Utah Church Records: Difference between revisions

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Many churches keep records of baptisms, christenings, confirmations, marriages, burials, memberships, admissions, and removals. Some keep minutes of church meetings and the histories of their local churches. Each church has its own policies for record keeping.
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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==
Before 1900, the largest religious groups in Utah were [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|'''The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints''']], [[Roman Catholic Church in the United States|'''Roman Catholics''']], [[Greek Orthodox Church in the United States|'''Greek Orthodox''']], [[Methodist Church in the United States|'''Methodists''']], and [[Presbyterian Church in the United States|'''Presbyterians.''']]<ref>William Chamberlin Hunt and United States Bureau of the Census, ''Religious Bodies: 1906'' (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1910), Vol. 1:364. Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Z6ZdiZWeStAC Google Books].</ref>


Church records are important for family research because civil authorities in Utah did not begin registering vital statistics until after 1895. Church records may include names and dates and places of births, marriages, and deaths. The records are usually recorded at the time of the event and should be accurate for the specific event.
==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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|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]]
|}


Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Utah were The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches. You must determine the denomination of an ancestor to find their records.
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===
{|
|
Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
#'''Near matches:''' Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor'''</span>, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
#'''Stopping research''': Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''assume the database proves church records do not exist'''</span>.  Actually the record is still out there, just not in this <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span> collection of records.  Keep searching!
|}
----
====FamilySearch====
*'''1915-1972''' {{RecordSearch|2790271|Utah, Church Records, 1915-1972}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images, incomplete.


=== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) ===
====Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints====
*{{FSC|261771|item|disp=Historian's Office record of members : known as the "Minnie Margetts" file}}
*'''1830-1900''' {{RecordSearch|2078505|Utah, FamilySearch, Early Church Information File, 1830-1900}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, FamilySearch, Early Church Information File - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1835-1846''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3176 Seventy Quorum Membership, 1835–1846], index<br>
*'''1836-1921''' {{RecordSearch|3714676|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Record of Members (Worldwide), 1836-1970(1921)}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church History Library, Record of Members Collection - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]], index & images; Records online only go to 1921 because of a 100-year restriction
*'''1860-1937''' {{RecordSearch|2517343|Utah, Salt Lake City, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionary Department, Missionary Registers, 1860-1937}} at FamilySearch - [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionary Registers (Worldwide) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images.
*'''1877-1918''' {{RecordSearch|2553860|Utah LDS Mission Calls and Recommendations 1877-1918}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, LDS Mission Calls and Recommendations - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1887-1966''' {{RecordSearch|1675546|Utah, Marriages, 1887-1966}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index only.
*'''1887-1966''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60201 Utah, Select Marriages, 1887-1966] ($), index. Also at [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30198/utah-marriages-1887-1966?s=218489221 MyHeritage], ($), index
*'''1888-1946''' {{RecordSearch|1675547|Utah, Deaths and Burials, 1888-1946}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index only. Also at [http://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30199/utah-deaths-burials-1888-1946?s=218489221 MyHeritage], ($), index
*'''1892-1941''' {{RecordSearch|1675542|Utah, Births and Christenings, 1892-1941}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index only. Also at [http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/utah-births-and-christenings-1892-1941 Findmypast], ($), index
*'''1914-1940''' {{RecordSearch|3438701|Church Census Records, 1914–1960(1940)}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Church Census Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; indexes and images; Records online only go to 1940 because of a 80-year restriction
*'''1915-1972''' {{RecordSearch|2790271|Utah, Church Records, 1915-1972}} at FamilySearch - [[Utah, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index.


