New Hampshire Church Records: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 23:23, 19 August 2025

New Hampshire Wiki Topics

Beginning Research

Record Types

New Hampshire Background

Cultural Groups

Local Research Resources

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

Historical Background

Before 1900 the largest religious denominations in New Hampshire were the Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches. In early New Hampshire, the Congregational church predominated.

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!

Online Records

Other Collections

Dunham-Wilcox-Trott-Kirk indexes church, cemetery, probate and other early New England, New York and New Jersey records with links to abstracts of the records.

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, New Hampshire.

b. Click on Places within United States, New Hampshire 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, New Hampshire [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.

Guide to church vital statistics records in New Hampshire

Copeley, William. “Church Records at the New Hampshire Historical Society,” Historical New Hampshire 39 (Fall/Winter 1984): pages 153–59. (FS Catalog book 974.2 H25h.) This periodical contains articles of historical interest as well as articles about the families.
Inventory of the Roman Catholic Church Records in New Hampshire. Manchester, New Hampshire: Diocese of Manchester, 1938. Historical Records Survey. (FamilySearch Librarybook 974.2 K2hs.)
Inventory of the church archives of New Hampshire, Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire', e-book.
French-Canadian Research Resources at the New Hampshire Historical Society: New Hampshire French-Canadian Catholic Parish Records by Town

Correspond with or visit the actual churches

Some records are still held in the local churches. Contact the current minister to find out what records are still available.
Make an appointment to look at the records. Or ask the minister of the church to make a copy of the record for you.
To find church staff available, you might have to visit on Sunday.
Ask for small searches at a time, such as one birth record or a specific marriage. Never ask for "everything on a family or surname".
A donation ($25-$40) for their time and effort to help you would be appropriate.
If the church has a website, you may be able to e-mail a message.
See the Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy for help with composing letters.
Each denomination page offers an online address directory of local churches for that denomination.

Check the church records collections in archives and libraries

Some church records have been deposited for preservation in government archives or in libraries. Watch for links to digitized, online records offered by the archives. Some archives provide research services for a fee. For others, if you cannot visit in person, you might hire a researcher.

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

New Hampshire Historical Society

New Hampshire Historical Society

30 Park Street

Concord, New Hampshire 03301

Telephone: 603-228-6688

Over 160 individual congregations of Congregational, Baptist, Freewill Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Universalist, and other churches have sent their church records, 1700s through the 1900s, to the New Hampshire Historical Society. They also hold a large collection of transcribed and published church records.
Genealogy
Research Services Information and Research Services Request Form
“Church Records at the New Hampshire Historical Society,”Copeley, William.
Historical New Hampshire :39 (Fall/Winter 1984): pages 153–59. (FS Catalog book 974.2 H25h.)

This periodical contains articles of historical interest as well as articles about the families.

[https://www.nhhistory.org/NHHS/media/NHHS-Media-Library/PDFs/Finding-Aids/French-Canadian-Research-Resources-at-the-New-Hampshire-Historical-Society.pdf
French-Canadian Research Resources at the New Hampshire Historical Society: New Hampshire French-Canadian Catholic Parish Records by Town]

American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library

American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library

1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N

Manchester, New Hampshire 03103

Telephone: (603) 622-1554

Baptist

American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire

P.O. Box 1206

Lebanon, NH 03766

Telephone: (603) 643-4201

Fax: (603) 228-6129

They have a quarterly newsletter of the Baptist churches in New Hampshire

American Baptist Historical Society

3001 Mercer University Dr.

Atlanta, GA 30341

Telephone: (678) 547-6680

This society has some Baptist church records from New Hampshire.

Episcopal

The Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire

63 Green St.

Concord, NH 03301

Telephone: (603) 224-1914

The diocesan archives at the above address has records of churches that have closed. It also contains bishops’ official acts, such as confirmation records. The New Hampshire Historical Society has the church records of several New Hampshire Episcopalian congregations, which are held in the archives.

