Idaho Church Records: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]  [[United States Church Records|United States Church Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]   [[Idaho|Idaho ]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]]   [[Idaho_Church_Records|Church Records]]''
{{ID-sidebar}}
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| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[United States Church Records|U.S. Church Records]]
| link3=[[Idaho, United States Genealogy|Idaho]]
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| link5=[[Idaho Church Records|Church Records]]
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== Missions  ==


Missions were established by religious denominations to serve the Indians.  
<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>
------


*Cataldo Mission
==Historical Background==
*Sacred Heart Mission (Jesuit) 1842-1960
[http://files.lib.byu.edu/family-history-library/research-outlines/US/Idaho.pdf Before 1900 the largest religious groups] in [[Idaho Genealogy|Idaho]] were [[Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)]], the [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|Roman Catholic]], the [[Methodist Church in the United States|Methodist Episcopal]], and the [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|Presbyterian]] churches.
*St Joseph's Mission (Jesuit) 1874-1958
{| style="float:right; "
|-
|{{MormonLDSRemoval}}
|}
==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]]
|}


== Denominations in Idaho  ==
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===


Before 1900 the largest religious groups in [[Idaho|Idaho]] were [[LDS_Church_Records|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)]], the [[Roman_Catholic_Church_in_the_United_States|Roman Catholic]], the [[Methodist_Church_in_the_United_States|Methodist Episcopal]], and the [[Presbyterian_Church_in_the_United_States|Presbyterian]] churches.{{cn}}
<br>


To locate church records see:  
{|
|-
|
[[File:Caution sign.png|70px]]
|
Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
#'''Near matches:''' Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor'''</span>, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
#'''Stopping research''': Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''assume the database proves church records do not exist'''</span>.  Actually the record is still out there, just not in this <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span> collection of records.  Keep searching!
|}


*''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations of Idaho'' (Boise, Idaho: Historical Records Survey, 1940; {{FHL|300806|item}} book 979.6 K24d; film 1036585 item 7; fiche 6046931
====FamilySearch====
*'''1856-1965''' {{RecordSearch|1674809|Idaho Births and Christenings, 1856-1965}}, index. Incomplete; - [[Idaho Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1907-1965''' {{RecordSearch|1674815|Idaho Deaths and Burials, 1907-1965}}, index. Incomplete; - [[Idaho Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
*'''1878-1898; 1903-1942''' {{RecordSearch|1674817|Idaho Marriages, 1878-1898; 1903-1942}}, index. Incomplete; - [[Idaho Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]


The [[Idaho State Archives|Idaho State Archives]] has a significant collection of Episcopal church records. They also have an index to Catholic records. The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] and the [[Church_History_Library|LDS Church&nbsp;History Library]]&nbsp;have records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho as well as a few records of other churches. You can write to the following addresses to learn where church records are located:
===Look for digital copies of church records listed 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://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=13&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Idaho%22 '''records of United States, Idaho'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Idaho''' 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, Idaho [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.
-----


=== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)  ===
===Consult available finding aids.===


LDS Church History Library (Archives)<br>50 East North Temple<br>Salt Lake City, UT 84150<br>Telephone: 801-240-2272<br>Fax: 801-240-1845 <br>Internet: http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/archives
'''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/282885-redirection ''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations of Idaho'''] (Boise, Idaho: Historical Records Survey, 1940
----


=== Methodist  ===
===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.


United Methodist Archives Center<br>Drew University Library<br>P.O. Box 127<br>Madison, NJ 07940<br>Telephone: 215-408-3189<br>Fax: 201-408-3909 <br>Internet: http://www.drew.edu/depts/library/methodist/umac.aspx
===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>


=== Presbyterian  ===
<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>
====Idaho State Archives====
[http://history.idaho.gov/idaho-state-archives '''Idaho State Archives''']<br>
2205 Old Penitentiary Road<br>
Boise, ID 83712<br>
<br>
Phone:(208) 334-2620<br>
=====Episcopal=====
*[http://idahostatearchives.libraryhost.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&op%5B%5D=&q%5B%5D=Episcopal+Church&limit=&field%5B%5D=&from_year%5B%5D=&to_year%5B%5D=&commit=Search Episcopal records catalog search]
=====Catholic=====
*[http://idahostatearchives.libraryhost.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&op%5B%5D=&q%5B%5D=Catholic+Church&limit=&field%5B%5D=&from_year%5B%5D=&to_year%5B%5D=&commit=Search Catholic records catalog search]