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been the predominant religion in Utah since the pioneers arrived in 1847. For more complete information about the Church's records, see [[Tracing LDS Ancestors|Tracing LDS Families Research Outline]].
====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index & images, incomplete.($)


To locate records of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints it helps to use an index. The LDS Family History Suite 2 and the Early Church Information File (both cited fully in the "[[Utah Biography|Biography]]" section of this outline) are two important indexes used to find Church members and other people of Utah.
====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index & images, incomplete.($)


A source that describes events in Church history from 1805 to 1913 is:
====Roman Catholic====
*'''1860-1998''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=62202 Utah, U.S., Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City Sacramental Records, 1860-1998] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


''Andrew Jenson's Church Chronology: A Record of Important Events Pertaining to The History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'' mentioned in the "History" section of the ''Tracing LDS Families Research Outline'' (34080). The following are a few general sources and histories for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of the sources are indexed in The Pioneer Heritage CD-ROM, LDS Family History Suite, and the Early Church Information File. Some of the complete text is also computerized on the compact disks.
===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=27&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Utah%22 '''records of United States, Utah'''].|2=3}}
{{Block indent|b. Click on '''Places within United States, Utah''' 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, Utah [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}}
-----


Jenson, Andrew. ''Encyclopedic History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret News Publishing Company, 1941. (FHL book 289.309 J453e; film 496776; fiche 6053258; index on film 928073 item 8; index on fiche 6051304). This encyclopedia contains histories of Church wards and branches. The history describes when the ward was organized and if it was created from a different ward. You will be able to determine where the membership records would be found. Leaders of the area are also listed. This has been indexed in the Early Church Information File.
===Consult available finding aids.===
'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Historical Department. ''Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1830-1973)''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Historical Dept., 1969, 1973. (FHL films 1259729-795). This does not circulate to Family History Centers. This collection includes newspaper clippings and extracts from journals, letters, histories, biographies, rosters, and manuscript material. Daily events are arranged chronologically. The complete set is available in the Church History Library and Church Archives. The sets at the Harold B. Lee Library, and the Utah Historical Society Library are not as current.
*{{FSC|190429|item|disp='''''Inventory of the Church Archives of Utah.'''''}} Three Volumes. Historical Records Survey. Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah Historical Records Survey, 1940. This was prepared as a complete inventory of church records. It contains a history of religion in Utah and has a list of books arranged by the name of the denomination. It also contains an inventory for the various religions.
----


The index to the Journal History is cataloged separately:
===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.


Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Historical Department. ''Index to Journal History''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Historical Department, 1973. (On 58 FHL films beginning with 1233503). This does not circulate to Family History Centers. This index contains an alphabetical listing of individual names, places, events, and subjects. Each entry gives the date and page where the entry is found in the Journal History films.
===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>
----
[https://history.utah.gov/utah-state-historical-society/ '''Utah State Historical Society'''] <br>
300 South Rio Grande Street<br>
Salt Lake City, UT 84101<br>
Telephone: (801) 245-7227<br>
Fax: 801-533-3567 - historical society<br>
801-533-3504 - research center<br>
Email: uhq@utah.gov<br>
*[https://history.utah.gov/library-collections/ '''Library and Collections''']
*[https://utah.polarislibrary.com/Search/default.aspx?ctx=18.1033.0.0.5 '''Search the Catalog''']
----
[https://lib.utah.edu/ '''Marriott Library'''<br>'''University of Utah''']<br>
295 S 1500 E<br>
SLC UT 84112-0860<br>
Phone:801.581.8558<br>
Fax: 801.585.3464<br>
*[https://lib.utah.edu/ '''Search Engine''']
*Has Episcopal parish registers, among others
----


Many other Church records have been microfilmed and are available at the Family History Library and the Church Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Membership records help you find birth, marriage, death, and baptism information. The records begin around the 1840's. The Family History Library has records up to 1948 and a few up to 1977. The Church Archives has the records from the beginning to about 1981. Use the [[Tracing LDS Ancestors|Tracing LDS Families Research Outline]] and the Family History Library Catalog to help locate the call numbers.
==== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)  ====
{| style="float:right;
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<div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Latter-day Saint Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div>
[https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ '''FamilySearch Library''']<br>35 N. West Temple<br>Salt Lake City, Utah 84150<br>Phone: 801-240-2584 or 866-406-1830
*The FamilySearch Library has copies of ward, branch, district, stake and mission records up to 1948 with a few up to 1977.  
*The [https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/1d506d48-29b9-4e95-983f-17fd2a22d2ac?view=browse&lang=eng '''Journal History Index'''] is online from the Church History Library. (Images of a card index) The microfilm index is cataloged separately in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The. Historical Department. ''Index to Journal History''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Historical Department, 1973. {{FSC|52690|item|disp=FS Library film 1233503 (first of 58) }}. Films do not circulate to FamilySearch centers. This index contains an alphabetical listing of individual names, places, events, and subjects. Each entry gives the date and page where the entry is found in the ''Journal History ''films.
----


