Michigan Church Records: Difference between revisions

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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==
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Before 1900, the largest religious groups in Michigan were the '''[[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodist''']], [[Baptist Church in the United States|'''Baptist''']], [[Lutheran Church in the United States|'''Lutheran''']], and [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholic''']] 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 Roman Catholic Church was the only organized religion in Michigan until the 19th century, reflecting the territory's French colonial roots. The Lutheran Church was introduced by German and Scandinavian immigrants; Lutheranism is the second largest religious denomination in the state.  In West Michigan, Dutch immigrants fled from the specter of religious persecution and famine in the Netherlands around 1850 and settled in and around what is now Holland, Michigan, establishing a "colony" on American soil that fervently held onto Calvinist doctrine that established a significant presence of Reformed churches.<ref> "Michigan: Religion" in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan#Religion. Accessed 8 July 2020. </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:
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*[[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]]
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*[[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]]
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
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=== Online Resources ===
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===


*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 U.S., French Catholic Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1695-1954], ($), index<br><br>
<br>


Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Michigan were the Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic churches. Information about early churches, ministers, and circuits is in published histories of some of the churches of Michigan.<ref>Sydney E. Ahlstrom, ''A Religious History of the American People'' (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). {{FHL|282712|item|disp=FHL Book 973 K2ah}}.</ref>
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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====
*'''1819-1991''' {{RecordSearch|2787825|Michigan, Church Records, 1819-1991}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1775-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1675348|Michigan, Births and Christenings, 1775-1995}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1822-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1675359|Michigan, Marriages, 1822-1995}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1865-1931''' {{RecordSearch|2515887|Michigan, Church Marriages, 1865-1931}} at FamilySearch - [[Michigan Church Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images
*'''1800-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1675357|Michigan, Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995}} at FamilySearch  - [[Michigan Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


The availability of Michigan church records is described in the Summer 1973 issue of Family Trails (see the "[[Michigan Periodicals|Periodicals]]" section). Other inventories of the church archives of several denominations, such as the Protestant Episcopal and Evangelical, have been published and are at the Family History Library.
====Ancestry.com Indexes====
*'''1695-1954''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 U.S., French Catholic Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1695-1954]($), index<br><br>
*'''1867-1911''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2560 Michigan, Births and Christenings Index, 1867-1911] ($)
*'''1817-1850''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2092 Michigan Marriages 1817 to 1850] Index only ($)
*'''1867-1995''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2549 Michigan, Deaths and Burials Index, 1867-1995] ($)
*'''1909-1915''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62187/ New York, U.S., Frank S. Rowland Church Register, 1889-1917] at Ancestry - images ($)


The Michigan Historical Records Survey, WPA, completed a series of denominational record lists called Inventory of the Church Archives of Michigan. Check for these records in the Place Search of the FamilySearch Catalog under:
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)


MICHIGAN - CHURCH RECORDS - INVENTORIES, REGISTERS, CATALOGS.  
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1800-1947''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61584/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Swedish American Church Records, 1800-1947], index and images, incomplete.($)


The library also has copies of a few small collections of original Michigan church records. Some original manuscripts and published abstracts are also in the Bentley Historical Collection at the University of Michigan (see[[Michigan Archives and Libraries|Michigan Archives and Libraries]] for the address).
====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1639-1989''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6961/ U.S., Dutch Reformed Church Records in Selected States, 1639-1989], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1701-1995''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60766/ U.S., Selected States Dutch Reformed Church Membership Records, 1701-1995], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)


Many denominations have gathered their records into central repositories. You can write to the following addresses to learn where their records are located:
====Other Collections====


=== Baptist  ===
*[http://data.wmgs.org/ChurchRecords/FMPro?-db=Orders&-lay=ChurchRecordsOrders&-format=search.htm&-New West Michigan Church Records Database]. Incomplete. Index to Church Records at the Grand Rapids Public Library. This index is for indexes and records of churches in the Western Michigan area, particularly the counties of Kent and Ottawa. Other counties include Muskegon, Allegan, Ionia, Newaygo, Oceana and etc.