Presbyterian Historical Society<br>United Presbyterian Church in U.S.<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147<br>Telephone: 215-627-1852<br>Fax: 215-627-0509 <br>Internet: http://www.history.pcusa.org/
====Lutheran====
[http://www.plu.edu/archives '''ELCA Region 1 Archives''']<br>
Archives and Special Collections<br>
Mortvedt Library<br>
Pacific Lutheran University<br>
Tacoma, WA 98447<br>
<br>
(253) 535-7586<br>
E-mail: archives@plu.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.''']]


=== Roman Catholic  ===
====Methodist====


[http://www.catholicidaho.org/en/Pages/RCDBhome.aspx Diocese of Boise]<br>303 Federal Way<br>Boise, ID 83705<br>Phone: (208) 342-1311<br>Fax: (208) 342-0224<br>
'''United Methodist Archives Center'''<br>[https://www.drew.edu/library/2019/08/21/united-methodist-archives-and-history-center/ '''Drew University Library''']<br>P.O. Box 127<br>Madison, NJ 07940<br>Phone: (215) 408-3189<br>Fax: (201) 408-3909


[http://www.catholicidaho.org/en/AboutUs/HistoryDiocese/Pages/HistoryoftheDiocese.aspx History] of the Diocese of Boise. <br>
====Presbyterian====


[http://www.catholicidaho.org/en/ParishSchoolDirectory/Parishes/Pages/Parishesbycity.aspx Parishes] in the Diocese of Boise, listed by city.
[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ '''Presbyterian Historical Society''']<br>United Presbyterian Church in U.S.<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147<br>Phone: (215) 627-1852<br>Fax: (215) 627-0509


The diocese includes the counties of: [[Ada County, Idaho|Ada]], [[Adams County, Idaho|Adams]], [[Bannock County, Idaho|Bannock]], [[Bear Lake County, Idaho|Bear Lake]], [[Benewah County, Idaho|Benewah]], [[Bingham County, Idaho|Bingham]], [[Blaine County, Idaho|Blaine]], [[Boise County, Idaho|Boise]], [[Bonner County, Idaho|Bonner]], [[Bonneville County, Idaho|Bonneville]], [[Boundary County, Idaho|Boundary]], [[Butte County, Idaho|Butte]], [[Camas County, Idaho|Camas]], [[Canyon County, Idaho|Canyon]], [[Cassia County, Idaho|Cassia]], [[Clark County, Idaho|Clark]], [[Clearwater County, Idaho|Clearwater]], [[Custer County, Idaho|Custer]], [[Elmore County, Idaho|Elmore]], [[Franklin County, Idaho|Franklin]], [[Fremont County, Idaho|Fremont]], [[Gem County, Idaho|Gem]], [[Gooding County, Idaho|Gooding]], [[Idaho County, Idaho|Idaho]], [[Jefferson County, Idaho|Jefferson]], [[Jerome County, Idaho|Jerome]], [[Kootenai County, Idaho|Kootenai]], [[Latah County, Idaho|Latah]], [[Lemhi County, Idaho|Lemhi]], [[Lewis County, Idaho|Lewis]], [[Lincoln County, Idaho|Lincoln]], [[Madison County, Idaho|Madison]], [[Minidoka County, Idaho|Minidoka]], [[Nez Perce County, Idaho|Nez Perce]], [[Owyhee County, Idaho|Owyhee]], [[Payette County, Idaho|Payette]], [[Power County, Idaho|Power]], [[Shoshone County, Idaho|Shoshone]], [[Teton County, Idaho|Teton]], [[Twin Falls County, Idaho|Twin Falls]], [[Valley County, Idaho|Valley]] and [[Washington County, Idaho|Washington]]
====Roman Catholic====
[https://www.catholicidaho.org/ '''Diocese of Boise''']<br>303 Federal Way<br>Boise, ID 83705<br>Phone: (208) 342-1311<br>Fax: (208) 342-0224<br>
:[https://www.catholicidaho.org/120 '''Chancery Services:'''] Parishes have five types of Sacramental records: Baptismal, Marriage, Death, First Communion and Confirmation records. The information in the records can vary from parish to parish. In the Diocese of Boise, Sacramental records dating from approximately 1960 are kept at the parish of baptism. Older records are kept at the Chancery Office. It is Diocesan policy to keep our records closed. We can research information requests on a time available basis.


