Louisiana Church Records: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 19:53, 16 June 2024

Louisiana Wiki Topics

Beginning Research

Record Types

Louisiana Background

Cultural Groups

Local Research Resources

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

Historical Background

Before statehood in 1812 the Roman Catholic Church was dominant in Louisiana. Few Protestant churches flourished. From 1812 to 1900, the largest religious groups in Louisiana were the Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran churches.^[1]

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:

Minutes or Historical Narrative

Finding the Records

Look for online records.

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!

1695-1954 U.S., French Catholic Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1695-1954, index, incomplete ($).
1720-1734 Louisiana (French) Civil Registration and Parish Registers, 1720-1734, index and images.
1836-1938 Louisiana Church Records, 1836-1938 - index and some images, incomplete - How to Use this Collection
Collection of Louisiana early court and church records, DAR

1796-1900 Alphabetical Birth Indexes for Orleans Parishes 1796 - 1900
1811-1830; 1854-1934 Louisiana, births and christenings, 1811-1830; 1854-1934 - index, incomplete. - How to Use this Collection
Louisiana Birth Records.
1718-1925, 1946-1961 Louisiana, Compiled Marriage Index, 1718-1925, 1946-1961, index, incomplete. ($)
1720-1733 The New Orleans French, 1720-1733 ($)

1718-1925 Louisiana Marriages, 1718-1925 Index only ($)
1728-1850 Louisiana, Compiled Marriages, 1728-1850, index, incomplete ($).
1816-1906 Louisiana, marriages, 1816-1906 - index, incomplete. - How to Use this Collection
1837-1957 Louisiana, parish marriages, 1837-1957 - index, incomplete. - How to Use this Collection
1851-1900 Louisiana, Compiled Marriage Records, 1851-1900, index, incomplete ($).
Orleans Parish Marriage Records.

1840-1906 Southwest Louisiana, Deaths Index, 1840-1906 Index only ($)
1850-1875; 1894-1956 Louisiana, Deaths Index, 1850-1875, 1894-1956 Index only. - How to Use this Collection

Catholic

Digitized Sacramental Records Online, Archdiocese of New Orleans

Presbyterian

U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970, index & images ($). Incomplete.

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, Louisiana.

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

Consult available finding aids.

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

Hebert, Donald J. A Guide to Church Records in Louisiana, 1720-1975. Eunice, Louisiana.: D. J. Hebert, 1975. FS Library Fiche 6051420 or 6010583, Book 976.3 K23h
Guide to Vital Statistics Records of Church Archives in Louisiana. New Orleans, Louisiana: Louisiana State Board of Health, 1942. FS Library film 1305374 items 2-3, fiche 6051101, Book 976.3 V2w WorldCat

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.< br>

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

Baptist

1750-1899 U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899 at Ancestry - index & images ($)

Lutheran

ELCA Region4-South Archives
1090 Oestreich Dr.
Seguin, TX 78155

Phone:(830) 379-9900
E-mail: archives@swtsynod.org

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

Roman Catholic

The earliest church records were Roman Catholic marriage records that began in 1720 and baptism records that began in 1729. Most records are kept at the local churches.

The Drouin Collection

Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954 ($) (Ancestry). It is the U.S. part of the U.S. and French-Canadian Drouin Collection. For more details see "The Drouin Collection: Six Databases" The types of records include baptisms, marriages, and burials as well as confirmations, dispensations, censuses, statements of readmission to the church, and so on. They are written mainly in French, as well as English, Latin, and Italian.

Catholic Diocese Archives

Archdiocese of New Orleans Archives
7887 Walmsley Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70125-3496
Phone: (504) 861-9521
Fax: (504) 866-2906

The Archdiocese includes the parishes of: Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Plaquemines and Washington.^[2]

Diocese of Shreveport Archives
3500 Fairfield Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71104
Phone: (318) 868-4441
Email: chancellorsoffice@dioshpt.org

Family Genealogy Research
- Depending upon the amount of research required, a fee may be charged. Requests may be received by email or regular mail.

