Ohio Church Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Ohio Genealogy|Ohio]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]'' '''Church Records''' {{OH-sidebar}}
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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==


=== Introduction ===
By 1900 the prominent denominations in Ohio were [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']], [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist''']], and [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|'''Presbyterian.''']] There were also groups of [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptists''']], [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutherans''']], and [[Society of Friends (Quakers) in the United States|'''Society of Friends.''']] <ref>Charles Otis Gill and Gifford Pinchot, ''Six Thousand Country Churches'' (New York, New York: Macmillan, 1919). (FS Library book 977.1 K2g; film 908228 item 2.)</ref><ref>Ferne Reedy Lubbers and Margaret Dieringer, ''Advent of Religious Groups into Ohio'' (n.p., 1978). (FS Library book 977.1 K2a; film 1033939 item 21.)</ref>
Religion in Ohio was an early and important factor in settlement. The first [[Moravian Church in the United States|'''Moravian''']] mission was established in 1772. [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|'''Presbyterians''']] and [[Society of Friends (Quakers) in the United States|'''Quakers''']] were in the state at an early date, the latter having established forty-three monthly meetings and settlements between 1801 and 1883. The Presbyterians founded seventeen towns between 1784 and 1799. [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptists''']], [[Congregational Church in the United States|'''Congregationalists''']], several reformed groups, [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutherans''']], [[Disciples of Christ Church in the United States|'''Disciples of Christ''']], [[United Brethren in Christ in the United States|'''United Brethren''']], [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodists''']], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Catholics''']] arrived prior to 1850. By 1890 the latter two denominations were the largest in the state. The Methodist circuit in Ohio was organized in 1798, with circuit riders traveling from log cabins to camp meetings across the territory. In 1831 members of [[Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|'''The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints''']] migrated from New York to Kirtland in Lake County. <ref>Carol L. Maki and Michael John Neill. "Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources", Ancestry Publishing, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3249/, accessed 16 July 2020.</ref>


By 1900 the prominent denominations in Ohio were Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian. There were also groups of Baptists, Lutherans, and Society of Friends. There are handbooks may help you locate and use church records. <ref>Charles Otis Gill and Gifford Pinchot, ''Six Thousand Country Churches'' (New York, New York: Macmillan, 1919). (Family History Library book 977.1 K2g; film 908228 item 2.)</ref><ref>Ferne Reedy Lubbers and Margaret Dieringer, ''Advent of Religious Groups into Ohio'' (n.p., 1978). (Family History Library book 977.1 K2a; film 1033939 item 21.)</ref>
==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]]
|}


While the majority of church records remain with the local churches, the [[FamilySearch Catalog Title Search|Family History Library]], [http://www.ohiohistory.org/ Ohio Historical Society], and [http://www.wrhs.org/ Western Reserve Historical Society]have copies of local records from some churches. The Family History Library has film copies of the manuscript collection in the Western Reserve Historical Society. See ''A Guide to Manuscripts at the Ohio Historical Society'', described in [[Ohio Archives and Libraries|Ohio Archives and Libraries]].
==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!
|}
====FamilySearch Indexes====
*'''1762-2008''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2787827 Ohio, Church Records, 1762-2008] - Index and images. Incomplete.
*'''1765-1947''' {{RecordSearch|2373709|Ohio, Church and Civil Births and Baptisms, 1765-1947}} at FamilySearch - [[Ohio, Church and Civil Births and Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1821-1962''' {{RecordSearch|1680845|Ohio, Births and Christenings, 1821-1962}} at FamilySearch - [[Ohio Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1800-1958''' {{RecordSearch|1681001|Ohio, Marriages, 1800-1958}} at FamilySearch - [[Ohio Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1833-1967''' {{RecordSearch|2373723|Ohio, Church and Civil Deaths, 1833-1967}} at FamilySearch - [[Ohio, Church and Civil Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1854-1997''' {{RecordSearch|1681000|Ohio Deaths and Burials, 1854-1997}} at FamilySearch - [[Ohio Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


<br>
====Ancestry.com Indexes====
*'''1800-1962''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2541 Ohio, Births and Christenings, Index, 1800-1962] ($)
*'''1789-1898''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3717 Ohio Marriages, 1789-1898] ($)
*'''1789-1898''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3717/ Ohio, Marriages Extracted from the Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly, 1789-1898] ($)
*'''1803-1900''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5194 Ohio Marriages, 1803-1900] ($)


Many of the local church records available at the [[FamilySearch Catalog Title Search|Family History Library]] have been microfilmed at various archives and libraries. Whenever possible, these are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under:
====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1800-1947''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61584/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947], index & images, incomplete.($)


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


While no listing of Family History Library films by repository is available, the [https://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog] identifies when and where each record was microfilmed. Example: {{FHL|ohio churches|keywords|disp=Family History Library List of Ohio Churches}}  
====Quakers (Society of Friends)====
*{{FSC|54157|item|disp=Shaker membership card index}}
*'''1681-1935''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2189/ U.S., Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935], index & images ($).
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/48133/ Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy. Vol. IV: (Ohio Monthly Meetings)] ($)
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/48134/ Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy. Vol. V: (Ohio Monthly Meetings)] ($)
====Shakers====
*{{FSC|54157|item|disp=''Shaker Membership Card Index''.}}


Denominational histories for groups such as the Church of the Brethren, Evangelical, LDS (1830 to 1838), Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Moravian, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic are listed in the Locality Search of the FamilySearch Catalog under:
====Roman Catholic====
*[https://www.findmypast.com/page/catholic-records Catholic Heritage Archive] Scroll down to Ohio listings. Dioceses of Cincinnati and Toledo


::OHIO - CHURCH HISTORY
===Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
::OHIO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - CHURCH HISTORY.
[[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=43&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Ohio%22 '''records of United States, Ohio'''].|2=3}}
{{Block indent|b. Click on '''Places within United States, Ohio''' 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, Ohio [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}}
-----


*Lists of Incorporated churches before 1850 are included in ''Data Abstracted from the Laws of Ohio, 1803-1900''. <ref>"Data Abstracted from the Laws of Ohio, 1803-1900'' Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1960. (Family History Library film 223918.)</ref>
===Consult available finding aids.===


