Arizona Church Records: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 15:39, 12 April 2024

Arizona Wiki Topics

Beginning Research

Record Types

Arizona Background

Cultural Groups

Local Research Resources

For greater success, use all the Wiki Articles in this series:

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

In 2010, the Association of Religion Data Archives reported that the three largest denominational groups in Arizona were the Catholic Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and non-denominational Evangelical Protestants. The Catholic Church has the highest number of adherents in Arizona (at 930,001), followed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 410,263 members reported, and then non-denominational Evangelical Protestants, reporting 281,105 adherents. The religious body with the largest number of congregations is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (with 836 congregations) followed by the Southern Baptist Convention (with 323 congregations). Source: Wikipedia

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:

Minutes or Historical Narrative

Finding Records[edit | edit source]

Look for online records.[edit | edit source]

Online databases are incomplete. This can lead to two common errors:

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.
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[edit | edit source]

1909-1917 Arizona, births and christenings, 1909-1917, index
1910-1911; 1933-1994 Arizona, deaths and burials, 1910-1911; 1933-1994, index
1865-1949 Arizona, marriages, 1865-1949, index

Episcopal[edit | edit source]

1889-1971 Episcopal Diocese of Arizona church records : jurisdiction of New Mexico and Arizona, 1889-1971, images

Ancestry.com[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

1701-1970 U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970, index and images, incomplete.($)

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

The FamilySearch Library (FS Library) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States. Reformed, and Roman Catholic churches.
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, Arizona.

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

. 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.

Finding Aids[edit | edit source]

An inventory that can help you find church records is:

Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations in Arizona. Phoenix, Arizona: Division of Professional and Service Projects, WPA, 1940.
The Church in Arizona: A Brief History History of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, lists the various parish churches.

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.

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

South West California Synod / ELCA Region 2 Archives
1300 E. Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205
Phone:(818) 937-4761
E-mail: archives@socalsynod.org

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

Episcopal/Anglican[edit | edit source]

Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
114 W. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003-1406

Phone: (602) 254-0976
Fax: (602) 495-6603

Contact the diocese for closed churches. Contact existing churches for local parish records.

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Desert Southwest Conference United Methodist Church
1550 East Meadowbrook Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85014-4040

Phone:602.266.6956
Toll-free:800.229.8622
Fax: 602.266.5343

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32830, Phoenix, Arizona 85064

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Diocese of Phoenix Archives
400 East Monroe St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 354-2475

Contact the local parish first.

The diocese includes the counties of: Coconino, Maricopa, Mohave and Yavapai. NOTE: The diocesan archives does not do any genealogical lookups. However, they will assist a person find their own Sacramental records if they do not know the parish where they took the Sacrament.

Diocese of Tucson Archives
300 S. Tucson Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: (520) 886-5201

Sacramental Records

Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records
State Capitol Building
Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2812

Catholic Diocese of Tucson Records (some), incomplete.

The diocese includes the counties of: Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma

The counties of Apache and Navajo are included in the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico. The Archives office does not aid in genealogical research or family history studies. Contact the local parish for genealogical help.

The Arizona Historical Society houses early Spanish Catholic Church records in collections such as “Archivo General de la Nacion” and “Archivo Colegial Franscano of Queretaro, Mexico.”

Indian Missions[edit | edit source]

Missions were established by religious denominations to serve the Indians.

Calabazas
Bicuna
Guevavi
Purisima Concepcion
San Agustin de Tucson
San Pedro y San Pueblo de
San Xavier del Bac
Sonoita
Tumacacori

Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions Records
Special Collections and Archives
Raynor Memorial Libraries
Marquette University
1355 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233

P.O. Box 3141
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-3141

Website

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

Some church records have been given to historical societies. Also, historical societies may be able to tell you where the records are being held. To find a society near you, consult these lists:

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

There are frequently additional, nationwide or regional archives and online collections for each denomination. Find the article for your ancestors' denomination and follow the instructions there to access these sources.