The Archives of the Diocese of Shreveport is the repository for materials relating to the history of the Catholic Church in north Louisiana. This area includes the sixteen civil parishes (counties) of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Carroll, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Union, Webster and West Carroll. The sacramental records program of diocesan archives maintains a centralized copy of Catholic baptisms, marriages, and burials that are 72 years old or older with the earliest records dated 1856.

Diocese of Alexandria
4400 Coliseum Boulevard
Alexandria, LA 71303
Phone: (318) 445-2401
Fax: (318) 448-6121

Services provided by the Diocesan Archives Office

The Archives hold an extensive microfilm collection, old sacramental records, photograph collections, special individual collections, papers of the bishops, biographies of the bishops, documentation and photographs chronicaling parish histories and rare documents and books. The records are preserved through microfilm, mechanical copy, manuscripts, originals and digitally. Most of the early records are in French or Spanish. Microfilms and original books of sacramental records date back to: Avoyelles--beginning 1796; Natchitoches--beginning 1734; Rapides--no records available prior to 1895.

The diocese includes the parishes of: Avoyelles, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Rapides, Tensas, Vernon and Winn.^[2]

Diocese of Baton Rouge Archives
1800 South Acadian Thruway
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (504) 387-0561
Fax: (504) 336-8789

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2028
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028
This diocese has collected all parish registers in its area and indexed them.

The diocese includes the parishes of: Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, Tangipahoa, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana.^[2]

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Archives
205 Audubon Avenue
Thibodaux, LA 70301
Phone: (985) 446-2383
E-Mail: kallemand@htdiocese.org

The archives are open to the public for research. Records are considered public that are older than 100 years.
The diocese includes the parishes of: Assumption, LaFourche, St. Martin, St. Mary and Terrebonne.^[2]

Diocese of Lafayette Archives
1408 Carmel Dr.
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: (337) 261-5652

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 3387
Lafayette, LA 70502-3387

Please forward inquiries via email: bdejean@diolaf.org / cbrunet@diolaf.org

The diocese includes the parishes of: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion.^[2]

Diocese of Lake Charles
414 Iris Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: (337) 439-7400
All records are maintained at the parish level.
The diocese includes the parishes of: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis.^[2]

Methodist

Centenary College of Louisiana
Magale Library, Cline Room
Shreveport, LA 71134-1188
Phone: (318) 869-5170
Fax: (318) 869-5004

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 41188
Shreveport, LA 71134-1188

The archives only has records for closed and abandoned churches. For existing churches, contact the local parish.

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
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

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

↑ Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). FS Library Book 973 K2ah.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 ^2.4 ^2.5 Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America, Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.

[1] Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). FS Library Book 973 K2ah.

