View source for Texas Church Records

{{TX-sidebar}}
{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[United States Church Records|U.S. Church Records]]
| link3=[[Texas, United States Genealogy|Texas]]
| link4=
| link5=[[Texas Church Records|Church Records]]
}}
<div style="float:right; margin:30px">
{|
|-
|style="border:1px solid DarkBlue; margin:70px; background:GhostWhite; width 15%; padding-right:15px; padding-left:15px; height:50px "|
<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''']] 
|}
</div>
------
==Historical Background==
<div style="width: 100%">
[[Image:Texas church records.png|thumb|right|500px]]</div>
Before 1900, the largest religious groups in [[Texas Genealogy|Texas]] were the Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterians, and Roman Catholics.<ref>William Chamberlin Hunt and United States Bureau of the Census, ''Religious Bodies: 1906'' (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1910), Vol. 1:355-364. Digital version at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Z6ZdiZWeStAC Google Books].</ref> <br><br>

==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:
{|
|-
|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]]
|}

==Finding the Records==
===Look for online records.===
'''Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, and MyHeritage.com can be searched free of charge at your local [https://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/locations/ family history center] or the [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Family_History_Library Family History Library] in Salt Lake City, Utah.
<br>

{|
|-
|
[[File:Caution sign.png|70px]]
|
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====
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/2790180?collectionNameFilter=true Texas, Church Records, 1852-1994] - index and images, very incomplete
*{{RecordSearch|1681015|Texas, Births and Christenings, 1840-1981}} Index only. 
*{{RecordSearch|1681052|Texas, Marriages, 1837-1973}} Index only.
*{{RecordSearch|1681049|Texas, Deaths and Burials, 1903-1973}} Index only.

====Dutch Reformed====
*'''1856-1970''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60524/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Vital Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)
*'''1856-1970''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60767/ U.S., Dutch Christian Reformed Church Membership Records, 1856-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)

====Episcopal====
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1156203 Episcopal Diocese of Arizona church records : jurisdiction of New Mexico and Arizona, 1889-1971]
====Lutheran====
*'''1781-1969'''  - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969], index and images, incomplete.($)

====Methodist====
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8974 New Mexico and Texas, Select United Methodist Church Records, 1870-1970] ($)

====Presbyterian====
*'''1701-1970''' - [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61048/ U.S., Presbyterian Church Records, 1701-1970], index and images, incomplete.($)

====Other Collections====
*[https://www.theancestorhunt.com/blog/free-texas-online-church-records '''The Ancestor Hunt: Free Texas Online Church Records''']

===Look for digital copies of church records 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://www.familysearch.org/help/fhcenters/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=359&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20Texas%22 '''records of United States, Texas'''].
:::b. Click on '''Places within United States, Texas''' 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, Texas [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.
-----

===Consult available finding aids.===

'''These aids generally provide lists of records that are known to exist and information on their location.'''
For a history of the Baptists in Texas, see:
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/478257-redirection '''''A History of Texas Baptists.'''''], Carroll, James M.  2 vols. Dallas, Texas: Baptist Standard Publishing Co., 1923. 
For a history of the Catholic Church, see: 
*Fitzmorris, Mary Angela. [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015014711637&view=1up&seq=5 '''''Four Decades of Catholicism in Texas 1820-1860.'''] ''Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America, 1926. 
For a history of the Methodist Church, see: 
*[http://www.archive.org/details/MN5075ucmf_0  '''''History of Early Methodism in Texas, 1817-1866.'''''] Phelan, Macum. Nashville, Tenn.: Cokesbury Press, 1924.
----

===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.

===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>
====State Archives====
[https://www.tsl.texas.gov/contact '''Texas State Library and Archives Commission''']<br>
Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building<br>
Physical address: 1201 Brazos St., Austin, TX 78701<br>
Mailing address: P.O. Box 12927, Austin, TX 78711-2927<br>
Phone: (512) 463-5455<br>
E-mail: info@tsl.texas.gov<br>
*[https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/genfirst.html '''Genealogy Resources''']
*[https://tsla.sirsi.net/uhtbin/cgisirsi/?ps=CMu6tnVwIx/TSLAC/X/60/1180/X '''Library Catalog''']

====University Archives====
[https://www.cah.utexas.edu/research/index.php '''The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History''']<br>
The University of Texas at Austin<br>
2300 Red River St. Stop D1100<br>
Austin TX, 78712-1426<br>
*[https://www.cah.utexas.edu/documents/subject_guides/genealogy.pdf '''Resources for Genealogy Research''']
----