There are several more articles concerning Church records in Ohio, they are:
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''


::[[Ohio Congregational Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Congregational Church Records]]
*[https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/genealogy/id/13318/rec/1 '''''Data Abstracted from the Laws of Ohio, 1803-1900'''''] Lists of Incorporated churches before 1850
====Baptist====
*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
*'''''The Records of American Baptists in Ohio, and Related Organizations''. [https://www.worldcat.org/title/records-of-american-baptists-in-ohio-and-related-organizations/oclc/866278866 '''WorldCat''']<ref>Eltscher, Susan M., comp. ''The Records of American Baptists in Ohio, and Related Organizations''. Rochester, New York: American Baptist Historical Society, 1981. (FS Library book 977.1 A1 number 239; fiche 6088732.) Cover title: ''A Basic Guide to Regional Baptist Archives and Historical Resources for Ohio: Baptist Archives and Records Survey''.  </ref>


'''Locating Church Records'''  
====Methodist====
*In ''Guide to the Manuscript Collection of Early Ohio Methodism: United Methodist Church of Ohio'' you will find additional help in locating Methodist records. {{FSC|96439|item|disp=FS Library Book 977.1 K23h; fiche 6017063}}<ref>Harter, Frances D. ''Guide to the Manuscript Collection of Early Ohio Methodism: United Methodist Church of Ohio''. Delaware, Ohio: United Methodist Archives Center, 1980. (FS Library book 977.1 K23h; fiche 6017063.) </ref>
====Presbyterian====
*Historical Records Survey (Ohio). Inventory of the Church Archives of Ohio Presbyterian Churches. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1972. FS Library films 854488, 899320-22.


Local church records are listed in the&nbsp;Place Search of the FamilySearch Catalog under:
===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.


::OHIO, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS or OHIO, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - CHURCH RECORDS.
===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>
====Historical Societies====
[https://www.ohiohistory.org/learn/archives-library/manuscripts-amp-audiovisual-collections/organizational-records '''Ohio Historical Society''']<br>
Ohio History Center<br>
800 E. 17th Ave.<br>
Columbus Ohio, 43211<br>
<br>
Phone:614.297.2300<br>
Toll-free:800.686.6124<br>
*[https://ohiohistory.on.worldcat.org/discovery '''Search Collection''']
*[https://www.worldcat.org/title/guide-to-manuscripts-at-the-ohio-historical-society/oclc/692738 '''''A Guide to Manuscripts at the Ohio Historical Society''''' WorldCat]
----
[http://www.wrhs.org/ '''Western Reserve Historical Society''']<br>
10825 East Boulevard<br>
Cleveland, Ohio 44106<br>
<br>
Phone: (216) 721-5722 <br>
Email: info@wrhs.org<br>
*[http://catalog.wrhs.org/collections/search '''Library Collections Search''']
*[http://norton.wrhs.org/genresources/search '''WRHS Genealogy Index''']
*The [[Ohio Church Records#Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog.|'''FamilySearch Library''']] has film copies of the manuscript collection in the Western Reserve Historical Society. Search by town or name of church.
----


Statewide or regional records are listed under:
====Lutheran====
[http://www.capital.edu/elca-region-6-archives/ '''ELCA Region 6 Archives''']<br>
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University<br>
2199 East Main Street<br>
Columbus, OH 43209-2334<br>
Phone:(614) 236-6855<br>
Email: reg6archives@capital.edu<br>
*Contact the archives for [https://www.capital.edu/uploadedfiles/content/academics/graduate_programs/trinity_lutheran_seminary/programs_and_resources/closedcongoh2018.pdf '''Records of closed congregations''']
*For all other congregations, [[Lutheran Church in the United States#Correspond with or visit the actual churches.|'''contact the local church.''']]
----


::OHIO - CHURCH RECORDS
====Methodist====


An example is: Shaker Membership Card Index. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1974. {{FHL|54157|item|disp=FHL Film 934620-23}}.&nbsp;
'''Methodist Historical Commission''' <br>L.A. Beeghly Library<br>[https://library.owu.edu/archives-methodism Ohio Wesleyan University]<br>43 Rowland Avenue<br>Delaware, OH 43015<br>Phone: (740) 368-3285


==== Non-Denominational  ====
*{{FSC|522801|item|disp='''"Methodist Ministers Card Index: All Ohio Conferences, 1797-1981".'''}} Columbus, Ohio: Ohio Historical Society, 1982.
<div style="width: 100%; float: left">
----
[[Image:Ohio churches.png|thumb|right|500px]] 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 several counties in Ohio.  


==== Baptist  ====
====Moravian====
*'''The Northern Province Moravian Archives'''<br>
{{Block indent|41 West Locust Street<br>}}
{{Block indent|Bethlehem, PA 18018<br>}}
{{Block indent|Phone: 610.866.3255<br>}}
{{Block indent|Email: info@moravianchurcharchives.org}}
<br>
*[http://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/ '''Website''']
*[http://bdhp.moravian.edu/site_index/site_index.html '''Bethlehem Digital History Project''']
*[https://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/research/digital-resources/ '''Digital Resources''']
*[https://roots.moravianchurcharchives.org/ '''Search Our Church Registers Index''']
*[http://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/documents/Ch.Reg.pdf '''Inventory of Church Registers''']
*[https://www.moravianchurcharchives.findbuch.net/php/main.php?ar_id=3687 '''Online Finding Aid''']
*[https://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/research/plan-visit/ '''Schedule a Visit''']<br>
<br>
----
*[http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/GUIDES/153.htm Moravian Missions Among American Indians.] Information concerning missions to the American Indians visit.
*[http://bdhp.moravian.edu/community_records/christianindians/missionmap.html Early Moravian Missions in Eastern Pennsylvania and Surrounding Areas 1740-1773.] A map and list of missions visit.
*{{FSC|301362|item|disp=Records of the Moravian Mission among the Indians of North America}} [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/53079|'''Index''']
----


[http://www.nabarchives.org/ North American Baptist General Conference ]<br>7308 Madison Street <br>Forest Park, IL 60130
====Roman Catholic====
 
