How to Find Your Family History in U.S. Church Records: A Genealogist's Guide

by Sunny Jane Morton, Harold A. Henderson

It is not always an easy task to track down U.S. church records. This book takes researchers step-by-step through the process of identifying, locating, and gaining access to these genealogical gems. Included in this unique, peer-reviewed book are hundreds of links to church research resources, as well as chapters devoted to specific resources for the major Christian denominations before 1900. More than 30 archivists, historians, and genealogical experts in specific faith traditions have contributed their knowledge to these denominational chapters.

Genres: Nonfiction

143 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2019

Reviews

[Kathy KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found much of interest in this book on genealogical and historical research in church records of the United States. Although the original publication date was 2019, the authors give enough information that researchers should be able to check on additional records available, both in print and online. Although there is no bibliography at the back, each chapter does have a short list of related or discussed titles. Many URLs and other finding advice is found in the body of the work. I was happy that many of the older works, both books and periodicals, are mentioned as being available at Internet Archive, HathiTrust, and other lesser known online repositories.

I feel that I may be borrowing this title again to re-read certain sections. Some of the larger religious bodies in the U.S. have several pages of specific information. Others are mentioned in the text and links are given to sites that show the "family tree" of many of the denominations that have splintered, merged, etc.

Recommended to researchers, especially those that realize NOT everything of worth is online and must sometimes be obtained from institutions of various types.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve done any genealogy research, you’ll know the frustration of getting stuck in your quest for history about prior generations.
Part I includes types of information that you may find in US church records, tips for narrowing a search, and how to work with old records. It also provides researchers with some newer helpful resources such as books, catalogues, and websites.
Part II includes specifics about twelve major Christian Denominations (and numerous affiliated denominations). It also gives tips on how to make educated guesses about an ancestor’s church affiliation if you don’t know that information already.
As a neophyte, I appreciate the authors sharing solid advice that has given me hope and help. They provided good leads which I will use to (hopefully) get unstuck—which will allow me to trace back the family tree to even earlier generations.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good if somewhat superficial how-to guide to using U.S. church records in genealogy research. It provides a fairly good general introduction to the records of most of the major (Christian) religions in the United States. I wish the authors had included a summary of the basic tenets of each religion--it would have made the descriptions of the records themselves more understandable.

[Beth Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on church records. I disagree with one comment on Baptist Churches not having good records as my church has excellent records, but that could be an it depends situation. Great resource.

[Nora Olmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful reference book..

[Duane Prejean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for work as a Continuing Education tool. I quite enjoyed, it will enable me to better help my genealogy patrons to secure family records.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for finding your ancestors in Church records.