[rome-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 ^2.4 ^2.5 Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America, Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-''[[United States|United States&nbsp;]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] &nbsp;[[Louisiana Genealogy|Louisiana&nbsp;]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Louisiana_Church_Records|Church Records]]''
+{{LA-sidebar}}
+{{breadcrumb
+| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
+| link2=[[United States Church Records|U.S. Church Records]]
+| link3=[[Louisiana, United States Genealogy|Louisiana]]
+| link4=
+| link5=[[Louisiana Church Records|Church Records]]
+}}
-{{Adoption LAGenWeb}}Before statehood in 1812 the [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholic Church]] was dominant in Louisiana. Few Protestant churches flourished. From 1812 to 1900, the largest religious groups in Louisiana were the [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholic]], [[Baptist Church in the United States|Baptist]], [[Methodist Church in the United States|Methodist]], [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]], and [[Lutheran Church in the United States|Lutheran]] 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>
+<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==
+Before statehood in 1812 the [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholic Church]] was dominant in Louisiana. Few Protestant churches flourished. From 1812 to 1900, the largest religious groups in Louisiana were the [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']], [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptist''']], [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist''']], [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|'''Presbyterian''']], and [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutheran''']] 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>The earliest church records were Roman Catholic marriage records that began in 1720 and baptism records that began in 1729. Most records are kept at the local churches. The {{FHL|358653|subject_id|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}} has a small collection of Louisiana church records, including Roman Catholic and Baptist sources. Also see the 45 volumes of civil and church records from southern and southwestern Louisiana published by Donald J. Hebert <ref>Hebert, Donald J. ''South Louisiana Records''. 12 vols. Cecilia, La.: D.J. Hebert, 1978-1985. {{FHL|46453|item|disp=FHL Fiche 6010588; FHL Book 976.3 K2he}}, vols. 1-12.</ref>This includes records of 1794 to 1905.
+==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]]
+|}
-Guides to help you locate Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish records are:
+==Finding the Records==
+===Look for online records.===
-*Hebert, Donald J. ''A Guide to Church Records in Louisiana, 1720-1975''. Eunice, Louisiana.: D. J. Hebert, 1975. {{FHL|338784|item|disp=FHL Fiche 6051420 or 6010583, Book 976.3 K23h}}
+<br>
-*''Guide to Vital Statistics Records of Church Archives in Louisiana''. New Orleans, Louisiana: Louisiana State Board of Health, 1942. {{FHL|150031|item|disp=FHL film 1305374 items 2-3, fiche 6051101, Book 976.3 V2w}}
-You can also write to the following addresses to learn where their records are located:
+{|
+|-
+|
+[[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!
+|}
+*'''1695-1954''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 U.S., French Catholic Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1695-1954], index, incomplete ($).
+*'''1720-1734''' [http://anom.archivesnationales.culture.gouv.fr/caomec2/recherche.php?territoire=LOUISIANE Louisiana (French) Civil Registration and Parish Registers, 1720-1734], index and images.
+*'''1836-1938''' {{RecordSearch|2790251|Louisiana Church Records, 1836-1938}} - index and some images, incomplete - [[Louisiana, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/340561 Collection of Louisiana early court and church records, DAR]
+<br>
-=== Roman Catholic  ===
+*'''1796-1900''' [http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/orleans/birth-alpha.htm Alphabetical Birth Indexes for Orleans Parishes 1796 - 1900]
+*'''1811-1830; 1854-1934''' {{RecordSearch|1674847|Louisiana, births and christenings, 1811-1830; 1854-1934}} - index, incomplete. - [[Louisiana Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
+*[http://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/LocateHistoricalRecords/Pages/LouisianaBirthRecords.aspx Louisiana Birth Records].
+*'''1718-1925, 1946-1961''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7837/ Louisiana, Compiled Marriage Index, 1718-1925, 1946-1961], index, incomplete. ($)
+*'''1720-1733''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=48051 The New Orleans French, 1720-1733] ($)
+<br>
+*'''1718-1925''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7837 Louisiana Marriages, 1718-1925] Index only ($)
+*'''1728-1850''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2090/ Louisiana, Compiled Marriages, 1728-1850], index, incomplete ($).
+*'''1816-1906''' {{RecordSearch|1674881|Louisiana, marriages, 1816-1906}} - index, incomplete. - [[Louisiana Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