*In ''The Records of American Baptists in Ohio, and Related Organizations'' you can learn more about Baptist records.<ref>Eltscher, Susan M., comp. ''The Records of American Baptists in Ohio, and Related Organizations''. Rochester, New York: American Baptist Historical Society, 1981. (Family History Library book 977.1 A1 number 239; fiche 6088732.) Cover title: ''A Basic Guide to Regional Baptist Archives and Historical Resources for Ohio: Baptist Archives and Records Survey''.  </ref>
 
==== Jewish  ====
 
[http://www.clevelandjgs.org/ Jewish Genealogy Society of Cleveland]<br>996 Eastlawn Drive<br>Highland Heights, OH 44143-3126<br>Phone: (440) 449-2326<br>E-mail: [mailto:br1595@aol.com br1595@aol.com]<br>
 
==== Lutheran  ====
 
[http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/History/ELCA-Archives.aspx Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)] <br>8765 West Higgins Road <br>Chicago, IL 60631-4198<br>Phone: 773-380-2818
 
Trinity Lutheran Church<br>[http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/reghist/trinity.html Church Records from 1884 to 1978]<br>Kent, OH
 
*If a church is still active, the church will be able to help locate the records. The records of churches in the United States that have been disbanded are located at the ELCA Archives in Chicago. The archives has records of many congregations, and those on microfilm may be borrowed for a small fee. A partial list of church records in its collection is listed in: ''ALC Archives''<ref>''ALC Archives''. ALC Congregations on Microfilm. Dubuque, Iowa: The Archives, [197?]. (Family History Library fiche 6330690-93.) </ref>These are arranged by the state and city in which the congregation resides. Family History Library fiche {{FHL|269930|title-id|disp=6330692}} includes Ohio. The ALC (American Lutheran Church) Archives are now part of the ELCA Archives.
 
==== Methodist  ====
 
Methodist Historical Commission <br>L.A. Beeghly Library<br>[http://library.owu.edu/spuma.htm Ohio Wesleyan University]<br>43 Rowland Avenue<br>Delaware, OH 43015<br>Phone: (740) 368-3285
 
[http://www.gcah.org/site/c.ghKJI0PHIoE/b.2858857/k.BF4D/Home.htm Methodist General Commission on Archives &amp; History]<br>The United Methodist Church<br>36 Madison Avenue<br>Madison, NJ 07940
 
United Methodist Church<br>601 W. Riverview Avenue<br>Dayton, OH 45406-5543<br>North District Phone: (888) 227-9490<br>South District Phone: (937) 227-9475
 
*In ''Guide to the Manuscript Collection of Early Ohio Methodism: United Methodist Church of Ohio'' you will find additional help in locating Methodist records. {{FHL|96439|item|disp=FHL Book 977.1 K23h; fiche 6017063}}<ref>Harter, Frances D. ''Guide to the Manuscript Collection of Early Ohio Methodism: United Methodist Church of Ohio''. Delaware, Ohio: United Methodist Archives Center, 1980. (Family History Library book 977.1 K23h; fiche 6017063.) </ref>
 
*Information on Methodist ministers in Ohio can be found in ''United Methodist Archives (Ohio). Methodist Ministers Card Index: All Ohio Conferences, 1797-1981". {{WorldCat|11898551|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|522801|item|disp=FHL Film 1292563-66}}<ref>''United Methodist Archives (Ohio). Methodist Ministers Card Index: All Ohio Conferences, 1797-1981''. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio Historical Society, 1982. (Family History Library film 1292563-66.) </ref>''
 
==== Moravian  ====
 
[http://www.moravianchurcharchives.org/general.php The Moravian Archives]<br>41 West Locust Street<br>Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018<br>United States of America<br>Phone: (610) 866-3255<br>Fax: (610) 866-9210
 
For information concerning missions to the American Indians visit [http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/GUIDES/153.htm Moravian Missions Among American Indians.]&nbsp;For a map and list of missions visit [http://bdhp.moravian.edu/community_records/christianindians/missionmap.html Early Moravian Missions in Eastern Pennsylvania and Surrounding Areas 1740-1773.]
 
Mission records are also available in the {{FHL|301362|item}}. The records are indexed in the {{FHL|53079|item}}Book 970.1 F642i.
 
==== Presbyterian  ====
 
[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ Presbyterian Historical Society ]<br>425 Lombard Street <br>Philadelphia, PA 19147-1516 <br>Phone: (215) 627-1852
 
The Family History Library has numerous records of local churches in Ohio. They were microfilmed at the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. <ref>''Shane Manuscript Collection''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1966-1967. (On 36 Family History Library films beginning with 498614.) </ref>The collection includes papers of some Ohio Presbyterian churches and ministers.
 
*''Inventory of the Church Archives of Ohio Presbyterian Churches'' has inventories of Presbyterian churches and their records <ref>Historical Records Survey (Ohio). ''Inventory of the Church Archives of Ohio Presbyterian Churches.'' Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1972. Family History Library films 854488, 899320-22.</ref>
 
*Inventories are arranged alphabetically by county. Volume one includes indexes by place names, church names, and date of organization. Information was collected about the records, history, buildings, and clergymen. There is another source that may contain information that is not included in the previous inventory. Records are listed alphabetically by counties.<ref>Historical Records Survey (Ohio). ''Inventory of the Church Archives of Ohio Presbyterian Churches.'' Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1967. (Family History Library films 506375-80.)</ref>
 
==== Roman Catholic ====
 
[http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ Archdiocese of Cincinnati]<br>Chancery Office<br>100 E. Eighth Street <br>Cincinnati, OH 45202 <br>Phone: (513) 421-3131 <br>Fax: (513) 421-6225 <br>E-mail: [mailto:commdir@archdiocese-cinti.org commdir@archdiocese-cinti.org]