For records of open churches not at NHHS', contact
the local church
Inventory of the church archives of New Hampshire, Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire', e-book

Roman Catholic

French-Canadian Research Resources at the New Hampshire Historical Society: New Hampshire French-Canadian Catholic Parish Records by Town
Inventory of the Roman Catholic Church Records in New Hampshire. Manchester, New Hampshire: Diocese of Manchester, 1938. Historical Records Survey. (FamilySearch Librarybook 974.2 K2hs.)

Diocese of Manchester

153 Ash Street

P.O. Box 310

Manchester, NH 03105

Telephone: (603) 669-3100

Fax: (603) 669-0377

Sacramental Records

In the Diocese of Manchester, each individual parish keeps records of baptisms, first communions, confirmations, marriages, and deaths. These records are not centralized in the Diocese of Manchester.

To contact the parishes in the State of New Hampshire, please utilize our online directory

Parishes that have been merged or unified with another parish are listed under closed churches and will indicate where the sacramental records are maintained (namely, in the unified or merged parish).

Many Catholic marriage and baptismal records have been published, particularly for larger parishes.
New Hampshire Historical Society and the American-Canadian Genealogical Society have the best collections.
As the Diocese of Manchester was not established until 1884, it is possible that some records may be maintained by predecessor dioceses (the Diocese of Portland, Maine or the Archdiocese of Boston).
In addition, some limited sacramental records are maintained in the Diocese of Manchester archives. See the Archives Listing for a records held. The Archives Office makes its materials available to researchers within the parameters of canon law, and state and federal laws, and diocesan policy. Contact the Archives Office for more information. The diocese includes the counties of: Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coös, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford and Sullivan