'''Kalamazoo College'''<br>Upjohn Library<br>1200 Academy Street<br>Kalamazoo, MI 49006<br>Phone: (616) 337-7153<br>Fax: (616) 337-7143<br>
===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=17&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Michigan%22 '''records of United States, Michigan'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Michigan''' 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, Michigan [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.
-----


=== Christian Reformed Church in North America ===
===Consult available finding aids.===
'''Calvin College'''<br>[http://library.calvin.edu/guide/collections/hh/ Heritage Hall]<br>1855 Knollcrest Circle SE<br>Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4402<br>Phone: 616.526.6313<br>fax: 616.526.7689<br>crcarchives@calvin.edu<br>


=== Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)  ===
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/214082-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Michigan Conference], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/492123-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Church of the Nazarene, Michigan District Assembly], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/476741-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Churches of God, Michigan Assemblies], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/611132-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Evangelical and Reformed Church], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/489288-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Evangelical Church, Michigan Conference], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/613737-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Pilgrim Holiness Church, Michigan District], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/441977-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Presbyterian Church in U.S.A., Presbytery of Detroit], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/291269-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Presbyterian Church in U.S.A., Presbytery of Flint], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/499217-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Protestant Episcopal bodies, diocese of Michigan], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/459917-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Protestant Episcopal Church, diocese of Michigan], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/484266-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Protestant Episcopal Church, diocese of northern Michigan], e-book
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/481203-redirection Inventory of the church archives of Michigan, Salvation Army in Michigan], e-book
*The [http://mimgc.org/index.html Michigan Genealogical Council] has published '''''Guide to the Michigan Genealogical and Historical Collections at the Library of Michigan and the State Archives of Michigan.''''' The book is also available at the {{FSC|764051|item|disp=FS Library film 2055576 item 9; book 977.4 A3g}} both in book and microfilm.
*[https://cache.kzoo.edu/handle/10920/6354 Calendar of the Baptist Collection of Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan.] Prepared by the Michigan Historical Records Survey Project, Division of Professional and Service Projects, Work Projects Administration.
----


Early church records, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for&nbsp;Michigan 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] . Or by refering to Jaussi, Laureen R., and Gloria D. Chaston. Register of Genealogical Society Call Numbers. 2 vols. Provo, Utah: Genealogy Tree, 1982. {{FHL|129780|item|disp=FHL fiche 6031507; book 979.2258 A3j}}. These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple record films.  
===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.


=== Jewish ===
===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>
====Western Michigan Genealogical Society====
[http://www.wmgs.org/ '''Western Michigan Genealogical Society''']<br>
c/o Grand Rapids Public Library<br>
111 Library Street NE<br>
Grand Rapids, MI  49503-3268<br>
E-mail: wmgs@wmgs.org<br>


*[http://michjewishhistory.org/pdfs/vol10-1.pdf Michigan Jewish History]
*[http://data.wmgs.org/ChurchRecords/ West Michigan Church Records Database]
*[http://data.wmgs.org/ChurchRecords/FMPro?-db=Orders&-lay=ChurchRecordsOrders&-format=search.htm&-New Search the West Michigan Church Records Database] '''Incomplete.''' Index to Church Records at the Grand Rapids Public Library. This index is for indexes and records of churches in the Western Michigan area, particularly the counties of Kent and Ottawa. Other counties include Muskegon, Allegan, Ionia, Newaygo, Oceana and etc.
----
====American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library====
[https://acgs.org/research/ '''American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library''']<br>
1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N<br>
Manchester, New Hampshire 03103<br>
<br>
Tel: (603) 622-1554<br>
*[https://acgs.org/research/services/ '''Research Services''']
*[https://acgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ACGS-Library-Holdings-Parish-Repertoires-and-Vital-Records.pdf '''Library Holdings Parish Repertoires and Vital Records''']


=== Lutheran  ===
====Baptist====


[http://www.elca.org/ Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA Archives)]<br>8765 West Higgins Road<br>Chicago, IL 60631-4198<br>Phone: (312) 380-2818<br>Fax: (312)<u></u>-380-2977<br>E-mail Address: [mailto:archives@elca.org archives@elca.org] <br>('''Note:''' Please include a mailing address when using the E-mail address.)
[https://archives.kzoo.edu/baptist-collection/ '''Kalamazoo College''']<br>Upjohn Library<br>1200 Academy Street<br>Kalamazoo, MI 49006<br>Phone: (616) 337-7153<br>Fax: (616) 337-7143<br>
*[https://cache.kzoo.edu/handle/10920/6354 Calendar of the Baptist Collection of Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan.] Prepared by the Michigan Historical Records Survey Project, Division of Professional and Service Projects, Work Projects Administration.
::The material housed in the Archives is not genealogical in nature '''(very few records from individual churches, etc.)'''. One exception to that is obituaries of prominent Baptist clergy, which were sometimes published in the minutes of the Michigan Baptist Convention.


