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Minnesota Church Records (view source)

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== Minnesota Church Records ==
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<br>Church records and the information they provide vary significantly 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 names; and death date. Some keep minutes of church meetings and the histories of their local church. Records may include names of other relatives who were witnesses or members of the congregation. The members of some churches were predominantly of one nationality or ethnic group.&nbsp;Each church has its own policies in 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==
==Information Found in the Records==
To effectively use church records, become familiar with their content. Click on these links to learn about a specific record type:
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Baptisms or Christenings|Baptisms or Christenings]]
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Marriages|Marriages]]
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Funerals or Burials|Funerals or Burials]]
*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Membership Lists|Membership Lists]]
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*[[What Can I Find in U.S. Church Records?#Minutes or Historical Narrative|Minutes or Historical Narrative]]
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Church records are important for family research because civil authorities in Minnesota did not begin registering births and deaths on a county level until 1870 and even later on a state level. (See the "[[Minnesota Vital Records|Vital Records]]" article for more information on birth, death, and other records.) Before 1900 the largest religious groups in Minnesota were the Roman Catholics and Lutherans. There were also many Methodists, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians.  
==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===
'''Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local [https://familysearch.org/locations/ family history center] or the [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library Family History Library] in Salt Lake City, Utah.
<br>


Although records of some congregations have been gathered in major denominational repositories, the majority still remain with local churches.  
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Online databases are <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span>. This can lead to two common errors:
#'''Near matches:''' Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''mistakenly accept an entry very similar to their ancestor'''</span>, thinking it is the only one available. Only use information that matches your ancestor in date, place, relationships, and other details.
#'''Stopping research''': Researchers might <span style="color:Red">'''assume the database proves church records do not exist'''</span>.  Actually the record is still out there, just not in this <span style="color:Red">'''incomplete'''</span> collection of records.  Keep searching!
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*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2790243 '''1798-1991''' - Minnesota, Church Records, 1798-1991]. Index and images, incomplete.
*[http://www.dalbydata.com/user.php?action=crsearch Dalby Database], index. Coverage is random.<br><br>
===Look for digital copies of church records listed in the FamilySearch Catalog. ===
[[File:Family History Library.jpg|right|thumb|<center>'''Family History Library'''<br>'''Salt Lake City, Utah'''</center>]]
*The [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] (FHL) 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://familysearch.org/locations/ '''Family History 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=369&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Minnesota%22 '''records of United States, Minnesota'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Minnesota''' 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, Minnesota [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.
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Refer to the following inventory to learn more about the available records:
===Consult available finding aids.===


'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
*Historical Records Survey (Minnesota). ''Guide to Church Vital Statistics Records in Minnesota: Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals.'' St. Paul, Minnesota: Historical Records Survey, 1942. (Family History Library {{FHL|30400|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K23h; microfilm 962275 item 2}}.) This list is by county, then town or city. It mentions the church records of some congregations that existed at the church in 1940 and gives the years that the records were available.  
*Historical Records Survey (Minnesota). ''Guide to Church Vital Statistics Records in Minnesota: Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals.'' St. Paul, Minnesota: Historical Records Survey, 1942. (Family History Library {{FHL|30400|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K23h; microfilm 962275 item 2}}.) This list is by county, then town or city. It mentions the church records of some congregations that existed at the church in 1940 and gives the years that the records were available.  
*''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations in Minnesota''. St. Paul, Minnesota: Historical Records Survey, 1941. (Family History Library {{FHL|200329|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K24h; microfilm 1036193 item13; microfiche 6051165}}.) This volume contains an incomplete list of churches; many congregations were missed. Information is arranged first by denomination, then district or conference, then the name of the church. Entries include the address of the church, year of incorporation, and often the name of the minister in 1941. For a reprint of this book see:
*''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations in Minnesota''. St. Paul, Minnesota: Historical Records Survey, 1941. (Family History Library {{FHL|200329|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K24h; microfilm 1036193 item13; microfiche 6051165}}.) This volume contains an incomplete list of churches; many congregations were missed. Information is arranged first by denomination, then district or conference, then the name of the church. Entries include the address of the church, year of incorporation, and often the name of the minister in 1941. For a reprint of this book see:


Richardson, Antona Hawkins, ed. ''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations in Minnesota: A New and Expanded Index''. 1941. Reprint. St. Paul, Minnesota: Paduan Press, 1997. (Not at the Family History Library.)  
Richardson, Antona Hawkins, ed. ''Directory of Churches and Religious Organizations in Minnesota: A New and Expanded Index''. 1941. Reprint. St. Paul, Minnesota: Paduan Press, 1997. (Not at the Family History Library.)  
===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.