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.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-''[[United States|United States&nbsp;]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] &nbsp;[[New Hampshire|New Hampshire&nbsp;]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] &nbsp;[[New_Hampshire_Church_Records|Church Records]]''
+{{NH-sidebar}}
+{{breadcrumb
+| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
+| link2=[[United States Church Records|U.S. Church Records]]
+| link3=[[New Hampshire, United States Genealogy|New Hampshire]]
+| link4=
+| link5=[[New Hampshire Church Records|Church Records]]
+}}
+<div style="float:right; margin:30px">
+{|
+|-
+|style="border:1px solid DarkBlue; margin:70px; background:GhostWhite; width 15%; padding-right:15px; padding-left:15px; height:50px "|
+<center>'''For greater success, use all the Wiki Articles in this series:'''</center>
+*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?|'''What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?''']]
+*[[Determining the Church Your Ancestor Attended|'''Determining the Church Your Ancestor Attended''']]
+*[[How to Find Church Records in the United States|'''How to Find Church Records in the United States''']]
+*[[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination''' ]]
+*[[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by U.S. State|'''Searching for Church Records by U.S. State''']]
+|}
+</div>
+------
+== Historical Background ==
+Before 1900 the largest religious denominations in [[New Hampshire Genealogy|New Hampshire]] were the Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches. In early New Hampshire, the Congregational church predominated.
+== 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]]
+|}
-=== History  ===
+== Finding the Records ==
+=== Look for online records ===
+{|
+|
+Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
+#'''Near matches:''' Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor'''</span>, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
+#'''Stopping research''': Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''assume the database proves church records do not exist'''</span>.  Actually the record is still out there, just not in this <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span> collection of records.  Keep searching!
+|}
+----
-Church records, and the information they provide, vary greatly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. They may contain information about members of the congregation such as age, date of baptism, christening or birth, marriage information and maiden name, death date and burial, and admissions and removals. Since your ancestors may have changed their religious affiliations during the years, several denomination records may have to be searched.
+=== Online Records ===
+==== FamilySearch Indexes ====
+*'''1656-1938''' {{RecordSearch|2366595|New Hampshire, Vital and Town Records Index, 1656-1938}} at FamilySearch - [[New Hampshire, Vital and Town Records Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
+*'''1714-1904''' {{RecordSearch|1680836|New Hampshire, Births and Christenings, 1714-1904}} at FamilySearch - [[New Hampshire Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
+*'''1720-1920''' {{RecordSearch|1680841|New Hampshire, Marriages, 1720-1920}} at FamilySearch - [[New Hampshire Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
+* '''1771-1905''' {{RecordSearch|2787826|New Hampshire, Church Records, 1771-1905}} at FamilySearch - [[New Hampshire, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]];  index & images, very incomplete
+*'''1784-1949''' {{RecordSearch|1680840|New Hampshire, Deaths and Burials, 1784-1949}} at FamilySearch - [[New Hampshire Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
-Before 1900 the largest religious denominations in &lt;a href="New Hampshire"&gt;New Hampshire&lt;/a&gt; were the Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches. In early New Hampshire the Congregational church predominated.
+==== Ancestry.com Indexes ====
+*'''1714-1904''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2559 New Hampshire, Births and Christenings Index, 1714-1904] ($)
+*'''1654-1949''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2555 New Hampshire, Death and Burial Records Index, 1654-1949] ($)
+==== Lutheran ====
+*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index & images, incomplete.($)
-Lawrence, Robert F. ''The New Hampshire Churches''. N.p.: Claremont Manufacturing, 1856. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=289862&disp=The+New+Hampshire+churches%20%20&columns=*,0,0 Family History Library book 974.2 K2L; fiche 6046841].) This source comprises histories of the Congregational and Presbyterian churches in the state, with notices of other denominations. Included are names of ministers and dates of service. It also contains many interesting incidents connected with the first settlement of towns. The records are arranged by county and then towns within a county.
+==== Other Collections ====