====Baptist====
[http://www.swbts.edu/libraries '''Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary''']<br>A. Webb Roberts Library <br>2001 West Seminary Drive <br>Fort Worth, TX 76122 <br>Phone: (817) 923-1921 (x3330) <br>Fax: (817) 921-8754 
*[https://libraries.swbts.edu/node/2063 '''Search the Catalog'''] 
----
'''Baylor University'''<br>[http://www.baylor.edu/lib/centrallib/ '''Moody Memorial Library'''] <br>Box 6307 <br>Waco, TX 76703<br>Phone: (254) 710-2111 <br>Fax: (254) 710-3116 
*[https://digitalcollections-baylor.quartexcollections.com/special-libraries-collections/baptist-and-religious-collections '''Baptist and Religious Collection''']
----
'''[https://texasbaptists.org/ministries/texas-baptist-historical-collection Texas Baptist Historical Collection]'''<br>209 N. 8th Street<br>Waco, TX 76701<br>Phone: (254) 754-9446 
----
[https://library.samford.edu/ '''Samford University Library''']<br>
800 Lakeshore Drive<br>
Birmingham, AL 35229<br>
<br>
Telephone:205-726-2196<br>
E-mail: referenc@samford.edu<br>
*[https://library3.samford.edu/search~S27/?searchtype=Y&searcharg=church+records&searchscope=27&m=&SORT=D '''Catalog of church records in Samford University libraries''']
----

====Disciples of Christ====

Brite Divinity School Collection <br>[http://www.library.tcu.edu/ '''Mary Couts Burnett Library'''] <br>Texas Christian University <br>2913 West Lowden <br>Fort Worth, TX 76129 <br>Phone: (817) 921-7117 <br>Fax: (817) 921-7447
*[http://www.library.tcu.edu/ '''Search Engine''']
----

====Lutheran====
[http://www.swtsynod.org/article248479.htm '''ELCA Region4-South Archives''']<br>
1090 Oestreich Dr.<br>
Seguin, TX 78155<br>

Phone:(830) 379-9900<br>
E-mail: archives@swtsynod.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.''']]
----
====Methodist====
[https://www.smu.edu/Bridwell/SpecialCollectionsandArchives/CenterforMethodistStudies '''Center for Methodist Studies'''] <br>United Methodist Historical Collection <br>Bridwell Library <br>Southern Methodist University <br>6005 Bishop Boulevard <br>P.O. Box 750476 <br>Dallas, TX 75275 
*[https://www.smu.edu/Bridwell/Find/MethodistMaterials '''Methodist Materials''']
*[https://smu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?sortby=rank&vid=01SMU_INST:01SMU&lang=en&mode=advanced '''Collection Catalog''']
----

====Presbyterian====
[https://www.austinseminary.edu/ '''Presbyterian Theological Seminary Archives''']<br>100 E. 27th St.<br>Austin, TX 78705<br>
*[https://www.austinseminary.edu/library '''Library''']
*[https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1576611613/austin/lgjy7qucjar99j2e2aro/congregational_records.pdf '''Inventory of the Congregation History Collection'''] Not alphabetical. Use your computer "Find" feature.
----