[http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/archives-office/ '''Archdiocese of Cincinnati Archives''']<br>Chancery Office<br>100 E. Eighth Street <br>Cincinnati, OH 45202 <br>Phone: (513) 421-3131 <br>Fax: (513) 421-6225 <br>Email: [mailto:commdir@archdiocese-cinti.org commdir@archdiocese-cinti.org]
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/cincinnati-roman-catholic-parish-congregational-records '''Cincinnati Roman Catholic Parish Congregational Records Online''']
*[https://www.findmypast.com/page/catholic-records '''Catholic Heritage Archive'''] Scroll down to Ohio listings. Dioceses of Cincinnati and Toledo.
*[http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/archives-office/genealogy/ '''Genealogy''']
**[http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/ministries-offices/archives-office/genealogy/genealogical-online-requests/ '''Genealogical Online Request''']
**The Archives holds copies of baptism, marriage, and burial registers of every open and closed parish in the Archdiocese. Please note that the Archives does not have the sacramental registers for parishes that were once in the territory of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati but are no longer. Please contact the current diocese the parish resides in. Telephone and email requests are not accepted and we are unable to host in-person researchers.
The dioces includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Ohio Genealogy|Adams]], [[Auglaize County, Ohio Genealogy|Auglaize]], [[Brown County, Ohio Genealogy|Brown]], [[Butler County, Ohio Genealogy|Butler]], [[Champaign County, Ohio Genealogy|Champaign]], [[Clark County, Ohio Genealogy|Clark]], [[Clermont County, Ohio Genealogy|Clermont]], [[Clinton County, Ohio Genealogy|Clinton]], [[Darke County, Ohio Genealogy|Darke]], [[Greene County, Ohio Genealogy|Greene]], [[Hamilton County, Ohio Genealogy|Hamilton]], [[Highland County, Ohio Genealogy|Highland]], [[Logan County, Ohio Genealogy|Logan]], [[Mercer County, Ohio Genealogy|Mercer]], [[Miami County, Ohio Genealogy|Miami]], [[Montgomery County, Ohio Genealogy|Montgomery]], [[Preble County, Ohio Genealogy|Preble]], [[Shelby County, Ohio Genealogy|Shelby]], [[Warren County, Ohio Genealogy|Warren]].<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>  
The dioces includes the counties of: [[Adams County, Ohio Genealogy|Adams]], [[Auglaize County, Ohio Genealogy|Auglaize]], [[Brown County, Ohio Genealogy|Brown]], [[Butler County, Ohio Genealogy|Butler]], [[Champaign County, Ohio Genealogy|Champaign]], [[Clark County, Ohio Genealogy|Clark]], [[Clermont County, Ohio Genealogy|Clermont]], [[Clinton County, Ohio Genealogy|Clinton]], [[Darke County, Ohio Genealogy|Darke]], [[Greene County, Ohio Genealogy|Greene]], [[Hamilton County, Ohio Genealogy|Hamilton]], [[Highland County, Ohio Genealogy|Highland]], [[Logan County, Ohio Genealogy|Logan]], [[Mercer County, Ohio Genealogy|Mercer]], [[Miami County, Ohio Genealogy|Miami]], [[Montgomery County, Ohio Genealogy|Montgomery]], [[Preble County, Ohio Genealogy|Preble]], [[Shelby County, Ohio Genealogy|Shelby]], [[Warren County, Ohio Genealogy|Warren]].<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>  
 
----
[http://www.colsdioc.org/Home.aspx Diocese of Columbus]<br>198 E. Gay St.<br>Columbus, OH 43215<br>Phone: (614) 228-2457
[https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices/chancellor/archives '''Diocese of Cleveland Archives''']<br>1404 East 9th St.<br>Cleveland, OH 44114<br>Phone: (216) 696-6525<br>(800) 869-6525 (Ohio only)<br>Fax: (216) 621-7332
 
*[https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/offices/chancellor/archives/sacramental-records '''Sacramental Records''']
The diocese&nbsp;includes&nbsp;the counties of: [[Coshocton County, Ohio Genealogy|Coshocton]], [[Delaware County, Ohio Genealogy|Delaware]], [[Fairfield County, Ohio Genealogy|Fairfield]], [[Fayette County, Ohio Genealogy|Fayette]], [[Franklin County, Ohio Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Hardin County, Ohio Genealogy|Hardin]], [[Hocking County, Ohio Genealogy|Hocking]], [[Holmes County, Ohio Genealogy|Holmes]], [[Jackson County, Ohio Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Knox County, Ohio Genealogy|Knox]], [[Licking County, Ohio Genealogy|Licking]], [[Madison County, Ohio Genealogy|Madison]], [[Marion County, Ohio Genealogy|Marion]], [[Morrow County, Ohio Genealogy|Morrow]], [[Perry County, Ohio Genealogy|Perry]], [[Pickaway County, Ohio Genealogy|Pickaway]], [[Pike County, Ohio Genealogy|Pike]], [[Ross County, Ohio Genealogy|Ross]], [[Scioto County, Ohio Genealogy|Scioto]], [[Tuscarawas County, Ohio Genealogy|Tuscarawas]], [[Union County, Ohio Genealogy|Union]], [[Vinton County, Ohio Genealogy|Vinton]], [[Washington County, Ohio Genealogy|Washington]].<ref name="rome" />  
*[https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/files/assets/locationofsacramentalrecords.pdf '''Location of Sacramental Records of Closed and Merged Institutions''']<br>
 
*For open parishes, [https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/parishes '''contact the local parish.''']
The Diocese of Columbus created the [http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/CatholicRecordSociety.aspx Catholic Record Society], a group that has published a monthly journal since 1975 called [http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/CatholicRecordSociety/TheBarquilla.aspx The Barquilla]. This journal contains articles as well as transcriptions of records (e.g. baptisms, marriages, burial records). There is a [http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/CatholicRecordSociety/SubjectIndex.aspx subject index] that allows users to identify which journal contains desired information, and an[http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/CatholicRecordSociety/IssuesListing.aspx issues listing], which provides links to issues of the journal from 1975 on. Anything located in Volumes I-XXIV (1975-1999) can be accessed for free. Articles of interest in issues after 1999 can be [http://www.colsdioc.org/Portals/0/Departments/CRS/Order%20form.pdf ordered] for $1 each. Further inquires can be sent to the Catholic Record Society by following [http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/CatholicRecordSociety/ResearchRecords.aspx these directions].
 