A register listing available records and the Family History Library call numbers for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is:
==== Episcopal  ====


Jaussi, Laureen R. and Gloria Chaston. ''Register of Genealogical Society Call Numbers''. Two Volumes. Provo, Utah: Genealogy Tree, 1982. (FHL book 979.2258 A3j; fiche 6031507). These volumes contain many references to Church and temple records with their call numbers.
[http://www.episcopal-ut.org/ '''Episcopal Diocese of Utah''']<br>80 South 300 East Street<br>Salt Lake City, Utah 84111<br>Phone: (801) 322-4131
*[https://www.episcopal-ut.org/find-a-church/ '''Each parish'''] maintains its own records. The Diocese has records for '''some discontinued parishes.'''
*[https://www.episcopal-ut.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Policy-on-the-Diocesan-Archives-Current-1.pdf '''Sacramental records policy''']
*Episcopal Church, Diocese of Utah. '''''Episcopal Register of the Bishop of Utah (Bishop's Personal Register) 1899-1946, 1951-1967.''''' Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1975. {{FSC|205421|item|disp=FS Library film 908728}}. This record has baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials. It covers all of Utah and some areas of eastern Nevada.
[https://lib.utah.edu/ '''Marriott Library'''<br>'''University of Utah''']<br>
295 S 1500 E<br>
SLC UT 84112-0860<br>
Phone:801.581.8558<br>
Fax: 801.585.3464<br>
*[https://lib.utah.edu/ '''Search Engine''']
*Has Episcopal parish registers
----


=== Other Major Denominations ===
==== Lutheran  ====
'''South West California Synod / ELCA Region 2 Archives'''<br>
1300 E. Colorado St.<br>
Glendale, CA 91205<br>
Phone:(818) 937-4761<br>
Email: archives@socalsynod.org<br>
*Archives hold records for '''closed churches.'''  '''For open churches write directly to [[Lutheran Church in the United States#Correspond with or visit the actual churches.|the local church.''']]
----


Most of Utah's other major denominations were well-established by the 1870's and 1880's. There are some records and histories available at the Family History Library and at the Utah State Archives. You can write to the following addresses to learn where their records are located.
==== Methodist  ====


'''Roman Catholic'''<br>Pastoral Center <br>Diocese of Salt Lake City <br>27 C Street <br>Salt Lake City, UT 84103 <br>Telephone: 801-328-8641 <br>Fax: 801-328-9680 <br>Internet: http://www.utahcatholicdiocese.org/
[https://www.iliff.edu/research-center/ '''Ira J. Taylor Library Archives''']<br>Iliff School of Theology<br>2201 South University Blvd.<br>Denver, CO 80210<br>Phone: (303) 744-1287<br>Fax: (303) 744-3387
*The archives has the records for some of the discontinued congregations of Utah. Staff there can also help you locate existing congregations.
*[https://library.iliff.edu/archives/ '''Search the archives''']
----


The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has records from the early 1870s to the present for all of Utah. The early records are incomplete. Each congregation presently keeps its records for a few years before sending them to the Pastoral Center. A history of the Catholic Church in Utah is:
==== Presbyterian  ====
[http://www.pbyutah.org/ '''Presbytery of Utah''']<br>342 West 200 South Street Suite 30<br>Salt Lake City, UT 84101<br>Phone: (801) 539-8446
*[https://www.pbyutah.org/church-directory '''Each Presbyterian congregation'''] maintains its own records. The Presbytery of Utah can help you locate current congregations and will provide suggestions for finding records of discontinued congregations.
----
[http://www.westminster.edu/library/library_overview.cfm '''Westminster College Library''']<br>1840 South 1300 East<br>Salt Lake City, UT 84105<br>Phone: (801) 484-7651
*[https://www.westminster.edu/academics/library/index.cfm '''Search''']
----