The records of Evangelical Lutheran churches in the United States that have been disbanded are located at the ELCA Archives in Chicago. If a church is still active, they will be able to help you locate their records.  
====Christian Reformed Church in North America====
[https://library.calvin.edu/guide/collections/hh/crc_archives '''The Hekman Library''']<br>Heritage Hall<br>1855 Knollcrest Circle SE<br>Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4402<br>Phone: 616.526.6313<br>Fax: 616.526.7689<br>E-mail: crcarchives@calvin.edu<br>
*[https://library.calvin.edu/guide/collections/hh/crc_archives '''Archives of the Christian Reformed Church in North America: Historical (Closed) Church Records--Family Information''']
::In 1962 the Historical Committee of the Christian Reformed Church was instructed by Synod to collect the records of local, active congregations and microfilm their minutes (council, elders, deacons, the executive committee and the congregation), returning the originals to the congregation, so that a back-up set of records was available to local congregations should anything happen to their original set. The microfilm is stored in our vault, and the originals are returned to the congregation sending them.


The ELCA Archives has records of many congregations and those on microfilm can be borrowed for a small fee. A list of church records in its collection is given in:  
===Lutheran===
'''For Upper Michigan:'''<br>
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America<br>
[https://www.wartburgseminary.edu/archives/wartburg-archives/ '''Wartburg Theological Seminary''']<br>333 Wartburg Place<br>Dubuque, IA 52001<br>Phone: (563) 589-0200 Fax: (563) 589-0333


ALC Archives. ''ALC Congregations on Microfilm''. Dubuque, Iowa: The Archives, [197-?]. {{FHL|269930|item|disp=FHL fiche 6330690–93}}.Arranged by state and city of congregation. Fiche 6330690 includes Michigan. The ALC Archives are now part of the ELCA Archives.  
The Wartburg Theological Seminary has Lutheran records from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and upper Michigan. The WTS Archives also contain the documents of the German Lutheran Synod of Iowa, 1854-1930 and the records of antecedent bodies of the ELCA Region 5. Many of the records in this repository can be borrowed for a small fee.
*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.''']]
----
'''For Lower Michigan:'''<br>
[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>
<br>
Phone: (614) 236-6855<br>
E-mail: reg6archives@capital.edu<br>
*Archives hold records for '''closed churches.'''  '''For open churches write directly to [[Lutheran Church in the United States#Correspond with or visit the actual churches.|the local church.''']]


=== Methodist  ===


[http://umcarchives.adrian.edu/ Shipman Library<br>Adrian College]<br>110 South Madison Street<br>Adrian, MI 49221<br>Phone: (517) 265-5161<br>Fax: (517) 264-3331 <br>  
====Methodist====
[http://umcarchives.adrian.edu/ '''Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church Archives''']<br>
Shipman Library, Adrian College]<br>110 South Madison Street<br>Adrian, MI 49221<br>Phone: (517) 265-5161<br>Fax: (517) 264-3331 <br>


=== Roman Catholic  ===
:The archives maintain the records created by the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church (and the former Detroit and West Michigan Conferences) and its member churches
:*[http://umcarchives.adrian.edu/chfa.php '''Finding Aids--Local Churches''']


[http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/AODOnline.htm Archdiocese of Detroit]<br>1234 Washington Boulevard <br>Detroit, MI 48226<br>Phone: (313) 237-5800<br>Fax: (313) 237-4642
====Roman Catholic====
=====Drouin Collection=====
[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1111 '''Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954'''] ($) (Ancestry). This database contains the French Catholic parish records from Michigan. 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. <br>


=====Diocesan Archives=====
[https://www.aod.org/office-of-archives '''Archdiocese of Detroit Archives''']<br>1234 Washington Boulevard <br>Detroit, MI 48226<br>Phone: (313) 237-5800<br>Fax: (313) 237-4642
*[https://info.aod.org/hc/en-us/articles/360037640274-Closed-Parishes '''Location of Records for Closed Parishes''']
*[https://info.aod.org/hc/en-us/articles/360039229333-Find-Your-Records '''Find Your Records''']
*[https://directory.aod.org/#/parishes '''Contact the parish'''] if the parish where your sacrament was celebrated is open (or merged), your records remain in their care.
The Archdiocese includes the counties of: [[Lapeer County, Michigan Genealogy|Lapeer]], [[Macomb County, Michigan Genealogy|Macomb]], [[Monroe County, Michigan Genealogy|Monroe]], [[Oakland County, Michigan Genealogy|Oakland]], [[St. Clair County, Michigan Genealogy|St. Clair]] and [[Wayne County, Michigan Genealogy|Wayne]].<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 Archdiocese includes the counties of: [[Lapeer County, Michigan Genealogy|Lapeer]], [[Macomb County, Michigan Genealogy|Macomb]], [[Monroe County, Michigan Genealogy|Monroe]], [[Oakland County, Michigan Genealogy|Oakland]], [[St. Clair County, Michigan Genealogy|St. Clair]] and [[Wayne County, Michigan Genealogy|Wayne]].<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.dioceseofgaylord.org/inside/archives-44/ Diocese of Gaylord]<br>611 W. North Street<br>Gaylord, MI 49735<br>Phone: (989) 732-5147  
[http://www.dioceseofgaylord.org/inside/archives-44/ '''Diocese of Gaylord Archives''']<br>611 W. North Street<br>Gaylord, MI 49735<br>Phone: (989) 732-5147  
 