[http://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/ Diocese of Cleveland]<br>1404 East 9th St.<br>Cleveland, OH 44114<br>Phone: (216) 696-6525<br>(800) 869-6525 (Ohio only)<br>Fax: (216) 621-7332
 
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Ashland County, Ohio Genealogy|Ashland]], [[Cuyahoga County, Ohio Genealogy|Cuyahoga]], [[Geauga County, Ohio Genealogy|Geauga]], [[Lake County, Ohio Genealogy|Lake]], [[Lorain County, Ohio Genealogy|Lorain]], [[Medina County, Ohio Genealogy|Medina]], [[Summit County, Ohio Genealogy|Summit]] and [[Wayne County, Ohio Genealogy|Wayne]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Ashland County, Ohio Genealogy|Ashland]], [[Cuyahoga County, Ohio Genealogy|Cuyahoga]], [[Geauga County, Ohio Genealogy|Geauga]], [[Lake County, Ohio Genealogy|Lake]], [[Lorain County, Ohio Genealogy|Lorain]], [[Medina County, Ohio Genealogy|Medina]], [[Summit County, Ohio Genealogy|Summit]] and [[Wayne County, Ohio Genealogy|Wayne]].<ref name="rome" />  
----
[https://toledodiocese.org/page/archives#_sacramental_records_and_access '''Diocese of Columbus Archives''']<br>198 E. Gay St.<br>Columbus, OH 43215<br>Phone: (614) 228-2457 <br>
[https://columbuscatholic.org/catholic-record-society '''Catholic Record Society of the Diocese of Columbus''']


[http://diosteub.org/index.cfm Diocese of Steubenville]<br>422 Washington Street <br>P.O. Box 969 <br>Steubenville, OH 43952 <br>Phone: (740) 282-3631<br>Fax: (740) 282-3327
{{Block indent|The Diocese of Columbus created the [https://columbuscatholic.org/catholic-record-society '''Catholic Record Society'''], a group that has published a monthly journal since 1975 called [https://columbuscatholic.org/the-barquilla '''The Barquilla''']. This journal contains articles as well as transcriptions of records (e.g. baptisms, marriages, burial records). There is a [https://columbuscatholic.org/subject-index '''subject index'''] that allows users to identify which journal contains desired information, and an [https://columbuscatholic.org/issues-listing '''online issues listing'''], which provides '''links to free online issues of the journal from 1975 on'''. |2}}
{{Block indent|*[https://columbuscatholic.org/research-records '''Research & Records, Requesting Copies''']|2}}
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Coshocton County, Ohio Genealogy|Coshocton]], [[Delaware County, Ohio Genealogy|Delaware]], [[Fairfield County, Ohio Genealogy|Fairfield]], [[Fayette County, Ohio Genealogy|Fayette]], [[Franklin County, Ohio Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Hardin County, Ohio Genealogy|Hardin]], [[Hocking County, Ohio Genealogy|Hocking]], [[Holmes County, Ohio Genealogy|Holmes]], [[Jackson County, Ohio Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Knox County, Ohio Genealogy|Knox]], [[Licking County, Ohio Genealogy|Licking]], [[Madison County, Ohio Genealogy|Madison]], [[Marion County, Ohio Genealogy|Marion]], [[Morrow County, Ohio Genealogy|Morrow]], [[Perry County, Ohio Genealogy|Perry]], [[Pickaway County, Ohio Genealogy|Pickaway]], [[Pike County, Ohio Genealogy|Pike]], [[Ross County, Ohio Genealogy|Ross]], [[Scioto County, Ohio Genealogy|Scioto]], [[Tuscarawas County, Ohio Genealogy|Tuscarawas]], [[Union County, Ohio Genealogy|Union]], [[Vinton County, Ohio Genealogy|Vinton]], [[Washington County, Ohio Genealogy|Washington]].<ref name="rome" />  


The diocese includes&nbsp;the counties of: [[Athens County, Ohio Genealogy|Athens]], [[Belmont County, Ohio Genealogy|Belmont]], [[Carroll County, Ohio Genealogy|Carroll]], [[Gallia County, Ohio Genealogy|Gallia]], [[Guernsey County, Ohio Genealogy|Guernsey]], [[Harrison County, Ohio Genealogy|Harrison]], [[Jefferson County, Ohio Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Lawrence County, Ohio Genealogy|Lawrence]], [[Meigs County, Ohio Genealogy|Meigs]], [[Monroe County, Ohio Genealogy|Monroe]], [[Morgan County, Ohio Genealogy|Morgan]], [[Noble County, Ohio Genealogy|Noble]] and [[Washington County, Ohio Genealogy|Washington]].<ref name="rome" />


[http://www.toledodiocese.org/index.php/chancery/archives Diocese of Toledo]<br>Chancery Office<br>1933 Spielbusch Avenue<br>P.O. Box 985<br>Toledo, OH 43697-0985<br>Phone: (419) 244-6711<br>Fax: (419) 244-4791
----
[https://diosteub.org/archives-and-records '''Diocese of Steubenville Archives''']<br>422 Washington Street <br>P.O. Box 969 <br>Steubenville, OH 43952 <br>Phone: (740) 282-3631 Ext.263<br>Fax: (740) 282-3327
*[https://diosteub.org/historical-and-genealogical-research '''Historical and Genealogical Research''']
*[https://diosteub.org/historical-and-genealogical-research '''Genealogical Request Form''']<br>