Individual churches hold most church records for Minnesota. Some denominations are gathering their records or information on their records into a central repository. Availability of these records may differ with each repository. The major repositories include the following denominations.  
===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 [https://algensoc.org/main/researchers.html '''researcher.''']<br>
=== Online Resources ===
<br>
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2790243 '''1798-1991''' - Minnesota, Church Records, 1798-1991]. Index and images, incomplete.
<span style="color:DarkViolet">'''Here you will find archive information unique to the state. Many more archives are kept by denomination. For denominational  archives, go to  [[United States Church Records#Searching for Church Records by Denomination|'''Searching for Church Records by Denomination.''']]</span>
*[http://www.dalbydata.com/user.php?action=crsearch Dalby Database], index. Coverage is random.<br><br>


=== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)  ===
==== Congregational  ====
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Early church records, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for Minnesota Wards and Branches can be found on film and are located at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. The film numbers, for each ward, can be locate through the [https://www.familysearch.org/#form=catalog FamilySearch Catalog]. Or by refering to Jaussi, Laureen R., and Gloria D. Chaston. Register of Genealogical Society Call Numbers. 2 vols. Provo, Utah: Genealogy Tree, 1982. (FHL book 979.2258 A3j; fiche 6031507). These volumes contain the film numbers for many (but not all) membership and temple record films.
 
=== Congregational  ===
[[Image:Minnesota Religious Affiliation 1906.jpg|right|500px]]
[[Image:Minnesota Religious Affiliation 1906.jpg|right|500px]]
[http://www.14beacon.org/ Congregational Library]<br>14 Beacon Street<br>Boston, MA 02108<br>Phone: (617) 523-0470<br>Fax: (617) 523-0491  
[http://www.14beacon.org/ Congregational Library]<br>14 Beacon Street<br>Boston, MA 02108<br>Phone: (617) 523-0470<br>Fax: (617) 523-0491  
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*Hage, Anne A., ''Church Records in Minnesota: A Guide to Parish Records of Congregational, Evangelical, Reformed, and United Church of Christ Churches, 1851–1981''. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Minnesota Conference, United Church of Christ, 1983. (Family History Library {{FHL|244596|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K2h}}.) This source mentions the kinds and dates of records at each church up to 1981.
*Hage, Anne A., ''Church Records in Minnesota: A Guide to Parish Records of Congregational, Evangelical, Reformed, and United Church of Christ Churches, 1851–1981''. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Minnesota Conference, United Church of Christ, 1983. (Family History Library {{FHL|244596|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K2h}}.) This source mentions the kinds and dates of records at each church up to 1981.


=== Jewish  ===
[http://www.ajhs.org/ American Jewish Historical Society Library]<br>2 Thornton Road<br>Waltham, MA 02453-7711<br>Phone: (781) 891-8110<br>Fax: (781) 899-9208<br>E-mail Address: [mailto:ajhs@ajhs.org ajhs@ajhs.org]


The American Jewish Historical Society Library has an extensive collection consisting of manuscripts on individuals, institutions, and organizations that pertain to the Jewish experience in America. They also have a collection of Jewish American family genealogies that is continually growing. One of the collections is from the Industrial Removal Office. It is arranged alphabetically by city and then by state. It contains information about individuals from the lower east end of New York who were helped to find jobs and relocate in the Midwest.


For a history about the Jewish people in Minnesota, see:
==== Lutheran  =====
 
*Plaut, W. Gunther. ''The Jews in Minnesota:The First Seventy-Five Years''. New York: American Jewish Historical Society, 1959. (Family History Library {{FHL|199704|title-id|disp=book 977.6 F2p}}.)
 