Mooney, Bernice Maher. ''Salt of the Earth: The History of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, 1776-1987''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, 1987; (FHL book 979.2258 K2m). This gives a history of the church for most of Utah. It includes photographs and an index. It gives a historical account and information of church officials, when church buildings were erected, and a list of reverends and their dates of service.
==== Roman Catholic ====


The directory of the diocese covers many parts of Utah in addition to Salt Lake City.
[https://www.dioslc.org/ '''Diocese of Salt Lake City''']<br>27 C Street<br>Salt Lake City, UT 84103<br>Phone: (801) 328-8641<br>Fax: (801) 328-9680<br>Archives extension: 304
*[https://www.dioslc.org/about-us/diocese-operations/121-archives-of-the-catholic-church-in-utah?highlight=WyJhcmNoaXZlcyJd '''Archives''']
*The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has records from the early 1870s to the present for all of Utah. The early records are incomplete.
*[https://www.dioslc.org/parishes '''Each congregation'''] keeps its records for a few years before sending them to the Pastoral Center.  


Catholic Church, Diocese of Salt Lake City. ''The Official Directory of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City''. [Salt Lake City, Utah: The Diocese], 1988. (FHL book 979.2 K24c). The book has a list of parishes with addresses and maps for Salt Lake City showing the 1988 boundaries. It includes a list of clergy, deacons and their wives, and sisters.
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Beaver County, Utah Genealogy|Beaver]], [[Box Elder County, Utah Genealogy|Box Elder]], [[Cache County, Utah Genealogy|Cache]], [[Carbon County, Utah Genealogy|Carbon]], [[Daggett County, Utah Genealogy|Daggett]], [[Davis County, Utah Genealogy|Davis]], [[Duchesne County, Utah Genealogy|Duchesne]], [[Emery County, Utah Genealogy|Emery]], [[Garfield County, Utah Genealogy|Garfield]], [[Grand County, Utah Genealogy|Grand]], [[Iron County, Utah Genealogy|Iron]], [[Juab County, Utah Genealogy|Juab]], [[Kane County, Utah Genealogy|Kane]], [[Millard County, Utah Genealogy|Millard]], [[Morgan County, Utah Genealogy|Morgan]], [[Piute County, Utah Genealogy|Piute]], [[Rich County, Utah Genealogy|Rich]], [[Salt Lake County, Utah Genealogy|Salt Lake]], [[San Juan County, Utah Genealogy|San Juan]], [[Sanpete County, Utah Genealogy|Sanpete]], [[Sevier County, Utah Genealogy|Sevier]], [[Summit County, Utah Genealogy|Summit]], [[Tooele County, Utah Genealogy|Tooele]], [[Uintah County, Utah Genealogy|Uintah]], [[Utah County, Utah Genealogy|Utah]], [[Wasatch County, Utah Genealogy|Wasatch]], [[Washington County, Utah Genealogy|Washington]], [[Wayne County, Utah Genealogy|Wayne]] and [[Weber County, Utah Genealogy|Weber]].<ref name="rome">[https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=a945f185eab041378d595f6c0a7f628f Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America], Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.</ref>
----


'''Episcopal <br>'''Episcopal Diocese of Utah <br>80 South 300 East Street <br>Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 <br>Telephone: 801-322-4131 <br>Internet: http://www.episcopal-ut.org/
===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>


Each parish maintains its own records. The Diocese has records for some discontinued parishes. The Marriott Library of the University of Utah has a collection of their records. The Family History Library has a few records including the following:
==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>
==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>


Episcopal Church, ''Diocese of Utah Episcopal Register of the Bishop of Utah'' (Bishop's Personal Register) 1899-1946, 1951-1967 Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1975. (FHL film 908728). This record has baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials. it covers all of Utah and some areas of eastern Nevada.
'''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'''.]]


