Massachusetts, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains church records from 1630 to 1943, from various denominations in Massachusetts. Some of the church records come from the following:
 * First Church of Christ (Ipswich)
 * Church of Christ at Cambridge
 * Trinity Methodist Episcopal (Charlestown)
 * South Congregational Church (Boston)
 * Grace Church (Boston)
 * St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Lanesborough)

What Can these Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:


 * Name
 * Age
 * Date of event
 * Location of event
 * Gender
 * Residence


 * Marital status
 * Name of bride
 * Name of groom
 * Names of parents
 * Name of spouse

The records may also include:
 * Birthplace of parents
 * Race
 * Occupation
 * Cause of death

How Do I Search the Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the individual
 * The approximate date and or location of the 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 the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the information found in the church records to search for county or state vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death
 * Search for the family in census records, both federal and state
 * Search for the family in land and probate records in the town where they lived
 * Search the town records for information on the individual and their 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
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Massachusetts.
 * Massachusetts Guided Research
 * 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.