Major U.S. Religious Denominations
Adventist Amish Anabaptist Anglican Apostolic Christian Armenian Catholic Armenian Evangelical Armenian Orthodox Assemblies of God Baháʼí Baptist Buddhist Catholic Apostolic Church of the Brethren Community of Christ Confucianism Congregational	Coptic Orthodox Disciples of Christ Dutch Reformed Episcopal German Reformed Greek Orthodox Hinduism Huguenot Hutterites Jehovah's Witnesses Jewish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) Lutheran Maronite Catholic Church Melkite Greek Catholic Methodist	Mennonite Moravian Muslim Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Pentecostal Presbyterian Roman Catholic Russian Orthodox Schwenkfelders Serbian Orthodox Sihkism Society of Friends (Quakers) Syriac Orthodox Church Ukrainian Orthodox United Church of Christ United Brethren in Christ Unitarian/Universalist

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.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Arizona were the Roman Catholic, Latter-day Saint (Mormon), and Presbyterian Churches. An inventory that can help you find church records is ''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations in Arizona'' (Phoenix, Arizona: Division of Professional and Service Projects, WPA, 1940; FHL book 979.1 K22a; film 908038; fiche 6051298).
+{{AZ-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
+| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
+| link2=[[United States Church Records|U.S. Church Records]]
+| link3=[[Arizona Genealogy|Arizona]]
+| link4=
+| link5=[[Arizona Church Records|Church Records]]
+}}
+<div style="float:right; margin:30px">
+{|
+|-
+|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==
+In 2010, the Association of Religion Data Archives reported that the three largest denominational groups in Arizona were the Catholic Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and non-denominational Evangelical Protestants. The Catholic Church has the highest number of adherents in Arizona (at 930,001), followed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 410,263 members reported, and then non-denominational Evangelical Protestants, reporting 281,105 adherents. The religious body with the largest number of congregations is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (with 836 congregations) followed by the Southern Baptist Convention (with 323 congregations). Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona#Religion Wikipedia]
-The Family History Library has an extensive collection of LDS church records. The library has histories of local LDS congregations and an overview of Mormon colonization in James H. McClintock, ''Mormon Settlement in Arizona: A Record of Peaceful Conquest of the Desert'' (Phoenix, Arizona: Manufacturing Stationers, 1921; FHL book 979.1 K2m; film 1033844 item 10). The library also has histories of some of the Catholic missions of Arizona.
+==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]]
+|}
-Many denominations have collected their records into central repositories. You can write to the following addresses to learn where their records are located:
+==Finding Records==
+===Look for online records.===
-=== Presbyterian ===
+<br>
-Presbyterian Historical Society<br>United Presbyterian Church in the United States<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147<br>Telephone: 215-627-1852<br>Fax: 215-627-0509<br>Internet: &nbsp;http://www.history.pcusa.org/
+{|
+|-
+|
+[[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====
+*'''1909-1917''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1674580 '''Arizona, births and christenings, 1909-1917'''], index
+*'''1910-1911; 1933-1994''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1674678 '''Arizona, deaths and burials, 1910-1911; 1933-1994'''], index
+*'''1865-1949''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1674679 '''Arizona, marriages, 1865-1949'''], index
+=====Episcopal=====
+*'''1889-1971''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1156203 '''Episcopal Diocese of Arizona church records : jurisdiction of New Mexico and Arizona, 1889-1971'''], images
-=== Roman Catholic ===
+====Ancestry.com====
+=====Presbyterian=====
+*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ '''U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970'''], index and images, incomplete.($)
-Diocese of Tucson<br>111 South Church Avenue<br>P.O. Box 31<br>Tucson, AZ 85702<br>Telephone: 520-792-3410<br>Fax: 520-792-0291 <br>Internet: http://www.diocesetucson.org/
+===Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
+*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. '''Reformed''', and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']] churches.
+*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=10&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Arizona%22 '''records of United States, Arizona'''].
+:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Arizona''' 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, Arizona [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.
-Diocese of Phoenix<br>400 East Monroe<br>Phoenix, AZ 85004<br>Telephone: 602-257-0030<br>Fax: 602-258-3425 <br>Internet: http://www.diocesephoenix.org/
+===Finding Aids===
+An inventory that can help you find church records is:
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/332574-redirection '''''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations in Arizona.'''''] Phoenix, Arizona: Division of Professional and Service Projects, WPA, 1940.