*[http://www.dioceseofgaylord.org/parish-sacramental-records-62/ '''Rules of Access for Parish Sacramental Records'''] This includes a list of closed parishes and where their records are located. The sacramental records of all parishes are retained and maintained in the individual parishes. The priest or pastoral administrator or designee will obtain the information from the records, issue a certificate if desired or provide the information sought.
*[http://www.dioceseofgaylord.org/parishes-804/ '''Contact the local parish'''] to request records.
<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Alcona County, Michigan Genealogy|Alcona]], [[Alpena County, Michigan Genealogy|Alpena]], [[Antrim County, Michigan Genealogy|Antrim]], [[Benzie County, Michigan Genealogy|Benzie]], [[Charlevoix County, Michigan Genealogy|Charlevoix]], [[Cheboygan County, Michigan Genealogy|Cheboygan]], [[Crawford County, Michigan Genealogy|Crawford]], [[Emmet County, Michigan Genealogy|Emmet]], [[Grand Traverse County, Michigan Genealogy|Grand Traverse]], [[Iosco County, Michigan Genealogy|Iosco]], [[Kalkaska County, Michigan Genealogy|Kalkaska]], [[Leelanau County, Michigan Genealogy|Leelanau]], [[Manistee County, Michigan Genealogy|Manistee]], [[Missaukee County, Michigan Genealogy|Missaukee]], [[Montmorency County, Michigan Genealogy|Montmorency]], [[Ogemaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Ogemaw]], [[Oscoda County, Michigan Genealogy|Oscoda]], [[Otsego County, Michigan Genealogy|Otsego]], [[Presque Isle County, Michigan Genealogy|Presque Isle]], [[Roscommon County, Michigan Genealogy|Roscommon]] and [[Wexford County, Michigan Genealogy|Wexford]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Alcona County, Michigan Genealogy|Alcona]], [[Alpena County, Michigan Genealogy|Alpena]], [[Antrim County, Michigan Genealogy|Antrim]], [[Benzie County, Michigan Genealogy|Benzie]], [[Charlevoix County, Michigan Genealogy|Charlevoix]], [[Cheboygan County, Michigan Genealogy|Cheboygan]], [[Crawford County, Michigan Genealogy|Crawford]], [[Emmet County, Michigan Genealogy|Emmet]], [[Grand Traverse County, Michigan Genealogy|Grand Traverse]], [[Iosco County, Michigan Genealogy|Iosco]], [[Kalkaska County, Michigan Genealogy|Kalkaska]], [[Leelanau County, Michigan Genealogy|Leelanau]], [[Manistee County, Michigan Genealogy|Manistee]], [[Missaukee County, Michigan Genealogy|Missaukee]], [[Montmorency County, Michigan Genealogy|Montmorency]], [[Ogemaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Ogemaw]], [[Oscoda County, Michigan Genealogy|Oscoda]], [[Otsego County, Michigan Genealogy|Otsego]], [[Presque Isle County, Michigan Genealogy|Presque Isle]], [[Roscommon County, Michigan Genealogy|Roscommon]] and [[Wexford County, Michigan Genealogy|Wexford]].<ref name="rome" />  
 
----
[http://www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org/our_diocese/about_the_diocese/pages/archives.aspx Diocese of Grand Rapids]<br>660 Burton Street S.E.<br>Grand Rapids. MI 4950<br>Phone: (616) 243-0491<br>Fax: (616) 243-4910  
[https://grdiocese.org/diocese/archives/ '''Diocese of Grand Rapids Archives''']<br>660 Burton Street S.E.<br>Grand Rapids. MI 4950<br>Phone: (616) 243-0491<br>Fax: (616) 243-4910  
 