+*'''1837-1957''' {{RecordSearch|1807364|Louisiana, parish marriages, 1837-1957}} - index, incomplete. - [[Louisiana, Parish Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
+*'''1851-1900''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/5228/ Louisiana, Compiled Marriage Records, 1851-1900], index, incomplete ($).
+*[http://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/LocateHistoricalRecords/Pages/OrleansParishMarriageRecords.aspx Orleans Parish Marriage Records].
+<br>
-[http://www.diocesealex.org/archives Diocese of Alexandria]<br>4400 Coliseum Boulevard<br>Alexandria, LA 71303<br>Phone: (318) 445-2401<br>Fax: (318) 448-6121
+*'''1840-1906''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2553 Southwest Louisiana, Deaths Index, 1840-1906] Index only ($)
+*'''1850-1875; 1894-1956''' {{RecordSearch|1609793|Louisiana, Deaths Index, 1850-1875, 1894-1956}} Index only. - [[Louisiana Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
+====Catholic====
+*[https://nolacatholic.org/church-records '''Digitized Sacramental Records Online, Archdiocese of New Orleans''']
+====Presbyterian====
+*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images ($). Incomplete.
-The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Avoyelles]], [[Caldwell Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Caldwell]], [[Catahoula Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Catahoula]], [[Concordia Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Concordia]], [[Franklin Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Grant Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Grant]], [[LaSalle Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|LaSalle]], [[Madison Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Madison]], [[Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Natchitoches]], [[Rapides Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Rapides]], [[Tensas Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Tensas]], [[Vernon Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Vernon]] and [[Winn Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Winn]].<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>
+===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://www.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=37&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Louisiana%22&subjectsOpen=358653-50 '''records of United States, Louisiana'''].
+:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Louisiana''' 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, Louisiana [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.
+-----
-[http://www.diobr.org/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=36:archives-documents&Itemid=5 Diocese of Baton Rouge Archives]<br>1800 South Acadian Thruway<br>Baton Rouge, LA 70808<br>Phone: (504) 387-0561<br>Fax: (504) 336-8789
+===Consult available finding aids.===
+'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
+*Hebert, Donald J. ''A Guide to Church Records in Louisiana, 1720-1975''. Eunice, Louisiana.: D. J. Hebert, 1975. {{FSC|338784|item|disp=FS Library Fiche 6051420 or 6010583, Book 976.3 K23h}}
+*''Guide to Vital Statistics Records of Church Archives in Louisiana''. New Orleans, Louisiana: Louisiana State Board of Health, 1942. {{FSC|150031|item|disp=FS Library film 1305374 items 2-3, fiche 6051101, Book 976.3 V2w}} [https://www.worldcat.org/title/guide-to-church-records-in-louisiana-1720-1975/oclc/733695823 WorldCat]
-Mailing Address:<br>P.O. Box 2028<br>Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 <br>
+===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.
-This diocese has collected all parish registers in its area and indexed them. The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Assumption Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Assumption]], [[East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|East Baton Rouge]], [[East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|East Feliciana]], [[Iberville Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Iberville]], [[Livingston Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Livingston]], [[Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Pointe Coupee]], [[St. Helena Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Helena]], [[St. James Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. James]], [[Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Tangipahoa]], [[West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|West Baton Rouge]] and [[West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|West Feliciana]].<ref name="rome" />
+*'''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.
-[http://www.htdiocese.org/archives Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Archives]<br>205 Audubon Avenue<br>Thibodaux, LA 70301<br>Phone: (985) 446-2383 <br> E-Mail: kallemand@htdiocese.org
+===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 diocese includes the parishes of: [[Assumption Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Assumption]], [[Lafourche Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|LaFourche]], [[St. Martin Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Martin]], [[St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Mary]] and [[Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Terrebonne]].<ref name="rome" />
+<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>
