tacoma, WA 98447<br>
<br>
(253) 535-7586<br>
E-mail: archives@plu.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.''']]


=== Roman Catholic  ===
=== Roman Catholic  ===


[http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Archives/default.aspx Archdiocese of Seattle]<br>Chancery Office<br>910 Marion Street<br>Seattle, WA 98104<br>Phone: (206) 382-4560<br>Fax: (206) 382-4840  
[http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Archives/default.aspx '''Archdiocese of Seattle''']<br>Chancery Office<br>910 Marion Street<br>Seattle, WA 98104<br>Phone: (206) 382-4560<br>Fax: (206) 382-4840  
 
*[http://www.seattlearchdiocese.org/Archives/Documents/SacramentalInventory.pdf '''Inventory of Sacramental Records in the Archives''']
The archdiocese includes the counties of: [[Clallam County, Washington|Clallam]], [[Clark County, Washington|Clark]], [[Cowlitz County, Washington|Cowlitz]], [[Grays Harbor County, Washington|Grays Harbor]], [[Island County, Washington|Island]], [[Jefferson County, Washington|Jefferson]], [[King County, Washington|King]], [[Lewis County, Washington|Lewis]], [[Mason County, Washington|Mason]], [[Pacific County, Washington|Pacific]], [[Pierce County, Washington|Pierce]], [[San Juan County, Washington|San Juan]], [[Skagit County, Washington|Skagit]], [[Skamania County, Washington|Skamania]], [[Snohomish County, Washington|Snohomish]], [[Thurston County, Washington|Thurston]], [[Wahkiakum County, Washington|Wahkiakum]]&nbsp;and [[Whatcom County, Washington|Whatcom]].<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>  
*[https://donate.seattlearchdiocese.org/records-sacramental '''Sacramental Record Request Form for Genealogists''']<br>
 
The archdiocese includes the counties of: [[Clallam County, Washington Genealogy|Clallam]], [[Clark County, Washington Genealogy|Clark]], [[Cowlitz County, Washington Genealogy|Cowlitz]], [[Grays Harbor County, Washington Genealogy|Grays Harbor]], [[Island County, Washington Genealogy|Island]], [[Jefferson County, Washington Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[King County, Washington Genealogy|King]], [[Lewis County, Washington Genealogy|Lewis]], [[Mason County, Washington Genealogy|Mason]], [[Pacific County, Washington Genealogy|Pacific]], [[Pierce County, Washington Genealogy|Pierce]], [[San Juan County, Washington Genealogy|San Juan]], [[Skagit County, Washington Genealogy|Skagit]], [[Skamania County, Washington Genealogy|Skamania]], [[Snohomish County, Washington Genealogy|Snohomish]], [[Thurston County, Washington Genealogy|Thurston]], [[Wahkiakum County, Washington Genealogy|Wahkiakum]] and [[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy|Whatcom]].<ref name="rome">[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.dioceseofspokane.org/ Diocese of Spokane]<br>P.O. Box 1453<br>1023 W. Riverside Ave.<br>Spokane, WA 99210-1453<br>Phone: (509) 358-7300
----
[http://www.dioceseofspokane.org/ '''Diocese of Spokane''']<br>P.O. Box 1453<br>1023 W. Riverside Ave.<br>Spokane, WA 99210-1453<br>Phone:(509) 358-7336
*[https://www.dioceseofspokane.org/archives2 '''Archives''']
::The holdings of the Archives include parish histories, records and artifacts of parishes, sacramental records, and early parish sacramental books. The archive is open to researchers. Appointments are necessary to assure that schedules enable the archivist to be available for assistance.<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Washington Genealogy|Adams]], [[Asotin County, Washington Genealogy|Asotin]], [[Columbia County, Washington Genealogy|Columbia]], [[Ferry County, Washington Genealogy|Ferry]], [[Franklin County, Washington Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Garfield County, Washington Genealogy|Garfield]], [[Lincoln County, Washington Genealogy|Lincoln]], [[Okanogan County, Washington Genealogy|Okanogan]], [[Pend Oreille County, Washington Genealogy|Pend Oreille]], [[Stevens County, Washington Genealogy|Stevens]], [[Spokane County, Washington Genealogy|Spokane]], [[Walla Walla County, Washington Genealogy|Walla Walla]] and [[Whitman County, Washington Genealogy|Whitman]].<ref name="rome" />
----
[http://www.yakimadiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Yakima''']<br>5301-A Tieton Drive<br>Yakima, WA 98908-3493<br>Phone: (509) 965-7117
*Contact [https://yakimadiocese.org/directory-parishes/categories/parish/ '''the local parish'''] for information and record requests.<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Benton County, Washington Genealogy|Benton]], [[Chelan County, Washington Genealogy|Chelan]], [[Douglas County, Washington Genealogy|Douglas]], [[Grant County, Washington Genealogy|Grant]], [[Kittitas County, Washington Genealogy|Kittitas]], [[Klickitat County, Washington Genealogy|Klickitat]] and [[Yakima County, Washington Genealogy|Yakima]].<ref name="rome" />