*[https://grdiocese.org/team/father-phillip-sliwinski/ '''Contact the Staff''']<br>
*Records should be requested from [https://grdiocese.org/parishes/ '''the local parish.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Ionia County, Michigan Genealogy|Ionia]], [[Kent County, Michigan Genealogy|Kent]], [[Lake County, Michigan Genealogy|Lake]], [[Mason County, Michigan Genealogy|Mason]], [[Mecosta County, Michigan Genealogy|Mecosta]], [[Montcalm County, Michigan Genealogy|Montcalm]], [[Muskegon County, Michigan Genealogy|Muskegon]], [[Newaygo County, Michigan Genealogy|Newaygo]], [[Oceana County, Michigan Genealogy|Oceana]], [[Osceola County, Michigan Genealogy|Osceola]] and [[Ottawa County, Michigan Genealogy|Ottawa]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Ionia County, Michigan Genealogy|Ionia]], [[Kent County, Michigan Genealogy|Kent]], [[Lake County, Michigan Genealogy|Lake]], [[Mason County, Michigan Genealogy|Mason]], [[Mecosta County, Michigan Genealogy|Mecosta]], [[Montcalm County, Michigan Genealogy|Montcalm]], [[Muskegon County, Michigan Genealogy|Muskegon]], [[Newaygo County, Michigan Genealogy|Newaygo]], [[Oceana County, Michigan Genealogy|Oceana]], [[Osceola County, Michigan Genealogy|Osceola]] and [[Ottawa County, Michigan Genealogy|Ottawa]].<ref name="rome" />  
 
----
[http://www.dioceseofkalamazoo.org/ Diocese of Kalamazoo]<br>215 N. Westnedge Ave.<br>Kalamazoo, MI 49007<br>Phone: (269) 349-8714  
[http://www.dioceseofkalamazoo.org/ '''Diocese of Kalamazoo Archives''']<br>215 N. Westnedge Ave.<br>Kalamazoo, MI 49007<br>Phone: (269) 349-8714  
 
*Records should be requested from [https://www.dioceseofkalamazoo.org/parishfinder '''the local parish.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Allegan County, Michigan Genealogy|Allegan]], [[Barry County, Michigan Genealogy|Barry]], [[Berrien County, Michigan Genealogy|Berrien]], [[Branch County, Michigan Genealogy|Branch]], [[Calhoun County, Michigan Genealogy|Calhoun]], [[Cass County, Michigan Genealogy|Cass]], [[Kalamazoo County, Michigan Genealogy|Kalamazoo]], [[St. Joseph County, Michigan Genealogy|St. Joseph]] and [[Van Buren County, Michigan Genealogy|Van Buren]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Allegan County, Michigan Genealogy|Allegan]], [[Barry County, Michigan Genealogy|Barry]], [[Berrien County, Michigan Genealogy|Berrien]], [[Branch County, Michigan Genealogy|Branch]], [[Calhoun County, Michigan Genealogy|Calhoun]], [[Cass County, Michigan Genealogy|Cass]], [[Kalamazoo County, Michigan Genealogy|Kalamazoo]], [[St. Joseph County, Michigan Genealogy|St. Joseph]] and [[Van Buren County, Michigan Genealogy|Van Buren]].<ref name="rome" />  
 
----
[http://www.dioceseoflansing.org/archives/ Diocese of Lansing]<br>300 West Ottawa<br>Lansing, MI 48933<br>Phone: (517) 342-2440<br>Fax: (517) 343-2515  
[https://dioceseoflansing.org/ '''Diocese of Lansing Archives''']<br>300 West Ottawa<br>Lansing, MI 48933<br>Phone: (517) 342-2440<br>Fax: (517) 343-2515  
 
*Records should be requested from [https://dioceseoflansing.org/find-a-parish '''the local parish.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Clinton County, Michigan Genealogy|Clinton]], [[Eaton County, Michigan Genealogy|Eaton]], [[Genesee County, Michigan Genealogy|Genesee]], [[Hillsdale County, Michigan Genealogy|Hillsdale]], [[Ingham County, Michigan Genealogy|Ingham]], [[Jackson County, Michigan Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Lenawee County, Michigan Genealogy|Lenawee]], [[Livingston County, Michigan Genealogy|Livingston]], [[Shiawassee County, Michigan Genealogy|Shiawassee]] and [[Washtenaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Washtenaw]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Clinton County, Michigan Genealogy|Clinton]], [[Eaton County, Michigan Genealogy|Eaton]], [[Genesee County, Michigan Genealogy|Genesee]], [[Hillsdale County, Michigan Genealogy|Hillsdale]], [[Ingham County, Michigan Genealogy|Ingham]], [[Jackson County, Michigan Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Lenawee County, Michigan Genealogy|Lenawee]], [[Livingston County, Michigan Genealogy|Livingston]], [[Shiawassee County, Michigan Genealogy|Shiawassee]] and [[Washtenaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Washtenaw]].<ref name="rome" />  
 
