Iowa, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains church records from several denominations throughout Iowa for the period of 1839 – 2004. The churches in this collection include: The church records include baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
 * Bethany Lutheran Church (Laurens)
 * First Presbyterian Church (Pocahontas)
 * St. John's United Church of Christ (Newell)
 * St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Lacona)
 * United Methodist Church (Grundy Center)
 * United Presbyterian Church (Washington)

What Can these Records Tell Me?
Baptism Records: these records can include: Marriage Records: these records can include: Death Records: Some church records do include death information for stillborn or newborn children, even when infant names are not listed. These death records can include:
 * Baptism date
 * Name
 * Date of birth
 * Residence
 * Officiating minister
 * Witnesses
 * Marriage date
 * Names of groom and bride
 * Residences
 * Place of marriage
 * Officiating minister
 * Witnesses
 * Name of deceased
 * Age at death
 * Sex
 * Race
 * Place of death
 * Death date
 * Cause of Death
 * Name of physician
 * Name of undertaker

How Do I Search the Collection?
When searching this collection, it’s helpful to know:
 * Individual’s name
 * Name of church
 * Approximate year of event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found Who I was Looking for, What Now?

 * Search for other vital records in the county or state, such as birth, marriage, and death
 * Use the information found in the record to find land, probate and immigration records
 * Search for the family in federal and state census records
 * Search local newspapers for information the family

I Can’t Find The Person I’m Looking for, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names, or even initials

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Iowa.
 * Iowa Guided Research
 * Iowa Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing this Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.