The diocese includes the counties of: [[Athens County, Ohio Genealogy|Athens]], [[Belmont County, Ohio Genealogy|Belmont]], [[Carroll County, Ohio Genealogy|Carroll]], [[Gallia County, Ohio Genealogy|Gallia]], [[Guernsey County, Ohio Genealogy|Guernsey]], [[Harrison County, Ohio Genealogy|Harrison]], [[Jefferson County, Ohio Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Lawrence County, Ohio Genealogy|Lawrence]], [[Meigs County, Ohio Genealogy|Meigs]], [[Monroe County, Ohio Genealogy|Monroe]], [[Morgan County, Ohio Genealogy|Morgan]], [[Noble County, Ohio Genealogy|Noble]] and [[Washington County, Ohio Genealogy|Washington]].<ref name="rome" />
----
[http://www.toledodiocese.org/index.php/chancery/archives '''Diocese of Toledo Archives''']<br>Chancery Office<br>1933 Spielbusch Avenue<br>P.O. Box 985<br>Toledo, OH 43697-0985<br>Phone: (419) 244-6711<br>Fax: (419) 244-4791
*[https://www.findmypast.com/page/catholic-records '''Catholic Heritage Archive'''] Scroll down to Ohio listings. Dioceses of Cincinnati and Toledo
*[https://search.findmypast.com/results/world-images/ohio-diocese-of-toledo-catholic-parish-records-1796-2004-image-browse '''Ohio, Diocese Of Toledo Catholic Parish Records 1796-2004 Image Browse'''], at Findmypast($)
*'''1796-2004''' {{RecordSearch|1494476|Ohio, Diocese of Toledo, Catholic Parish Records, 1796-2004}} at FamilySearch - [[Ohio, Diocese of Toledo, Catholic Parish Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Allen County, Ohio Genealogy|Allen]], [[Crawford County, Ohio Genealogy|Crawford]], [[Defiance County, Ohio Genealogy|Defiance]], [[Erie County, Ohio Genealogy|Erie]], [[Fulton County, Ohio Genealogy|Fulton]], [[Hancock County, Ohio Genealogy|Hancock]], [[Henry County, Ohio Genealogy|Henry]], [[Huron County, Ohio Genealogy|Huron]], [[Lucas County, Ohio Genealogy|Lucas]], [[Ottawa County, Ohio Genealogy|Ottawa]], [[Paulding County, Ohio Genealogy|Paulding]], [[Putnam County, Ohio Genealogy|Putnam]], [[Richland County, Ohio Genealogy|Richland]], [[Sandusky County, Ohio Genealogy|Sandusky]], [[Seneca County, Ohio Genealogy|Seneca]], [[Van Wert County, Ohio Genealogy|Van Wert]], [[Williams County, Ohio Genealogy|Williams]], [[Wood County, Ohio Genealogy|Wood]] and [[Wyandot County, Ohio Genealogy|Wyandot]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Allen County, Ohio Genealogy|Allen]], [[Crawford County, Ohio Genealogy|Crawford]], [[Defiance County, Ohio Genealogy|Defiance]], [[Erie County, Ohio Genealogy|Erie]], [[Fulton County, Ohio Genealogy|Fulton]], [[Hancock County, Ohio Genealogy|Hancock]], [[Henry County, Ohio Genealogy|Henry]], [[Huron County, Ohio Genealogy|Huron]], [[Lucas County, Ohio Genealogy|Lucas]], [[Ottawa County, Ohio Genealogy|Ottawa]], [[Paulding County, Ohio Genealogy|Paulding]], [[Putnam County, Ohio Genealogy|Putnam]], [[Richland County, Ohio Genealogy|Richland]], [[Sandusky County, Ohio Genealogy|Sandusky]], [[Seneca County, Ohio Genealogy|Seneca]], [[Van Wert County, Ohio Genealogy|Van Wert]], [[Williams County, Ohio Genealogy|Williams]], [[Wood County, Ohio Genealogy|Wood]] and [[Wyandot County, Ohio Genealogy|Wyandot]].<ref name="rome" />  
 
----
'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:'''<br>
[http://www.doy.org/ '''Diocese of Youngstown''']<br>Chancery Office <br>144 West Wood Street <br>Youngstown, OH 44503 <br>Phone: (330) 744-8451<br>Fax: (330) 742-6448<br>Email: chancery@youngstowndiocese.org
 
*[https://doy.org/parishes/ '''Contact the local parish.''']<br>
[[Ohio, Diocese of Toledo, Catholic Parish Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio, Diocese of Toledo, Catholic Parish Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]<br>
 
[http://www.doy.org/ Diocese of Youngstown]<br>Chancery Office <br>144 West Wood Street <br>Youngstown, OH 44503 <br>Phone: (330) 744-8451<br>Fax: (330) 742-6448<br>E-mail: [mailto:doychancery@impresso.com doychancery@impresso.com]  
 
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Ashtabula County, Ohio Genealogy|Ashtabula]], [[Columbiana County, Ohio Genealogy|Columbiana]], [[Mahoning County, Ohio Genealogy|Mahoning]], [[Portage County, Ohio Genealogy|Portage]], [[Stark County, Ohio Genealogy|Stark]] and [[Trumbull County, Ohio Genealogy|Trumbull]].<ref name="rome" />
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Ashtabula County, Ohio Genealogy|Ashtabula]], [[Columbiana County, Ohio Genealogy|Columbiana]], [[Mahoning County, Ohio Genealogy|Mahoning]], [[Portage County, Ohio Genealogy|Portage]], [[Stark County, Ohio Genealogy|Stark]] and [[Trumbull County, Ohio Genealogy|Trumbull]].<ref name="rome" />


==== Shakers  ====
----
 
*The [http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=630 Shakers of Ohio]&nbsp;became virtually extinct by 1900 due mainly to the lack of converts. They moved to Shaker communities in other states.
*''Shaker Membership Card Index''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1974. (Family History Library films {{FHL|54157|title-id|disp=934620-23}}.)
 
==== Society of Friends (Quakers)&nbsp;  ====
 
[http://www.ohioyearlymeeting.org/ Ohio Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends ]<br>Olney Friends School <br>61830 Sandy Ridge Road <br>Barnesville, OH 43713<br>Phone: (740) 425-3168
 
Evangelical Friends Church, Eastern Division <br>5350 Broadmoor Circle, N.W. <br>Canton, OH 44709<br>Phone: (330) 493-1660<br>Fax: (330) 493-0852
 
Wilmington College<br>[http://www.watsonlibrary.org/specialcollections/special_coll_quak.html ''S. Arthur Watson Library'']<br>Pyle Center Box 1227<br>251 Ludovic Street<br>Wilmington, Ohio 45177<br>Phone: (937) 382-6661, ext. 345 | 1 (800) 341-9318 | Fax: (937) 383-8571
 
*The [[FamilySearch Catalog Title Search|Family History Library]] has microfilm copies of the Quaker records from Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio and from the Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.
 