-Carter, Nathan Franklin. ''The Native Ministry of New Hampshire''. Concord, N.H.: Rumford Printing, 1906. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=160894&disp=The+native+ministry+of+New+Hampshire%20%20&columns=*,0,0 Family History Library book 974.2 D3c].) This book contains biographies of native-born clergy of the Protestant denominations. It often mentions the minister’s name as well as the names of his parents and spouse. It is well indexed. <br>
+*[http://dunhamwilcox.net/ Dunham-Wilcox-Trott-Kirk] indexes church, cemetery, probate and other early New England, New York and New Jersey records with links to abstracts of the records.
-Copeley, William. “Church Records at the New Hampshire Historical Society,” Historical New Hampshire 39 (Fall/Winter 1984): 151–59. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=1258121&disp=v%252E%2B39%252C%2Bno%252E%2B3%252F4%2B%2528fall%252Fwinter%2B1984%2529&columns=*,0,0 Family History Library book 974.2 H25h].) This periodical contains articles of historical interest as well as articles about the families.
+=== Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog ===
+[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''FamilySearch Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
+*The [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] (FS Library) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States.
+*Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the state, county, or town.
+*If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see [https://beta.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-request-that-a-microfilm-be-digitized '''How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?''']
+*Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a [https://locations.familysearch.org/en/search '''FamilySearch Center'''] near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.
+*To find records:
+{{Block indent|1=a. Click on the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=41&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20New%20Hampshire%22 '''records of United States, New Hampshire'''].|2=3}}
+{{Block indent|b. Click on '''Places within United States, New Hampshire''' and a list of counties will appear.|3}}
+{{Block indent|c. Click on your county if it appears.|3}}
+{{Block indent|d. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.|3}}
+{{Block indent|e. Click on '''Places within United States, New Hampshire [COUNTY]''' and a list of towns will appear.|3}}
+{{Block indent|f. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village.  |3}}
+{{Block indent|g. Click on the '''"Church records"''' topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.|3}}
+{{Block indent|h. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the listing for the record. [[File:FHL icons.png|75px]].  The magnifying glass indicates that the record is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the records.|3}}
+-----
-Over 160 individual congregations of Congregational, Baptist, Freewill Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Universalist, and other churches have sent their church records, 1700s through the 1900s, to the New Hampshire Historical Society.
+=== Consult available finding aids ===
-You may also contact the following repositories to locate church records:
+'''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/510780-redirection '''Guide to church vital statistics records in New Hampshire''']
+*Copeley, William. [https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/386108-historical-new-hampshire-v-39-no-3-4-fall-winter-1984?viewer=1&offset=0#page=52&viewer=picture&o=info&n=0&q= '''“Church Records at the New Hampshire Historical Society,”'''] ''Historical New Hampshire'' 39 (Fall/Winter 1984): '''pages 153–59.''' ({{FSC|1258121|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 974.2 H25h}}.) This periodical contains articles of historical interest as well as articles about the families.
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/491779-redirection '''''Inventory of the Roman Catholic Church Records in New Hampshire''.'''] Manchester, New Hampshire: Diocese of Manchester, 1938. Historical Records Survey. ({{FSC|289971|title-id|disp=FamilySearch Librarybook 974.2 K2hs}}.)
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/503929-redirection '''Inventory of the church archives of New Hampshire, Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire'''',] e-book.
+*[https://www.nhhistory.org/NHHS/media/NHHS-Media-Library/PDFs/Finding-Aids/French-Canadian-Research-Resources-at-the-New-Hampshire-Historical-Society.pdf '''French-Canadian Research Resources at the New Hampshire Historical Society: New Hampshire French-Canadian Catholic Parish Records by Town''']<br>
-'''American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire''' <br>P.O. Box 1206 <br>Lebanon, NH 03766 <br>Telephone: 603-643-4201 <br>Fax: 603-228-6129 <br>Internet:
+=== 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.
-They have a quarterly newsletter of the Baptist churches in New Hampshire
+=== 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>
-'''American Baptist Historical Society''' <br>1106 South Goodman Street <br>Rochester, NY 14620 <br>Telephone: 716-473-1740 <br>Fax: 716-743-1740
+-----
+==== New Hampshire Historical Society ====
+*[https://www.nhhistory.org/Research/Genealogy '''New Hampshire Historical Society''']<br>
+{{Block indent|30 Park Street}}
+{{Block indent|Concord, New Hampshire 03301}}