----
[http://www.dioceseofmarquette.org/ Diocese of Marquette]<br>444 South Fourth Street<br>P.O. Box 550<br>Marquette, MI 49855<br>Phone: (906) 225-1141<br>Fax: (906) 225-0437  
[http://www.dioceseofmarquette.org/ '''Diocese of Marquette Archiives''']<br>444 South Fourth Street<br>P.O. Box 550<br>Marquette, MI 49855<br>Phone: (906) 225-1141<br>Fax: (906) 225-0437  
 
*Records should be requested from [https://www.dioceseofmarquette.org/map '''the local parish.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Alger County, Michigan Genealogy|Alger]], [[Baraga County, Michigan Genealogy|Baraga]], [[Chippewa County, Michigan Genealogy|Chippewa]], [[Delta County, Michigan Genealogy|Delta]], [[Dickinson County, Michigan Genealogy|Dickinson]], [[Gogebic County, Michigan Genealogy|Gogebic]], [[Houghton County, Michigan Genealogy|Houghton]], [[Iron County, Michigan Genealogy|Iron]], [[Keweenaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Keweenaw]], [[Luce County, Michigan Genealogy|Luce]], [[Mackinac County, Michigan Genealogy|Mackinac]], [[Marquette County, Michigan Genealogy|Marquette]], [[Menominee County, Michigan Genealogy|Menominee]], [[Ontonagon County, Michigan Genealogy|Ontonagon]] and [[Schoolcraft County, Michigan Genealogy|Schoolcraft]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Alger County, Michigan Genealogy|Alger]], [[Baraga County, Michigan Genealogy|Baraga]], [[Chippewa County, Michigan Genealogy|Chippewa]], [[Delta County, Michigan Genealogy|Delta]], [[Dickinson County, Michigan Genealogy|Dickinson]], [[Gogebic County, Michigan Genealogy|Gogebic]], [[Houghton County, Michigan Genealogy|Houghton]], [[Iron County, Michigan Genealogy|Iron]], [[Keweenaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Keweenaw]], [[Luce County, Michigan Genealogy|Luce]], [[Mackinac County, Michigan Genealogy|Mackinac]], [[Marquette County, Michigan Genealogy|Marquette]], [[Menominee County, Michigan Genealogy|Menominee]], [[Ontonagon County, Michigan Genealogy|Ontonagon]] and [[Schoolcraft County, Michigan Genealogy|Schoolcraft]].<ref name="rome" />  
 
----
[http://www.saginaw.org/ Diocese of Saginaw]<br>5800 Weiss Street<br>Saginaw, MI 48603-2799<br>Phone: (517) 799-7910<br>Fax: (517) 797-6670  
[http://www.saginaw.org/ '''Diocese of Saginaw Archives''']<br>5800 Weiss Street<br>Saginaw, MI 48603-2799<br>Phone: (517) 799-7910<br>Fax: (517) 797-6670  
 
*Records should be requested from [https://saginaw.org/churches '''the local parish.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Arenac County, Michigan Genealogy|Arenac]], [[Bay County, Michigan Genealogy|Bay]], [[Clare County, Michigan Genealogy|Clare]], [[Gladwin County, Michigan Genealogy|Gladwin]], [[Gratiot County, Michigan Genealogy|Gratiot]], [[Huron County, Michigan Genealogy|Huron]], [[Isabella County, Michigan Genealogy|Isabella]], [[Midland County, Michigan Genealogy|Midland]], [[Saginaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Saginaw]], [[Sanilac County, Michigan Genealogy|Sanilac]] and [[Tuscola County, Michigan Genealogy|Tuscola]].<ref name="rome" />  
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Arenac County, Michigan Genealogy|Arenac]], [[Bay County, Michigan Genealogy|Bay]], [[Clare County, Michigan Genealogy|Clare]], [[Gladwin County, Michigan Genealogy|Gladwin]], [[Gratiot County, Michigan Genealogy|Gratiot]], [[Huron County, Michigan Genealogy|Huron]], [[Isabella County, Michigan Genealogy|Isabella]], [[Midland County, Michigan Genealogy|Midland]], [[Saginaw County, Michigan Genealogy|Saginaw]], [[Sanilac County, Michigan Genealogy|Sanilac]] and [[Tuscola County, Michigan Genealogy|Tuscola]].<ref name="rome" />  


'''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"]]