-[http://www.diolaf.org/ Diocese of Lafayette]<br>1408 Carmel Dr.<br>Lafayette, LA 70501<br>Phone: (337) 261-5652
+====Baptist====
+*'''1750-1899''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62267/ U.S., Southern Baptist Church Records, 1750-1899] at Ancestry - index & images ($)
+====Lutheran====
+[http://www.swtsynod.org/article248479.htm '''ELCA Region4-South Archives''']<br>
+Oestreich Dr.<br>
+Seguin, TX 78155<br>
-Mailing address:&nbsp;
+Phone:(830) 379-9900<br>
+E-mail: archives@swtsynod.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.''']]
+----
-P.O. Box 3387<br>Lafayette, LA 70502-3387
+====Roman Catholic====
-The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Acadia Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Acadia]], [[Evangeline Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Evangeline]], [[Iberia Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Iberia]], [[Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Lafayette]], [[St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Landry]], [[St. Martin Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Martin]], [[St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Mary]] and [[Vermilion Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Vermilion]].<ref name="rome" />
+The earliest church records were Roman Catholic marriage records that began in 1720 and baptism records that began in 1729. Most records are kept at the local churches.<br>
+====='''The Drouin Collection'''=====
-[http://live.lcdiocese.org/administration/43-offices-and-agencies/37-deacon-george-stearns.html Diocese of Lake Charles Archives]<br>414 Iris Street<br>Lake Charles, LA 70601<br>Phone: (337) 439-7400
+[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 '''Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954'''] ($) (Ancestry). It is the U.S. part of the U.S. and French-Canadian Drouin Collection. For more details see [[The Drouin Collection: Six databases|"The Drouin Collection: Six Databases"]] The types of records include baptisms, marriages, and burials as well as confirmations, dispensations, censuses, statements of readmission to the church, and so on. They are written mainly in French, as well as English, Latin, and Italian.
+=====Catholic Diocese Archives=====
-The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Allen Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Allen]], [[Beauregard Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Beauregard]], [[Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Calcasieu]], [[Cameron Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Cameron]] and [[Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Jefferson Davis]].<ref name="rome" />
+[https://nolacatholic.org/archives '''Archdiocese of New Orleans Archives''']<br>7887 Walmsley Avenue<br>New Orleans, LA 70125-3496<br>Phone: (504) 861-9521<br>Fax: (504) 866-2906
+*[https://nolacatholic.org/genealogy '''Genealogy Request Instructions''']
-<br>[http://www.archdiocese-no.org/archives/index.php Archdiocese of New Orleans Archives]<br>7887 Walmsley Avenue<br>New Orleans, LA 70125-3496<br>Phone: (504) 861-9521<br>Fax: (504) 866-2906
+**[https://nolacatholic.org/documents/2021/1/Genealogy%20Request%20Form%202021-2.pdf '''Request for Genealogical Information From Sacramental Records''']
+*[https://nolacatholic.org/church-records '''Digitized Sacramental Records Online''']
 The Archdiocese includes the parishes of: [[Orleans Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Orleans]], [[Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Bernard]], [[St. Charles Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Charles]], [[St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. John the Baptist]], [[St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Tammany]], [[Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Plaquemines]] and [[Washington Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Washington]].<ref name="rome" />
+----
+[http://www.dioshpt.org/ministries/archives/ '''Diocese of Shreveport Archives''']<br>3500 Fairfield Avenue<br>Shreveport, LA 71104<br>Phone: (318) 868-4441<br>Email: chancellorsoffice@dioshpt.org
+*[http://www.dioshpt.org/ministries/archives/family-genealogy-research/ '''Family Genealogy Research''']
+**Depending upon the amount of research required, a fee may be charged. Requests may be received by email or regular mail.<br>
+The Archives of the Diocese of Shreveport is the repository for materials relating to the history of the Catholic Church in north Louisiana. This area includes the sixteen civil parishes (counties) of Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Carroll, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Union, Webster and West Carroll. The sacramental records program of diocesan archives maintains a centralized copy of Catholic baptisms, marriages, and burials that are 72 years old or older with the earliest records dated 1856.
+----
+[https://www.diocesealex.org/our-diocese/archives/ '''Diocese of Alexandria''']<br>4400 Coliseum Boulevard<br>Alexandria, LA 71303<br>Phone: (318) 445-2401<br>Fax: (318) 448-6121
+*[https://www.diocesealex.org/our-diocese/archives/ '''Services provided by the Diocesan Archives Office''']