+{{Block indent|'''Telephone:''' 603-228-6688<br>}}
+*Over '''160 individual congregations''' of Congregational, Baptist, Freewill Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Universalist, and other churches have sent their church records, 1700s through the 1900s, to the New Hampshire Historical Society. They also hold a large collection of '''transcribed and published church records'''.
+*[https://www.nhhistory.org/Research/Genealogy '''Genealogy''']<br>
+*[https://www.nhhistory.org/Research/Research-Services '''Research Services Information'''] and  [https://www.nhhistory.org/Research/Research-Services/Research-Services-Request-Form '''Research Services Request Form''']<br>
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/386108-historical-new-hampshire-v-39-no-3-4-fall-winter-1984?viewer=1&offset=0#page=52&viewer=picture&o=info&n=0&q= '''“Church Records at the New Hampshire Historical Society,”''']Copeley, William.<br>
+*'''Historical New Hampshire''' :39 (Fall/Winter 1984): '''pages 153–59.''' ({{FSC|1258121|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 974.2 H25h}}.)
+This periodical contains articles of historical interest as well as articles about the families.<br>
+*[https://www.nhhistory.org/NHHS/media/NHHS-Media-Library/PDFs/Finding-Aids/French-Canadian-Research-Resources-at-the-New-Hampshire-Historical-Society.pdf
+*'''French-Canadian Research Resources at the New Hampshire Historical Society: New Hampshire French-Canadian Catholic Parish Records by Town''']<br>
-This society has some Baptist church records from New Hampshire.
+==== American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library ====
+*[https://acgs.org/research/ '''American-Canadian Genealogical Society Library''']<br>
+{{Block indent|1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 317N}}
+{{Block indent|Manchester, New Hampshire 03103}}
+{{Block indent|'''Telephone:''' (603) 622-1554<br>}}
+*[https://acgs.org/research/services/ '''Research Services''']<br>
+*[https://acgs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ACGS-Library-Holdings-Parish-Repertoires-and-Vital-Records.pdf '''Library Holdings Parish Repertoires and Vital Records''']<br>
-For a history of the Baptist Church, see:
+==== Baptist ====
-Hurlin, William. ''The Baptists of New Hampshire''. Manchester, N.H.: New Hampshire Baptist Convention, 1902. (FHL film 1697589 item 8.)
+*[https://abc-vermontnewhampshire.com/ '''American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire''']<br>
+{{Block indent|P.O. Box 1206}}
+{{Block indent|Lebanon, NH 03766}}
+{{Block indent|'''Telephone:''' (603) 643-4201 }}
+{{Block indent|'''Fax:''' (603) 228-6129 <br>}}
-=== Congregational  ===
+They have a quarterly newsletter of the Baptist churches in New Hampshire
-'''United Church of Christ, New Hampshire Conference'''<br>314 S. Main St.<br>Concord, NH 03301<br>Telephone: 603-225-6647<br>Internet: [http://www.14beacon.org/ www.14beacon.org]
+*[http://www.abhsarchives.org/ '''American Baptist Historical Society'''] <br>
+{{Block indent|3001 Mercer University Dr.}}
+{{Block indent|Atlanta, GA 30341}}
+{{Block indent|'''Telephone:''' (678) 547-6680 <br>}}
-Many older Congregational church records of congregations no longer active are at the New Hampshire Historical Society.
+This society has some Baptist church records from New Hampshire.
-=== Episcopal  ===
-'''The Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire'''<br>63 Green St.<br>Concord, NH 03301<br>Telephone: 603-224-1914<br>Internet: [http://www.nhepiscopal.org/ www.nhepiscopal.org]
-The diocesan archives at the above address has records of churches that have closed. It also contains bishops’ official acts, such as confirmation records. The New Hampshire Historical Society has the church records of several New Hampshire Episcopalian congregations, which are held in the archives.
-=== Methodist  ===
-'''United Methodist Church, Conference Office'''<br>62 Government Street<br>Kittery, ME 03904-1563<br>Telephone: 207-439-9686<br>Email: [mailto:stmarks.me@compuserve.com stmarks.me@compuserve.com]<br>Internet: [http://www.gbgm-umc.org/stmarksme/ www.gbgm-umc.org/stmarksme/]
-Some of the records of the older Methodist congregations have been deposited at:
-'''School of Theology Library'''<br>745 Commonwealth Ave.<br>Boston, MA 02215<br>Telephone: 617-353-3034<br>Fax: 617-353-3061<br>Internet: http://www.bu.edu/bulletins/sth/item12.html
-=== Presbyterian  ===
+==== Episcopal ====
-'''Presbyterian Historical Society'''<br>425 Lombard St.<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147<br>Telephone: 215-627-1852<br>Internet: [http://www.pcusa.org/ www.pcusa.org]
+*[http://www.nhepiscopal.org/ '''The Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire''']<br>
+{{Block indent|63 Green St.}}
+{{Block indent|Concord, NH 03301}}
+{{Block indent|'''Telephone:''' (603) 224-1914 }}
-The New Hampshire Historical Society has Presbyterian records for Antrim, Bedford, Chester, Derry, Hampton, Londonderry, Pembroke, and Seabrook.
+The diocesan archives at the above address has '''records of churches that have closed'''. It also contains bishops’ official acts, such as confirmation records.
+The New Hampshire Historical Society has the church records of several New Hampshire Episcopalian congregations, which are held in the archives.