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. <br>


For information concerning Catholic records, see:  
{{Template:Pros-MI}}


*''Inventory of the Church Archives of Michigan, The Roman Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Detroit''. Detroit, Michigan: Michigan Historical Records Survey, 1941. {{FHL|268551|item|disp=FHL film 962282 item 1; fiche 6051290; book 977.4 K2hca}}<br><!--{12085458477010} -->
===Correspond with genealogical or historical societies.===
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/1%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&10%2C10%2C The Diocese of Detroit&nbsp;: a paper read at the annual meeting of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, June 8, 1886 / by the Rev. Frank A. O'Brien.]<br>
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:  
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/1%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&12%2C12%2C Seasons of faith&nbsp;: a walk through the history of the Roman Catholic diocese of Marquette 1900-2000 / by Angela S. Johnson.]<br>
<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/1%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&13%2C13%2C Living in joyful hope&nbsp;: a history of the Diocese of Lansing / George C. Michalek.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/1%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&14%2C14%2C The Diocese of Marquette&nbsp;: convocation of priests.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/1%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&20%2C20%2C These very stones cry out&nbsp;: stories on the history of the Diocese of Gaylord / Patrick T. Cawley, editor.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/1%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&34%2C34%2C Diocese of Gaylord celebrates 25 years.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/1%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&36%2C36%2C The Diocese of Marquette&nbsp;: fully alive in '95!]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/51%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&56%2C56%2C Golden jubilee&nbsp;: Diocese of Lansing, parish historical sketches / George C. Michalek.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/51%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&57%2C57%2C Festival of faith&nbsp;: celebrating 50 years of faithful service in the Diocese of Lansing, 1937-1987.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/51%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&77%2C77%2C Diocese of Lansing, 1937-1962].<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/51%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&93%2C93%2C Parish listings of the Diocese of Gaylord.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=/X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&SUBKEY=%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29/51%2C109%2C109%2CB/frameset&FF=X%28Catholic%29+and+%28Diocese%29&searchscope=37&SORT=D&Da=&Db=&96%2C96%2C Directory for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.]<br>
*[http://35.8.7.98/search~S37?/tthe+archdiocese+of+detroit/tarchdiocese+of+detroit/1%2C4%2C4%2CB/frameset&FF=tarchdiocese+of+detroit+%2F&1%2C1%2C Archdiocese of Detroit by Roman Godzak].<br>


{{Template:Pros-MI}}  
==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>


=== Emphasis on Swedish Settlement<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>


*[https://www.augustana.edu/general-information/swenson-center-/genealogy/church-records/kansas---michigan Churches in Michigan]<br>
[[File:Dark_thin_font_green_pin_Version_4.png|50px]]'''Carefully evaluate''' the church records you find to make sure you have really found records for your ancestor and not just a '''"near match"'''. If one or more of the details do not line up, be careful about accepting the entry as your ancestor. There are guiding principles for deciding how to resolve discrepancies between records that are seemingly close. For more instruction in evaluating evidence, read the Wiki article, [[Evaluate the Evidence|'''Evaluate the Evidence'''.]]


=== References ===
===References===


<references />  
<references />  
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{{Michigan|Michigan}} {{USChurch}}  
{{Michigan|Michigan}} {{USChurch}}  


 
[[Category:Michigan, United States|Church]]  
[[Category:Michigan,_United_States|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]
[[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]

Latest revision as of 17:26, 12 April 2024

Michigan Wiki Topics
Michigan flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Michigan Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources
Moderator
The FamilySearch moderator for Michigan is Sallyrose1.

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Church of the Assumption Houghton County MI.jpg

Before 1900, the largest religious groups in Michigan were the Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic churches. [1]
The Roman Catholic Church was the only organized religion in Michigan until the 19th century, reflecting the territory's French colonial roots. The Lutheran Church was introduced by German and Scandinavian immigrants; Lutheranism is the second largest religious denomination in the state. In West Michigan, Dutch immigrants fled from the specter of religious persecution and famine in the Netherlands around 1850 and settled in and around what is now Holland, Michigan, establishing a "colony" on American soil that fervently held onto Calvinist doctrine that established a significant presence of Reformed churches.[2]

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]


Caution sign.png

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

  1. Near matches: Researchers might mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
  2. Stopping research: Researchers might assume the database proves church records do not exist. Actually the record is still out there, just not in this incomplete collection of records. Keep searching!

FamilySearch Indexes[edit | edit source]

Ancestry.com Indexes[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Dutch Reformed[edit | edit source]

Other Collections[edit | edit source]

  • West Michigan Church Records Database. Incomplete. Index to Church Records at the Grand Rapids Public Library. This index is for indexes and records of churches in the Western Michigan area, particularly the counties of Kent and Ottawa. Other counties include Muskegon, Allegan, Ionia, Newaygo, Oceana and etc.