+::The Archives hold an extensive microfilm collection, old sacramental records, photograph collections, special individual collections, papers of the bishops, biographies of the bishops, documentation and photographs chronicaling parish histories and rare documents and books. The records are preserved through microfilm, mechanical copy, manuscripts, originals and digitally. Most of the early records are in French or Spanish. Microfilms and original books of sacramental records date back to: Avoyelles--beginning 1796; Natchitoches--beginning 1734; Rapides--no records available prior to 1895.
+<br>
+:The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Avoyelles]], [[Caldwell Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Caldwell]], [[Catahoula Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Catahoula]], [[Concordia Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Concordia]], [[Franklin Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Grant Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Grant]], [[LaSalle Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|LaSalle]], [[Madison Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Madison]], [[Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Natchitoches]], [[Rapides Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Rapides]], [[Tensas Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Tensas]], [[Vernon Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Vernon]] and [[Winn Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Winn]].<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.diobr.org/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=36:archives-documents&Itemid=5 '''Diocese of Baton Rouge Archives''']<br>1800 South Acadian Thruway<br>Baton Rouge, LA 70808<br>Phone: (504) 387-0561<br>Fax: (504) 336-8789
-[http://www.dioshpt.org/archives/archives.html Archives of the Diocese of Shreveport]<br>3500 Fairfield Avenue<br>Shreveport, LA 71104<br>Phone: (318) 868-4441
+Mailing Address:<br>P.O. Box 2028<br>Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 <br>
+This diocese has collected all parish registers in its area and indexed them.
+*[http://www.diobr.org/phocadownload/Archive/2015_genealogy%20request%20form_fillable.pdf '''Genealogy Records Request Form''']
+*[http://www.diobr.org/phocadownload/Archive/archives%20sacramental%20records%20policy.pdf '''Sacramental Archives Access and Reproduction Policy''']
+<br>
+The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Assumption Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Assumption]], [[East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|East Baton Rouge]], [[East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|East Feliciana]], [[Iberville Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Iberville]], [[Livingston Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Livingston]], [[Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Pointe Coupee]], [[St. Helena Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Helena]], [[St. James Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. James]], [[Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Tangipahoa]], [[West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|West Baton Rouge]] and [[West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|West Feliciana]].<ref name="rome" />
+----
+[http://www.htdiocese.org/archives '''Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Archives''']<br>205 Audubon Avenue<br>Thibodaux, LA 70301<br>Phone: (985) 446-2383 <br> E-Mail: kallemand@htdiocese.org
+*[https://www.htdiocese.org/sacramental-indexes '''Sacramental Indexes''']
+*[https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/12728/documents/2017/2/Archival%20Guidelines.pdf '''Procedures for Access to Sacramental Records''']<br>
+The archives are open to the public for research. Records are considered public that are older than 100 years.
+<br>
+The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Assumption Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Assumption]], [[Lafourche Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|LaFourche]], [[St. Martin Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Martin]], [[St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Mary]] and [[Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Terrebonne]].<ref name="rome" />
+----
+[https://diolaf.org/archives '''Diocese of Lafayette Archives''']<br>1408 Carmel Dr.<br>Lafayette, LA 70501<br>Phone: (337) 261-5652
-The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Bienville Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Bienville]], [[Bossier Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Bossier]], [[Caddo Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Caddo]], [[Claiborne Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Claiborne]], [[DeSoto Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|DeSoto]], [[East Carroll Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|East Carroll]], [[Jackson Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Morehouse Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Morehouse]], [[Ouachita Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Ouachita]], [[Red River Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Red River]], [[Richland Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Richland]], [[Sabine Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Sabine]], [[Union Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Union]], [[Webster Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Webster]] and [[West Carroll Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|West Carroll]].<ref name="rome" />