'''Methodist <br>'''Iliff School of Theology <br>Ira J. Taylor Library Archives <br>2201 South University Blvd. <br>Denver, CO 80210 <br>Telephone: 303-744-1287 <br>Fax: 303-744-3387 <br>Internet:<br>http://www.iliff.edu/academics/denominations/um-student.php
== References  ==


United Methodist Church <br>Rocky Mountain <br>2800 S. University Blvd. <br>Denver, CO 80710 <br>Telephone: 303-733-3736 <br>Fax: 303-733-1730 <br>Internet: http://www.rmcumc.org/
{{reflist}}


The Methodist church was organized in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 8, 1872. The history is found in the following:
{{Utah|Utah}}{{USChurch}}
 
{{-}}</div>  
Merkel, Henry Martin. ''History of Methodism in Utah''. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Dentan Printing, 1938. (FHL book 979.2 K2m). This book has a bibliography and a list of pastors.
[[Category:Utah, United States|Church]] [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]
 
Each congregation maintains its own records. The Ira J. Taylor Archives has the records for some of the discontinued congregations of Utah. Staff there can also help you locate existing congregations.
 
:'''Presbyterian <br>'''Presbytery of Utah <br>342 West 200 South Street Suite 30 <br>Salt Lake City, UT 84101 <br>Telephone: 801-539-8446 <br>Internet: http://www.pbyutah.org/
 
Each Presbyterian congregation maintains its own records. The Presbytery of Utah can help you locate current congregations and will provide suggestions for finding records of discontinued congregations. The Westminster College Library has a miscellaneous collection of Utah Presbyterian records. Their address is:
 
:'''Westminster College Library'''<br>1840 South 1300 East <br>Salt Lake City, UT 84105 <br>Telephone: 801-484-7651 <br>Internet: http://www.westminster.edu/library/library_overview.cfm
 
A historical society for Presbyterian churches maintains records of discontinued congregations and some current congregations. Their address is:
 
:'''The Presbyterian Historical Society'''<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147-1516 <br>Telephone: 215-627-1852 <br>Internet: http://www.history.pcusa.org/
 
The Family History Library has a history of the Presbyterian Church:
 
* Murray, Andrew E. ''The Skyline Synod: Presbyterianism in Colorado and Utah''. Denver, Colorado: Golden Bell Press, 1971. (FHL book 978.8 K2m). It is indexed by the name of the church. It is a historical account of the church with a list of officials. There are some pictures of church buildings and reverends.
 
The library also has few church records, such as:
 
* Presbyterian Church (Corinne, Utah). ''Church Records 1870 to 1897''. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1972. (FHL film 906168). This record includes minutes, baptisms, congregational records, registers of elders, deacons, and church records.
 
:'''Lutheran&nbsp;'''&nbsp;<br>Rocky Mountain District, LCMS <br>7000 North Broadway Street Suite 401 <br>Denver, CO 80221-2907 <br>Telephone: 303-427-7553 <br>Fax: 303-426-5603 <br>Internet: http://www.lcmsdistricts.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=7217
 
Each congregation maintains its own records. The Rocky Mountain District office can help you locate current congregations and provide suggestions for finding the records of discontinued congregations.
 
=== Others ===
 
To locate records for other churches, contact the existing congregations in Utah. The Utah State Historical Society and the Marriott Library of the University of Utah have church record collections. For information about national and regional repositories see the [[United States Church Records|United States Research Outline]].
 
The following guide can also help you learn about church records in Utah:
 
* Historical Records Survey. ''Inventory of the Church Archives of Utah.'' Three Volumes. Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah Historical Records Survey, 1940. (FHL book 979.2 K2h; fiche 6046577). This was prepared to be a complete inventory of the records of churches. It contains a history of religion in Utah and has a list of books arranged by the name of the denomination. It also contains an inventory for the various religions
 
To locate church records or information the library has for any denomination, check the Family History Library Catalog Place Search under:
 
UTAH - CHURCH RECORDS
 
UTAH, [COUNTY] - CHURCH RECORDS
 
UTAH, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - CHURCH RECORDS
 
UTAH - CHURCH HISTORY
 
UTAH, [COUNTY] - CHURCH HISTORY
 
UTAH, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - CHURCH HISTORY
 
[[Category:Utah]]

Latest revision as of 10:27, 20 August 2025

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

Historical Background[edit | edit source]

Before 1900, the largest religious groups in Utah were The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Methodists, and Presbyterians.[1]