====Roman Catholic====
[https://txcatholic.org/catholic-archives-of-texas/ '''Catholic Archives of Texas''']<br>
6225 E Hwy 290<br>
Austin, TX 78723<br>
Phone: 512-476-6296<br>
*[https://txcatholic.org/archives/ '''Research Guidelines''']
::"Due to the high volume of records requests, we are no longer accepting requests for genealogical purposes. Our records up to and including the year 1940 are open for that purpose. We welcome individuals willing to research genealogical records yourself. " Accessed 20 July 2020.
----
[https://amarillodiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Amarillo''']<br>4512 NE 24th Amarillo, TX 79107<br>P.O. Box 5644<br>Amarillo, TX 79117<br>Phone:806-383-2243<br>Fax 806-383-8452
*[https://amarillodiocese.org/museum-archives '''Sacramental Records'''] "Request Form for Records" is in the left sidebar.<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Armstrong County, Texas Genealogy|Armstrong]], [[Briscoe County, Texas Genealogy|Briscoe]], [[Carson County, Texas Genealogy|Carson]], [[Castro County, Texas Genealogy|Castro]], [[Childress County, Texas Genealogy|Childress]], [[Collingsworth County, Texas Genealogy|Collingsworth]], [[Dallam County, Texas Genealogy|Dallam]], [[Deaf Smith County, Texas Genealogy|Deaf Smith]], [[Donley County, Texas Genealogy|Donley]], [[Gray County, Texas Genealogy|Gray]], [[Hall County, Texas Genealogy|Hall]], [[Hansford County, Texas Genealogy|Hansford]], [[Hartley County, Texas Genealogy|Hartley]], [[Hemphill County, Texas Genealogy|Hemphill]], [[Hutchinson County, Texas Genealogy|Hutchinson]], [[Lipscomb County, Texas Genealogy|Lipscomb]], [[Moore County, Texas Genealogy|Moore]], [[Ochiltree County, Texas Genealogy|Ochiltree]], [[Oldham County, Texas Genealogy|Oldham]], [[Parmer County, Texas Genealogy|Parmer]], [[Potter County, Texas Genealogy|Potter]], [[Randall County, Texas Genealogy|Randall]], [[Roberts County, Texas Genealogy|Roberts]], [[Sherman County, Texas Genealogy|Sherman]], [[Swisher County, Texas Genealogy|Swisher]] and [[Wheeler County, Texas Genealogy|Wheeler]].<ref name="rome">[http://www.cdeducation.org/oym/connections/dioceseusmap.htm Map of the Roman Catholic Dioceses in the United States of America], Office of Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus, accessed 3 Nov 2010.</ref> 
----
[http://www.austindiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Austin''']<br>6225 Highway 290 East<br>Austin, TX 78723-1025<br>Phone: (512) 949-2400 
*[https://austindiocese.org/archives '''Archives''']<br>
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. Complete and [https://d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net/16495/documents/2019/11/Sacramental%20Record%20Request%20Form%2020191106.pdf '''submit this form'''] to the parish. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.austindiocese.org/parishfinder '''Parish Locator.''']<br>
*Early sacramental records are on microfilm at the [https://txcatholic.org/catholic-archives-of-texas/ '''Catholic Archives of Texas.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Bastrop County, Texas Genealogy|Bastrop]], [[Bell County, Texas Genealogy|Bell]], [[Blanco County, Texas Genealogy|Blanco]], [[Brazos County, Texas Genealogy|Brazos]], [[Burleson County, Texas Genealogy|Burleson]], [[Burnet County, Texas Genealogy|Burnet]], [[Caldwell County, Texas Genealogy|Caldwell]], [[Coryell County, Texas Genealogy|Coryell]], [[Falls County, Texas Genealogy|Falls]], [[Fayette County, Texas Genealogy|Fayette]], [[Hamilton County, Texas Genealogy|Hamilton]], [[Hays County, Texas Genealogy|Hays]], [[Lampasas County, Texas Genealogy|Lampasas]], [[Lee County, Texas Genealogy|Lee]], [[Limestone County, Texas Genealogy|Limestone]], [[Llano County, Texas Genealogy|Llano]], [[Mason County, Texas Genealogy|Mason]], [[McLennan County, Texas Genealogy|McLennan]], [[Milam County, Texas Genealogy|Milam]], [[Mills County, Texas Genealogy|Mills]], [[Robertson County, Texas Genealogy|Robertson]], [[San Saba County, Texas Genealogy|San Saba]], [[Travis County, Texas Genealogy|Travis]], [[Washington County, Texas Genealogy|Washington]] and [[Williamson County, Texas Genealogy|Williamson]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://www.dioceseofbmt.org/ '''Diocese of Beaumont''']<br>P.O. Box 3948<br>Beaumont, TX 77704-3948<br>Phone: (409) 924-4300 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.dioceseofbmt.org/parishes-of-the-diocese/ '''Parish List.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Chambers County, Texas Genealogy|Chambers]], [[Hardin County, Texas Genealogy|Hardin]], [[Jasper County, Texas Genealogy|Jasper]], [[Jefferson County, Texas Genealogy|Jefferson]], [[Liberty County, Texas Genealogy|Liberty]], [[Newton County, Texas Genealogy|Newton]], [[Orange County, Texas Genealogy|Orange]], [[Polk County, Texas Genealogy|Polk]] and [[Tyler County, Texas Genealogy|Tyler]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://www.cdob.org/chancellor/ '''Diocese of Brownsville''']<br>1910 University Blvd.<br>Brownsville, TX 78520<br>Phone: (956) 550-1517 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.cdob.org/parishes-directory/ '''Parish Directory.''']