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:
a. Click on the records of United States, Michigan.
b. Click on Places within United States, Michigan 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, Michigan [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.

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.

Western Michigan Genealogical Society[edit | edit source]

Western Michigan Genealogical Society
c/o Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3268
E-mail: wmgs@wmgs.org

American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library[edit | edit source]

American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library
1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N
Manchester, New Hampshire 03103

Tel: (603) 622-1554

Baptist[edit | edit source]

Kalamazoo College
Upjohn Library
1200 Academy Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Phone: (616) 337-7153
Fax: (616) 337-7143

The material housed in the Archives is not genealogical in nature (very few records from individual churches, etc.). One exception to that is obituaries of prominent Baptist clergy, which were sometimes published in the minutes of the Michigan Baptist Convention.

Christian Reformed Church in North America[edit | edit source]

The Hekman Library
Heritage Hall
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4402
Phone: 616.526.6313
Fax: 616.526.7689
E-mail: crcarchives@calvin.edu

In 1962 the Historical Committee of the Christian Reformed Church was instructed by Synod to collect the records of local, active congregations and microfilm their minutes (council, elders, deacons, the executive committee and the congregation), returning the originals to the congregation, so that a back-up set of records was available to local congregations should anything happen to their original set. The microfilm is stored in our vault, and the originals are returned to the congregation sending them.

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

For Upper Michigan:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Wartburg Theological Seminary
333 Wartburg Place
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589-0200 Fax: (563) 589-0333

The Wartburg Theological Seminary has Lutheran records from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and upper Michigan. The WTS Archives also contain the documents of the German Lutheran Synod of Iowa, 1854-1930 and the records of antecedent bodies of the ELCA Region 5. Many of the records in this repository can be borrowed for a small fee.

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

For Lower Michigan:
ELCA Region 6 Archives
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University
2199 East Main Street
Columbus, OH 43209-2334

Phone: (614) 236-6855
E-mail: reg6archives@capital.edu

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


Methodist[edit | edit source]

Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church Archives
Shipman Library, Adrian College]
110 South Madison Street
Adrian, MI 49221
Phone: (517) 265-5161
Fax: (517) 264-3331

The archives maintain the records created by the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church (and the former Detroit and West Michigan Conferences) and its member churches

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Drouin Collection[edit | edit source]

Early U.S. French Catholic Church Records, 1695-1954 ($) (Ancestry). This database contains the French Catholic parish records from Michigan. 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.

Diocesan Archives[edit | edit source]

Archdiocese of Detroit Archives
1234 Washington Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 237-5800
Fax: (313) 237-4642

The Archdiocese includes the counties of: Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Wayne.[3]

Diocese of Gaylord Archives
611 W. North Street
Gaylord, MI 49735
Phone: (989) 732-5147

  • Rules of Access for Parish Sacramental Records This includes a list of closed parishes and where their records are located. The sacramental records of all parishes are retained and maintained in the individual parishes. The priest or pastoral administrator or designee will obtain the information from the records, issue a certificate if desired or provide the information sought.
  • Contact the local parish to request records.


The diocese includes the counties of: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford.[3]

Diocese of Grand Rapids Archives
660 Burton Street S.E.
Grand Rapids. MI 4950
Phone: (616) 243-0491
Fax: (616) 243-4910

The diocese includes the counties of: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Ottawa.[3]

Diocese of Kalamazoo Archives
215 N. Westnedge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 349-8714

The diocese includes the counties of: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.[3]

Diocese of Lansing Archives
300 West Ottawa
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 342-2440
Fax: (517) 343-2515

The diocese includes the counties of: Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Shiawassee and Washtenaw.[3]

Diocese of Marquette Archiives
444 South Fourth Street
P.O. Box 550
Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 225-1141
Fax: (906) 225-0437

The diocese includes the counties of: Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft.[3]

Diocese of Saginaw Archives
5800 Weiss Street
Saginaw, MI 48603-2799
Phone: (517) 799-7910
Fax: (517) 797-6670

The diocese includes the counties of: Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola.[3]



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


Dark thin font green pin Version 4.pngCarefully evaluate the church records you find to make sure you have really found records for your ancestor and not just a "near match". If one or more of the details do not line up, be careful about accepting the entry as your ancestor. There are guiding principles for deciding how to resolve discrepancies between records that are seemingly close. For more instruction in evaluating evidence, read the Wiki article, Evaluate the Evidence.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1972). FS Library Book 973 K2ah.
  2. ↑ "Michigan: Religion" in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan#Religion. Accessed 8 July 2020.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America, Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.
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