Published abstracts:
 
*Hinshaw, William Wade. ''Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy. 6 Vols''. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Edwards Brothers, 1936-1950. Volumes IV and V covers Ohio Monthly Meetings. {{FHL|1224597|item}}; digital version at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48130 Ancestry] ($). To locate copies nearest you, use [http://www.worldcat.org/title/encyclopedia-of-american-quaker-genealogy-vol-i-vi/oclc/255684770&referer=brief_results WorldCat].
 
'''Websites for Quaker Genealogy Helps:'''
 
*[http://www.earlham.edu/~libr/content/friends/obituaries/index.html American Friend Obituary Index]
*[http://www.swarthmore.edu/fhl.xml Swathmore Friends Historical Library]
*[http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~quakers/index.htm The Quaker Corner]
 
'''Websites'''


There are different websites that list churches in Ohio.  
====Society of Friends (Quakers) ====
[https://libguides.wilmington.edu/watsonlibrary '''Wilmington College'''<br>Watson Library''']<br>
Pyle Center 1227<br>
1870 Quaker Way<br>
Wilmington, OH 45177<br>
<br>
Phone:  937.481.2345<br>
Email: library@wilmington.edu<br>
<br>


*[http://www.flockfinder.com/churches_ohio/churches_directory_ohio.html Flock Finder]
===Consult the PERSI index for records published in journals.===
*[http://www.churchangel.com/ohio.htm#C Ohio Churches]  
[https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/ PERiodical Source Index (PERSI)] at Allen County Public Library; index. PERSI is an index to family and local history periodicals from 1847 to the present. Many of these periodicals publish church records. If you locate an index entry for a church, you will then need to find the periodical. Use the [http://worldcat.org./ '''WorldCat.org search engine'''] to find a library near you that carries the periodical. Library reference desks can be contacted to request a copy of articles, or you may need to hire a [[Hiring a Professional Researcher|'''researcher.''']]
*[http://www.usachurches.org/search/oh/ Ohio Church Directory]<br>


'''Wiki articles describing online collections are found at:'''
===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>


*[[Ohio Toledo Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Toledo Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
==Next, go to the Wiki article for your ancestors' denomination. ==
*[[Ohio Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
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.
*[[Ohio Deaths and Burials (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Deaths and Bruials (FamilySearchHistorical Records)]]
{{Template:US-church-sidebar}}
*[[Ohio Methodist Church Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
<br>
*[[Ohio Tax Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Ohio Tax Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]


<br> '''Resources'''  
==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>


Periodicals have published records of many Ohio churches. These are referenced in the PERiodical Source Index (PERSI) described in the "Periodicals" page.  
'''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==


<references />  
<references />  
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[[Category:Ohio, United States|Church]]
[[Category:Ohio, United States|Church]]
[[Category:U S States Church records]]

Latest revision as of 00:30, 20 August 2025

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

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

By 1900 the prominent denominations in Ohio were Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian. There were also groups of Baptists, Lutherans, and Society of Friends. [1][2] Religion in Ohio was an early and important factor in settlement. The first Moravian mission was established in 1772. Presbyterians and Quakers were in the state at an early date, the latter having established forty-three monthly meetings and settlements between 1801 and 1883. The Presbyterians founded seventeen towns between 1784 and 1799. Baptists, Congregationalists, several reformed groups, Lutherans, Disciples of Christ, United Brethren, Methodists, and Catholics arrived prior to 1850. By 1890 the latter two denominations were the largest in the state. The Methodist circuit in Ohio was organized in 1798, with circuit riders traveling from log cabins to camp meetings across the territory. In 1831 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints migrated from New York to Kirtland in Lake County. [3]

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!

FamilySearch Indexes[edit | edit source]

Ancestry.com Indexes[edit | edit source]

Dutch Reformed[edit | edit source]

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

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

Shakers[edit | edit source]

Roman Catholic[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, Ohio 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, Ohio [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.

Baptist[edit | edit source]

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

  • Historical Records Survey (Ohio). Inventory of the Church Archives of Ohio Presbyterian Churches. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1972. FS Library films 854488, 899320-22.

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.

Historical Societies[edit | edit source]

Ohio Historical Society
Ohio History Center
800 E. 17th Ave.
Columbus Ohio, 43211

Phone:614.297.2300
Toll-free:800.686.6124

Western Reserve Historical Society
10825 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106

Phone: (216) 721-5722
Email: info@wrhs.org

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

ELCA Region 6 Archives
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University
2199 East Main Street
Columbus, OH 43209-2334
Phone:(614) 236-6855
Email: reg6archives@capital.edu

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Methodist Historical Commission
L.A. Beeghly Library
Ohio Wesleyan University
43 Rowland Avenue
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 368-3285

Moravian[edit | edit source]

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



Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Archdiocese of Cincinnati Archives
Chancery Office
100 E. Eighth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 421-3131
Fax: (513) 421-6225
Email: commdir@archdiocese-cinti.org

  • Cincinnati Roman Catholic Parish Congregational Records Online
  • Catholic Heritage Archive Scroll down to Ohio listings. Dioceses of Cincinnati and Toledo.
  • Genealogy
    • Genealogical Online Request
    • The Archives holds copies of baptism, marriage, and burial registers of every open and closed parish in the Archdiocese. Please note that the Archives does not have the sacramental registers for parishes that were once in the territory of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati but are no longer. Please contact the current diocese the parish resides in. Telephone and email requests are not accepted and we are unable to host in-person researchers.

The dioces includes the counties of: Adams, Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, Warren.[6]

Diocese of Cleveland Archives
1404 East 9th St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216) 696-6525
(800) 869-6525 (Ohio only)
Fax: (216) 621-7332

The diocese includes the counties of: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne.[6]

Diocese of Columbus Archives
198 E. Gay St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 228-2457
Catholic Record Society of the Diocese of Columbus

The Diocese of Columbus created the Catholic Record Society, a group that has published a monthly journal since 1975 called The Barquilla. This journal contains articles as well as transcriptions of records (e.g. baptisms, marriages, burial records). There is a subject index that allows users to identify which journal contains desired information, and an online issues listing, which provides links to free online issues of the journal from 1975 on.