The diocese includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Washington|Adams]], [[Asotin County, Washington|Asotin]], [[Columbia County, Washington|Columbia]], [[Ferry County, Washington|Ferry]], [[Franklin County, Washington|Franklin]], [[Garfield County, Washington|Garfield]], [[Lincoln County, Washington|Lincoln]], [[Okanogan County, Washington|Okanogan]], [[Pend Oreille County, Washington|Pend Oreille]], [[Stevens County, Washington|Stevens]], [[Spokane County, Washington|Spokane]], [[Walla Walla County, Washington|Walla Walla]]&nbsp;and [[Whitman County, Washington|Whitman]].<ref name="rome" />  
===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>


[http://www.yakimadiocese.org/html/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&pageID=37 Diocese of Yakima]<br>5301-A Tieton Drive<br>Yakima, WA 98908-3493<br>Phone: (509) 965-7117
==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>


The diocese includes the counties of: [[Benton County, Washington|Benton]], [[Chelan County, Washington|Chelan]], [[Douglas County, Washington|Douglas]], [[Grant County, Washington|Grant]], [[Kittitas County, Washington|Kittitas]], [[Klickitat County, Washington|Klickitat]]&nbsp;and [[Yakima County, Washington|Yakima]].<ref name="rome" />
[[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'''.]]


== References  ==
== References  ==
Line 64: Line 166:
<references />  
<references />  


{{Washington|Washington}}  
{{Washington|Washington}}{{USChurch}}  


[[Category:Washington|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]
[[Category:Washington, United States|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]

Latest revision as of 17:57, 12 April 2024

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

Historical Background

Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Washington were the Baptist, Roman Catholic, Methodist Episcopal, and Presbyterian churches.[1]
Catholic and Protestant faiths were in Washington State from its earliest days. The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first Protestant group to organize a local church east of the Cascades. Methodism arrived in Vancouver in 1848 and in Olympia and Seattle in 1853. The Roman Catholic Church is one of the oldest denominations in the state and remains today one of its largest. The Presbyterian faith arrived in Oregon Territory in 1838. Missionaries from the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were sent to the Pacific Northwest as early as 1850, although missionary efforts did not begin seriously until the 1880s and 1890s. The church has emerged today as one of the largest denominations in the state. Also, missionaries from the Missouri-based Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ) arrived in Washington State in the nineteenth century. Seventh-day Adventists arrived in Washington Territory in the 1860s, with a strong presence in the state today. The Episcopal/Anglican faith arrived in Washington in 1851 at Cathlamet as a mission outreach from Portland. The Lutheran faith arrived in Washington as the result of migration by Scandinavians to the Puget Sound area.[2]

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:

Finding the Records

Look for online records.


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

Catholic

Dutch Reformed

Episcopal

Lutheran

Presbyterian

Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog.

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, Washington.
b. Click on Places within United States, Washington 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, Washington [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.

These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.

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 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.

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.


Lutheran

ELCA Region 1 Archives
Archives and Special Collections
Mortvedt Library
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447

(253) 535-7586
E-mail: archives@plu.edu

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

Roman Catholic

Archdiocese of Seattle
Chancery Office
910 Marion Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 382-4560
Fax: (206) 382-4840

The archdiocese includes the counties of: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom.[3]

Diocese of Spokane
P.O. Box 1453
1023 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99210-1453
Phone:(509) 358-7336

The holdings of the Archives include parish histories, records and artifacts of parishes, sacramental records, and early parish sacramental books. The archive is open to researchers. Appointments are necessary to assure that schedules enable the archivist to be available for assistance.

The diocese includes the counties of: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Spokane, Walla Walla and Whitman.[3]

Diocese of Yakima
5301-A Tieton Drive
Yakima, WA 98908-3493
Phone: (509) 965-7117

The diocese includes the counties of: Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat and Yakima.[3]

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:

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.

Major U.S. Religious Denominations



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


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

  1. ↑ Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). FS Library Book 973 K2ah.
  2. ↑ Dwight A. Radford for Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 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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