+Mailing address:<br>
+P.O. Box 3387<br>
+Lafayette, LA 70502-3387<br>
-'''The Drouin Collection'''<br><br> [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954] ($) (Ancestry). This database only contains the French Catholic parish records from the United States in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Pennsylvania. It is the U.S. part of the U.S. and French-Canadian Drouin Collection. For more details see [[The Drouin Collection: Six databases|"The Drouin Collection: Six Databases"]]
+Please forward inquiries via email: bdejean@diolaf.org / cbrunet@diolaf.org <br>
+*[https://diolaf.org/genealogical-research '''Genealogical Research''']<br>
+*[https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/2136/documents/2020/4/GENEALOGICAL%20RESEARCH%20POLICY-ONLINE-1.pdf '''Genealogical Research Policy''']
+<br>
-The types of records include baptisms, marriages, and burials as well as confirmations, dispensations, censuses, statements of readmission to the church, and so on. They are written mainly in French, as well as English, Latin, and Italian.
+The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Acadia Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Acadia]], [[Evangeline Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Evangeline]], [[Iberia Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Iberia]], [[Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Lafayette]], [[St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Landry]], [[St. Martin Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Martin]], [[St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|St. Mary]] and [[Vermilion Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Vermilion]].<ref name="rome" />
+----
-=== Baptist  ===
+[http://www.lcdiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Lake Charles''']<br>414 Iris Street<br>Lake Charles, LA 70601<br>Phone: (337) 439-7400 <br>
+All records are maintained at [http://www.lcdiocese.org/diocesan-parishes '''the parish level.''']<br>
-[http://www.sbhla.org/links.htm Historical Commission]<br>Southern Baptist Convention<br>901 Commerce Street<br>Nashville, TN 37203-3630<br>Phone: (615) 244-0344 <br>Fax: (615) 782-4821
+The diocese includes the parishes of: [[Allen Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Allen]], [[Beauregard Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Beauregard]], [[Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Calcasieu]], [[Cameron Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Cameron]] and [[Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana Genealogy|Jefferson Davis]].<ref name="rome" />
+----
-=== Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)  ===
-Early church records, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for Louisiana Wards and Branches can be found on film and are located at the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The film numbers, for each ward, can be locate through the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog FamilySearch Catalog]-place search for the local congreation&nbsp;. Or you may find records by refering to Jaussi, Laureen R., and Gloria D. Chaston. Register of Genealogical Society Call Numbers. 2 vols. Provo, Utah: Genealogy Tree, 1982. {{FHL|78572|item|disp=FHL Fiche 6031507, Book 289.3 J327r}} These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple record films.
+===Methodist===
-=== Methodist  ===
+[https://www.centenary.edu/campus-community/archives/louisianamethodist/ '''Centenary College of Louisiana''']<br>Magale Library, Cline Room<br>Shreveport, LA 71134-1188<br>Phone: (318) 869-5170<br>Fax: (318) 869-5004
-[http://www.centenary.edu/ Centenary College of Louisiana]<br>Magale Library, Cline Room<br>Shreveport, LA 71134-1188<br>Phone: (318) 869-5170<br>Fax: (318) 869-5004
+Mailing Address:<br>P.O. Box 41188<br>Shreveport, LA 71134-1188
+*The archives only has records for closed and abandoned churches. For existing churches, contact the local parish.
-Mailing Address:<br>P.O. Box 41188<br>Shreveport, LA 71134-1188
+===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>
-=== Lutheran  ===
+==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>
-University of New Orleans<br>[http://library.uno.edu/ Earl K. Long Library—Archives and Manuscripts Division]<br>Lake Front<br>New Orleans, LA 70148<br>Phone: (504) 286-6556<br>Fax: (504) 286-7277<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>
-'''Wiki articles describing online collections are found at:'''
+[[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'''.]]
-*[[Louisiana Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Louisians Births and Christenings (FamilySearch Historical Records)]]
-*[[Louisiana Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Louisiana Marriages (FamilySearch Historical Records]]
-== References  ==
+===References===
 <references />
@@ Line 81: / Line 221: @@
 {{Louisiana|Louisiana}} {{USChurch}}
-[[Category:Louisiana, United States|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]
+[[Category:Louisiana, United States|Church]]
+[[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]