The diocese includes the counties of: Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hardin, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Union, Vinton, Washington.[6]


Diocese of Steubenville Archives
422 Washington Street
P.O. Box 969
Steubenville, OH 43952
Phone: (740) 282-3631 Ext.263
Fax: (740) 282-3327

The diocese includes the counties of: Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble and Washington.[6]

Diocese of Toledo Archives
Chancery Office
1933 Spielbusch Avenue
P.O. Box 985
Toledo, OH 43697-0985
Phone: (419) 244-6711
Fax: (419) 244-4791


The diocese includes the counties of: Allen, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot.[6]

Diocese of Youngstown
Chancery Office
144 West Wood Street
Youngstown, OH 44503
Phone: (330) 744-8451
Fax: (330) 742-6448
Email: chancery@youngstowndiocese.org

The diocese includes the counties of: Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull.[6]

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

Wilmington College
Watson Library
 Pyle Center 1227
1870 Quaker Way
Wilmington, OH 45177

Phone: 937.481.2345
Email: library@wilmington.edu

Consult the PERSI index for records published in journals.[edit | edit source]

PERiodical Source Index (PERSI) at Allen County Public Library; index. PERSI is an index to family and local history periodicals from 1847 to the present. Many of these periodicals publish church records. If you locate an index entry for a church, you will then need to find the periodical. Use the WorldCat.org search engine to find a library near you that carries the periodical. Library reference desks can be contacted to request a copy of articles, or you may need to hire a researcher.

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

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

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

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

Major U.S. Religious Denominations



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

You will possibly find many different people with the same name as your ancestor, especially when a family stayed in a locality for several generations, and several children were named after the grandparents or aunts and uncles. Be prepared to find the correct church records by organizing in advance as many of these exact details about the ancestor as possible:

  • name, including middle name and maiden name
  • names of all spouses, including middle and maiden name
  • exact or closely estimated dates of birth, marriage, and death
  • names and approximate birthdates of children
  • all known places of residence
  • occupations
  • military service details


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. ↑ Charles Otis Gill and Gifford Pinchot, Six Thousand Country Churches (New York, New York: Macmillan, 1919). (FS Library book 977.1 K2g; film 908228 item 2.)
  2. ↑ Ferne Reedy Lubbers and Margaret Dieringer, Advent of Religious Groups into Ohio (n.p., 1978). (FS Library book 977.1 K2a; film 1033939 item 21.)
  3. ↑ Carol L. Maki and Michael John Neill. "Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources", Ancestry Publishing, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3249/, accessed 16 July 2020.
  4. ↑ Eltscher, Susan M., comp. The Records of American Baptists in Ohio, and Related Organizations. Rochester, New York: American Baptist Historical Society, 1981. (FS Library book 977.1 A1 number 239; fiche 6088732.) Cover title: A Basic Guide to Regional Baptist Archives and Historical Resources for Ohio: Baptist Archives and Records Survey.
  5. ↑ Harter, Frances D. Guide to the Manuscript Collection of Early Ohio Methodism: United Methodist Church of Ohio. Delaware, Ohio: United Methodist Archives Center, 1980. (FS Library book 977.1 K23h; fiche 6017063.)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America, Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.
v • d• e
Links to Ohio-related articles
Topics
Counties
Adams · Allen · Ashland · Ashtabula · Athens · Auglaize · Belmont · Brown · Butler · Carroll · Champaign · Clark · Clermont · Clinton · Columbiana · Coshocton · Crawford · Cuyahoga · Darke · Defiance · Delaware · Erie · Fairfield · Fayette · Franklin · Fulton · Gallia · Geauga · Greene · Guernsey · Hamilton · Hancock · Hardin · Harrison · Henry · Highland · Hocking · Holmes · Huron · Jackson · Jefferson · Knox · Lake · Lawrence · Licking · Logan · Lorain · Lucas · Madison · Mahoning · Marion · Medina · Meigs · Mercer · Miami · Monroe · Montgomery · Morgan · Morrow · Muskingum · Noble · Ottawa · Paulding · Perry · Pickaway · Pike · Portage · Preble · Putnam · Richland · Ross · Sandusky · Scioto · Seneca · Shelby · Stark · Summit · Trumbull · Tuscarawas · Union · Van Wert · Vinton · Warren · Washington · Wayne · Williams · Wood · Wyandot
Extinct Areas
Major
Repositories
Allen County Public Library (Ft. Wayne, IN) · American Jewish Archives · Archdiocese of Cincinnati · Archives of Ohio United Methodists · Bowling Green State University Jerome Library · Dayton Metro Library · Erie Lackawanna Historical Society Archives · Mennonite Historical Collections · National Archives at Chicago (Chicago, IL) · National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, John Parker Library · Newberry Library (Chicago, IL) · Ohio Department of Health · Ohio Genealogical Society · Ohio History Connection · Ohio University Alden Library · Palatines to America German Genealogy Society Resource Center · Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County · Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County · Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center · State Library of Ohio · Toledo‑Lucas County Public Library · University of Cincinnati Blegen Library · Western Reserve Historical Society · Wright State University Dunbar Library
Migration
Routes
v • d• e
Links to U.S. Religion Records-related articles
Major
Religion
Adventist · Amish · Anabaptist · Apostolic Christian · Armenian Catholic · Armenian Evangelical · Armenian Orthodox · Assemblies of God · Baháʼí · Baptist · Catholic Apostolic · Brethren · Buddhist · 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 (Mormon) · Lutheran · Maronite Catholic Church · Melkite Greek Catholic Methodist · Mennonite · Moravian · Muslim · Orthodox Church in America (OCA) · Pentecostal · Presbyterian · Schwenkfelders · Serbian Orthodox · Roman Catholic · Russian Orthodox · Society of Friends (Quaker) · Ukrainian Orthodox · United Brethren in Christ · United Church of Christ · Unitarian/Universalist
By State



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