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/779399-redirection '''''The Church in Arizona: A Brief History'''''] History of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, lists the various parish churches.
+===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>
-The Arizona Historical Society at http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/&nbsp;houses early Spanish Catholic Church records in collections such as “Archivo General de la Nacion” and “Archivo Colegial Franscano of Queretaro, Mexico.”<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>
-=== Missions ===
-Missions were established by religious denominations to serve the Indians.
+====Lutheran====
+'''South West California Synod / ELCA Region 2 Archives'''<br>
+E. Colorado St.<br>
+Glendale, CA 91205<br>
+Phone:(818) 937-4761<br>
+E-mail: archives@socalsynod.org<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.''']]
-Calabazas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+====Episcopal/Anglican====
+[https://www.azdiocese.org/ '''Episcopal Diocese of Arizona''']<br>
+W. Roosevelt St.<br>
+Phoenix, AZ 85003-1406<br>
+<br>
+Phone: (602) 254-0976<br>
+Fax: (602) 495-6603 <br>
+*Contact the diocese for closed churches. Contact existing churches for [https://www.azdiocese.org/digital_faith/parishes/ '''local parish records.''']
-Bicuna
+====Methodist====
+[https://dscumc.org/ '''Desert Southwest Conference United Methodist Church''']<br>
+East Meadowbrook Avenue<br>
+Phoenix, Arizona 85014-4040<br>
+<br>
+Phone:602.266.6956<br>
+Toll-free:800.229.8622<br>
+Fax: 602.266.5343<br>
+<br>
+Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32830, Phoenix, Arizona 85064
+==== Roman Catholic  ====
+[https://dphx.org/archives/ '''Diocese of Phoenix Archives''']<br>400 East Monroe St.<br>Phoenix, AZ 85004<br>Phone: (602) 354-2475<br>
+*Contact [https://dphx.org/parishes/ '''the local parish'''] first. <br>
-Guevavi
+The diocese includes the counties of: [[Coconino County, Arizona Genealogy|Coconino]], [[Maricopa County, Arizona Genealogy|Maricopa]], [[Mohave County, Arizona Genealogy|Mohave]] and [[Yavapai County, Arizona Genealogy|Yavapai]]. NOTE: '''The diocesan archives does not do any genealogical lookups.''' However, they will assist a person find their own Sacramental records if they do not know the parish where they took the Sacrament.<br><br>
+----
+[https://diocesetucson.org/archives-library '''Diocese of Tucson Archives''']<br>300 S. Tucson Blvd.<br>Tucson, AZ 85716<br>Phone: (520) 886-5201
+*[https://diocesetucson.org/sacramental-records '''Sacramental Records'''] <br>
-Purisima Concepcion
+[https://azlibrary.gov/ '''Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records''']<br>
+State Capitol Building<br>
+Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2812<br>
+*[https://asla.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=Diocese+of+Tucson&te=ILS&lm=STATE'''Catholic Diocese of Tucson Records (some)'''], incomplete.
+The diocese includes the counties of: [[Cochise County, Arizona Genealogy|Cochise]], [[Gila County, Arizona Genealogy|Gila]], [[Graham County, Arizona Genealogy|Graham]], [[Greenlee County, Arizona Genealogy|Greenlee]], [[La Paz County, Arizona Genealogy|La Paz]], [[Pima County, Arizona Genealogy|Pima]], [[Pinal County, Arizona Genealogy|Pinal]], [[Santa Cruz County, Arizona Genealogy|Santa Cruz]] and [[Yuma County, Arizona Genealogy|Yuma]]
-San Agustin de Tucson
+----
+'''The counties of [[Apache County, Arizona Genealogy|Apache]] and [[Navajo County, Arizona Genealogy|Navajo]] are included in the [http://www.dioceseofgallup.org/ Diocese of Gallup], [[New Mexico Genealogy|New Mexico]].'''  The Archives office does not aid in genealogical research or family history studies. Contact [https://dioceseofgallup.org/parishes/ '''the local parish'''] for genealogical help.
+----
+The [http://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/ '''Arizona Historical Society'''] houses early Spanish Catholic Church records in collections such as “Archivo General de la Nacion” and “Archivo Colegial Franscano of Queretaro, Mexico.”
+<br>
-San Pedro y San Pueblo de
+===== Indian Missions  =====
-San Xavier del Bac
+Missions were established by religious denominations to serve the Indians.
-Sonoita
+*Calabazas
+*Bicuna
+*Guevavi
+*Purisima Concepcion
+*San Agustin de Tucson
+*San Pedro y San Pueblo de
+*San Xavier del Bac
+*Sonoita
+*Tumacacori<br>
-Tumacacori <!--{12082039811870} -->
-<!--{12082039811871} -->
+'''Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions Records'''<br>
-[[Category:Arizona]]
+Special Collections and Archives<br>
+Raynor Memorial Libraries<br>
+Marquette University<br>
+W. Wisconsin Avenue<br>
+Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233<br>
+P.O. Box 3141<br>
+Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-3141<br>
+*[https://www.marquette.edu/search/#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=Bureau%20of%20Catholic%20Indian%20Missions%20Records%20Arizona&gsc.sort= '''Website''']
+===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.
+{{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>
+[[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'''.]]
+{{Arizona|Arizona}} {{USChurch}}
+[[Category:Arizona, United States|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]