{{Idaho|Idaho}}
====Society of Friends (Quaker)====
Local congregations of the Society of Friends are members of the [http://nwfriends.org/ '''Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends'''.] A concentration of their churches exist in the Boise Valley, with some in Northern Idaho. Each of the local churches maintain records of births, marriages, deaths, transfers of memberships, and memorials, often compiled by a Recording Clerk or someone appointed by the local church.
*[http://nwfriends.org/churches/ '''Directory of Churches''']
-----


[[Category:Idaho|Church Records]]
==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>
==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.
 
==Carefully compare any record you find to known facts about the ancestor==
You will possibly find many different people with the '''same name as your ancestor,''' especially when a family stayed in a locality for several generations, and several children were named after the '''grandparents or aunts and uncles'''. Be prepared to find the correct church records by organizing in advance as many of these exact details about the ancestor '''as possible''':
*'''name''', including '''middle name and maiden name'''
*names of all '''spouses''', including middle and maiden name
*exact or closely estimated '''dates of birth, marriage, and death'''
*names and approximate birthdates of '''children'''
*all known places of '''residence'''
*'''occupations'''
*'''military''' service details
<br>
 
[[File:Dark_thin_font_green_pin_Version_4.png|50px]]'''Carefully evaluate''' the church records you find to make sure you have really found records for your ancestor and not just a '''"near match"'''. If one or more of the details do not line up, be careful about accepting the entry as your ancestor. There are guiding principles for deciding how to resolve discrepancies between records that are seemingly close. For more instruction in evaluating evidence, read the Wiki article, [[Evaluate the Evidence|'''Evaluate the Evidence'''.]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
{{Idaho|Idaho}} {{USChurch}}
 
[[Category:Idaho, United States|Church Records]]

Latest revision as of 17:14, 12 April 2024

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



Historical Background

Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Idaho were The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Roman Catholic, the Methodist Episcopal, and the Presbyterian churches.

Green check.png
The usage of "Mormon" and "LDS" on this page is approved according to current policy.


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:

Finding the Records

Look for online records.


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

Look for digital copies of church records listed 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, Idaho.
b. Click on Places within United States, Idaho 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, Idaho [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.

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


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.

Idaho State Archives

Idaho State Archives
2205 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID 83712

Phone:(208) 334-2620

Episcopal
Catholic

Lutheran

ELCA Region 1 Archives
Archives and Special Collections
Mortvedt Library
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA 98447

(253) 535-7586
E-mail: archives@plu.edu

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

Methodist

United Methodist Archives Center
Drew University Library
P.O. Box 127
Madison, NJ 07940
Phone: (215) 408-3189
Fax: (201) 408-3909

Presbyterian

Presbyterian Historical Society
United Presbyterian Church in U.S.
425 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 627-1852
Fax: (215) 627-0509

Roman Catholic

Diocese of Boise
303 Federal Way
Boise, ID 83705
Phone: (208) 342-1311
Fax: (208) 342-0224

Chancery Services: Parishes have five types of Sacramental records: Baptismal, Marriage, Death, First Communion and Confirmation records. The information in the records can vary from parish to parish. In the Diocese of Boise, Sacramental records dating from approximately 1960 are kept at the parish of baptism. Older records are kept at the Chancery Office. It is Diocesan policy to keep our records closed. We can research information requests on a time available basis.

Society of Friends (Quaker)

Local congregations of the Society of Friends are members of the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends. A concentration of their churches exist in the Boise Valley, with some in Northern Idaho. Each of the local churches maintain records of births, marriages, deaths, transfers of memberships, and memorials, often compiled by a Recording Clerk or someone appointed by the local church.


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



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.

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


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.