+*For '''records of open churches''' not at '''NHHS'''', contact
+*[https://www.nhepiscopal.org/congregations '''the local church''']<br>
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/503929-redirection '''Inventory of the church archives of New Hampshire, Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire'''',] e-book
-=== Roman Catholic  ===
+==== Roman Catholic ====
+*[https://www.nhhistory.org/NHHS/media/NHHS-Media-Library/PDFs/Finding-Aids/French-Canadian-Research-Resources-at-the-New-Hampshire-Historical-Society.pdf '''French-Canadian Research Resources at the New Hampshire Historical Society: New Hampshire French-Canadian Catholic Parish Records by Town''']<br>
+*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/491779-redirection '''''Inventory of the Roman Catholic Church Records in New Hampshire''.'''] Manchester, New Hampshire: Diocese of Manchester, 1938. Historical Records Survey. ({{FSC|289971|title-id|disp=FamilySearch Librarybook 974.2 K2hs}}.)
-'''Chancery Office'''<br>Diocese of Manchester<br>153 Ash Street<br>P.O. Box 310<br>Manchester, NH 03105<br>Telephone: 603-669-3100<br>Fax: 603-669-0377<br>Internet: http://www.rcab.org/Archives/overview.html
+*[https://www.catholicnh.org/ '''Diocese of Manchester''']<br>
+{{Block indent|153 Ash Street}}
+{{Block indent|P.O. Box 310}}
+{{Block indent|Manchester, NH 03105}}
+{{Block indent|'''Telephone:''' (603) 669-3100}}
+{{Block indent|'''Fax:''' (603) 669-0377<br> }}
+*[https://www.catholicnh.org/parishes/parish-life/sacramental-records/ '''Sacramental Records''']<br>
+{{Block indent|In the Diocese of Manchester, each individual parish keeps records of baptisms, first communions, confirmations, marriages, and deaths. These records are not centralized in the Diocese of Manchester. }}
+{{Block indent|To contact the parishes in the State of New Hampshire, please utilize our [http://directory.catholicnh.org/churchsearch'''online directory''']<br> }}
+{{Block indent|Parishes that have been merged or unified with another parish are listed under closed churches and will indicate where the sacramental records are maintained (namely, in the unified or merged parish).}}
+*Many Catholic marriage and baptismal records have been '''published, particularly for larger parishes'''.
+*[[New Hampshire Church Records#New Hampshire Historical Society|'''New Hampshire Historical Society''']] and the American-Canadian Genealogical Society have the best collections.<br>
+*As the Diocese of Manchester was not established until 1884, it is possible that some records may be maintained by '''predecessor dioceses (the Diocese of Portland, Maine or the Archdiocese of Boston''').
+*In addition, some limited sacramental records are maintained in the [https://www.catholicnh.org/about/who-we-are/archives/ '''Diocese of Manchester archives''']. See the [https://www.catholicnh.org/assets/Documents/About/Archives/ArchivesListing.pdf '''Archives Listing'''] for a records held. The [https://www.catholicnh.org/about/who-we-are/archives/ '''Archives Office'''] makes its materials available to researchers within the parameters of canon law, and state and federal laws, and diocesan policy. Contact the Archives Office for more information. The diocese includes the counties of: [[Belknap County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Belknap]], [[Carroll County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Carroll]], [[Cheshire County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Cheshire]], [[Coos County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Coös]], [[Grafton County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Grafton]], [[Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Hillsborough]], [[Merrimack County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Merrimack]], [[Rockingham County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Rockingham]], [[Strafford County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Strafford]] and [[Sullivan County, New Hampshire Genealogy|Sullivan]]
-Many Catholic marriage and baptismal records have been published, particularly for larger parishes. The New Hampshire Historical Society and the American-Canadian Genealogical Society have the best collections.
+=== 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>
-For help in locating records of the Roman Catholic church that existed in 1938, see:
+== 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>
-Historical Records Survey. ''Inventory of the Roman Catholic Church Records in New Hampshire''. Manchester, New Hampshire: Diocese of Manchester, 1938. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=289971&disp=Inventory+of+the+Roman+Catholic+church+r%20%20&columns=*,0,0 Family History Librarybook 974.2 K2hs].)
+== 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>
-=== Society of Friends (Quakers)  ===
+'''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'''.]]<br>
-'''Rhode Island Historical Society Library'''<br>121 Hope St.<br>Providence, RI 02906<br>Telephone: 401-331-8575<br>Internet: [http://www.rihs.org/ www.rihs.org]
-[[Category:New_Hampshire|Church]]
+{{New_Hampshire|New_Hampshire}}{{USChurch}}<br>
+[[Category:New Hampshire, United States|Church]]<br>
+[[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]<br>