=== Lutheran  ===
[[Image:Minnesota Religious Affiliation 1906 Lutheran.jpg|right|500px]]
[[Image:Minnesota Religious Affiliation 1906 Lutheran.jpg|right|500px]]
[http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Synodical-Relations/Regions.aspx Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), Region 3]<br>2481 Como Avenue<br>St. Paul, MN 55108<br>Phone: (651) 641-3205  
[http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Synodical-Relations/Regions.aspx Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), Region 3]<br>2481 Como Avenue<br>St. Paul, MN 55108<br>Phone: (651) 641-3205  
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This archive has microfilm copies of part of the records at the Region 3 facility in St. Paul. They can help locate records of a congregation if you know the name of the congregation.  
This archive has microfilm copies of part of the records at the Region 3 facility in St. Paul. They can help locate records of a congregation if you know the name of the congregation.  


=== Methodist  ===
==== Methodist  ====


'''United Methodist Annual Conference'''<br>122 West Franklin Avenue, Room 400<br>Minneapolis, MN 55404<br>Phone: (612) 870-0058, ext. 249  
'''United Methodist Annual Conference'''<br>122 West Franklin Avenue, Room 400<br>Minneapolis, MN 55404<br>Phone: (612) 870-0058, ext. 249  
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*Hobart, Chauncey. ''History of Methodism in Minnesota''. 1887. Reprint, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota: Park Genealogical Books, 1992. (Family History Library {{FHL|586588|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K2hc}}.) This history contains a glossary of terms used in nineteenth-century Methodism and an every-name index to biographies included in the work.
*Hobart, Chauncey. ''History of Methodism in Minnesota''. 1887. Reprint, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota: Park Genealogical Books, 1992. (Family History Library {{FHL|586588|title-id|disp=book 977.6 K2hc}}.) This history contains a glossary of terms used in nineteenth-century Methodism and an every-name index to biographies included in the work.


=== Presbyterian  ===
==== Presbyterian  ====


[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ Presbyterian Historical Society and Department of History]<br>United Presbyterian Church USA<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147-1516<br>Phone: (215) 627-1852<br>Fax: (215) 627-0509  
[http://www.history.pcusa.org/ Presbyterian Historical Society and Department of History]<br>United Presbyterian Church USA<br>425 Lombard Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19147-1516<br>Phone: (215) 627-1852<br>Fax: (215) 627-0509  
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*Campbell, E. V. ''History of the Churches of the Presbytery of St. Cloud''. St. Cloud, Minnesota: Journal Press, 1907?. (Family History Library {{FHL|623025|title-id|disp=microfilm 1845852 item3}}.) Gives information about the organization and early life of the Presbyterian Church especially in St. Cloud area.
*Campbell, E. V. ''History of the Churches of the Presbytery of St. Cloud''. St. Cloud, Minnesota: Journal Press, 1907?. (Family History Library {{FHL|623025|title-id|disp=microfilm 1845852 item3}}.) Gives information about the organization and early life of the Presbyterian Church especially in St. Cloud area.


=== Roman Catholic  ===
==== Roman Catholic  ====


The records most useful to family history researchers are the records of baptism, marriage, burial, and confirmation made by parish priest in the local churches. These are sometimes referred to as sacramental records. Some of these records may remain in the local churches while others have been moved to the diocesan offices and archives.  
The records most useful to family history researchers are the records of baptism, marriage, burial, and confirmation made by parish priest in the local churches. These are sometimes referred to as sacramental records. Some of these records may remain in the local churches while others have been moved to the diocesan offices and archives.  
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The Minnesota Genealogical Society [http://mngs.org/ website] has information on researching the Catholic parishes.  
The Minnesota Genealogical Society [http://mngs.org/ website] has information on researching the Catholic parishes.  


The Minnesota Historical Society has records of some individual churches and religious groups. Only a few of the church records held by the Minnesota Historical Society have been microfilmed. They have an inventory for each series of church records that lists the contents of each roll of film. These copies are available through inter-library loan.  
The Minnesota Historical Society has records of some individual churches and religious groups. Only a few of the church records held by the Minnesota Historical Society have been microfilmed. They have an inventory for each series of church records that lists the contents of each roll of film. These copies are available through inter-library loan.
 
The Family History Library does not have an extensive collection of church records for Minnesota. Local church records that are available are listed in the [[FamilySearch Catalog Place Search|Place Search]] of the FamilySearch Catalog under:
 
MINNESOTA, [COUNTY] – CHURCH RECORDS
 
MINNESOTA, [COUNTY], [TOWN] – CHURCH RECORDS<br>


== Websites  ==
== Websites  ==
Hanna5974
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