Information Found in the Records[edit | edit source]

To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:

Finding the Records[edit | edit source]

Look for online records.[edit | edit source]

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

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

FamilySearch[edit | edit source]

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[edit | edit source]

Dutch Reformed[edit | edit source]

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Look for digital copies of church records in the FamilySearch Catalog.[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
  • The FamilySearch Library (FS Library) has a substantial collection of original church records and transcripts on microfilm for churches in the United States.
  • Online church records can be listed in the FamilySearch Catalog under the state, county, or town.
  • If you find a record that has not yet been digitized, see How do I request that a microfilm be digitized?
  • Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a FamilySearch Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations.
  • To find records:
b. Click on Places within United States, Utah 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, Utah [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.

  • Inventory of the Church Archives of Utah. Three Volumes. Historical Records Survey. Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah Historical Records Survey, 1940. This was prepared as a complete inventory of church records. It contains a history of religion in Utah and has a list of books arranged by the name of the denomination. It also contains an inventory for the various religions.

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.

Utah State Historical Society
300 South Rio Grande Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Telephone: (801) 245-7227
Fax: 801-533-3567 - historical society
801-533-3504 - research center
Email: uhq@utah.gov

Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 S 1500 E
SLC UT 84112-0860
Phone:801.581.8558
Fax: 801.585.3464

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)[edit | edit source]

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


FamilySearch Library
35 N. West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150
Phone: 801-240-2584 or 866-406-1830

  • The FamilySearch Library has copies of ward, branch, district, stake and mission records up to 1948 with a few up to 1977.
  • The Journal History Index is online from the Church History Library. (Images of a card index) The microfilm index is cataloged separately in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The. Historical Department. Index to Journal History. Salt Lake City, Utah: Historical Department, 1973. FS Library film 1233503 (first of 58). Films do not circulate to FamilySearch centers. This index contains an alphabetical listing of individual names, places, events, and subjects. Each entry gives the date and page where the entry is found in the Journal History films.

Episcopal[edit | edit source]

Episcopal Diocese of Utah
80 South 300 East Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Phone: (801) 322-4131

  • Each parish maintains its own records. The Diocese has records for some discontinued parishes.
  • Sacramental records policy
  • Episcopal Church, Diocese of Utah. Episcopal Register of the Bishop of Utah (Bishop's Personal Register) 1899-1946, 1951-1967. Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1975. FS Library film 908728. This record has baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials. It covers all of Utah and some areas of eastern Nevada.

Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 S 1500 E
SLC UT 84112-0860
Phone:801.581.8558
Fax: 801.585.3464

Lutheran[edit | edit source]

South West California Synod / ELCA Region 2 Archives
1300 E. Colorado St.
Glendale, CA 91205
Phone:(818) 937-4761
Email: archives@socalsynod.org

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

Methodist[edit | edit source]

Ira J. Taylor Library Archives
Iliff School of Theology
2201 South University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80210
Phone: (303) 744-1287
Fax: (303) 744-3387

  • The archives has the records for some of the discontinued congregations of Utah. Staff there can also help you locate existing congregations.
  • Search the archives

Presbyterian[edit | edit source]

Presbytery of Utah
342 West 200 South Street Suite 30
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: (801) 539-8446

  • Each Presbyterian congregation maintains its own records. The Presbytery of Utah can help you locate current congregations and will provide suggestions for finding records of discontinued congregations.

Westminster College Library
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Phone: (801) 484-7651

Roman Catholic[edit | edit source]

Diocese of Salt Lake City
27 C Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Phone: (801) 328-8641
Fax: (801) 328-9680
Archives extension: 304

  • Archives
  • The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has records from the early 1870s to the present for all of Utah. The early records are incomplete.
  • Each congregation keeps its records for a few years before sending them to the Pastoral Center.

The diocese includes the counties of: Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Morgan, Piute, Rich, Salt Lake, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, Washington, Wayne and Weber.[2]

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

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

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

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

Major U.S. Religious Denominations



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

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

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


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

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ William Chamberlin Hunt and United States Bureau of the Census, Religious Bodies: 1906 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1910), Vol. 1:364. Digital version at Google Books.
  2. ↑ 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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