*Early sacramental records are on microfilm at the [https://txcatholic.org/catholic-archives-of-texas/ '''Catholic Archives of Texas.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Cameron County, Texas Genealogy|Cameron]], [[Hidalgo County, Texas Genealogy|Hidalgo]], [[Starr County, Texas Genealogy|Starr]] and [[Willacy County, Texas Genealogy|Willacy]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://www.diocesecc.org/ '''Diocese of Corpus Christi''']<br>620 Lipan<br>Corpus Christi, TX 78401<br>Phone: (361) 693-6726 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://diocesecc.org/parishfinder/ '''Find a Parish.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Aransas County, Texas Genealogy|Aransas]], [[Bee County, Texas Genealogy|Bee]], [[Brooks County, Texas Genealogy|Brooks]], [[Duval County, Texas Genealogy|Duval]], [[Jim Wells County, Texas Genealogy|Jim Wells]], [[Kenedy County, Texas Genealogy|Kenedy]], [[Kleberg County, Texas Genealogy|Kleberg]], [[Live Oak County, Texas Genealogy|Live Oak]], [[McMullen County, Texas Genealogy|McMullen]], [[Nueces County, Texas Genealogy|Nueces]], [[Refugio County, Texas Genealogy|Refugio]] and [[San Patricio County, Texas Genealogy|San Patricio]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[https://www.cathdal.org/ '''Diocese of Dallas''']<br>3725 Blackburn St.<br>Dallas, TX 75219<br>Phone: (214) 528-2240 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.cathdal.org/parishfinder '''Find a Parish.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Collin County, Texas Genealogy|Collin]], [[Dallas County, Texas Genealogy|Dallas]], [[Ellis County, Texas Genealogy|Ellis]], [[Fannin County, Texas Genealogy|Fannin]], [[Grayson County, Texas Genealogy|Grayson]], [[Hunt County, Texas Genealogy|Hunt]], [[Kaufman County, Texas Genealogy|Kaufman]], [[Navarro County, Texas Genealogy|Navarro]] and [[Rockwall County, Texas Genealogy|Rockwell]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://www.elpasodiocese.org/ '''Diocese of El Paso''']<br>499 St. Matthews St.<br>El Paso, TX 79907<br>Phone: (915) 872-8400 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.elpasodiocese.org/parishes.html '''Parish List.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Brewster County, Texas Genealogy|Brewster]], [[Culberson County, Texas Genealogy|Culberson]], [[El Paso County, Texas Genealogy|El Paso]], [[Hudspeth County, Texas Genealogy|Hudspeth]], [[Jeff Davis County, Texas Genealogy|Jeff Davis]], [[Loving County, Texas Genealogy|Loving]], [[Presidio County, Texas Genealogy|Presidio]], [[Reeves County, Texas Genealogy|Reeves]], [[Ward County, Texas Genealogy|Ward]] and [[Winkler County, Texas Genealogy|Winkler]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[https://fwdioc.org/ '''Diocese of Ft. Worth''']<br>800 West Loop 820 South<br>Fort Worth, TX 76108<br>Phone: (817) 560-330 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://fwdioc.org/parish-finder '''Parish Finder.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Archer County, Texas Genealogy|Archer]], [[Baylor County, Texas Genealogy|Baylor]], [[Bosque County, Texas Genealogy|Bosque]], [[Clay County, Texas Genealogy|Clay]], [[Comanche County, Texas Genealogy|Comanche]], [[Cooke County, Texas Genealogy|Cooke]], [[Denton County, Texas Genealogy|Denton]], [[Eastland County, Texas Genealogy|Eastland]], [[Erath County, Texas Genealogy|Erath]], [[Foard County, Texas Genealogy|Foard]], [[Hardeman County, Texas Genealogy|Hardeman]], [[Hill County, Texas Genealogy|Hill]], [[Hood County, Texas Genealogy|Hood]], [[Jack County, Texas Genealogy|Jack]], [[Johnson County, Texas Genealogy|Johnson]], [[Knox County, Texas Genealogy|Knox]], [[Montague County, Texas Genealogy|Montague]], [[Palo Pinto County, Texas Genealogy|Palo Pinto]], [[Parker County, Texas Genealogy|Parker]], [[Shackelford County, Texas Genealogy|Shackelford]], [[Somervell County, Texas Genealogy|Somervell]], [[Stephens County, Texas Genealogy|Stephens]], [[Tarrant County, Texas Genealogy|Tarrant]], [[Throckmorton County, Texas Genealogy|Throckmorton]], [[Wichita County, Texas Genealogy|Wichita]], [[Wilbarger County, Texas Genealogy|Wilbarger]] and [[Wise County, Texas Genealogy|Wise]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[https://www.archgh.org/ '''Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Archives''']<br>Mail: P.O. Box 907<br>Houston, TX 77001
Physical address:Downtown Chancery<br>
1700 San Jacinto<br>
Houston, TX 77002<br>Phone: (713)-652-8283
*[https://www.archgh.org/offices-ministries/administration/archives-records/ '''Archives and Records''']
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.archgh.org/parishes/parish-search/ '''Parish Search.''']
*'''Genealogy:''' 'Though the Catholic Church has been active in Texas since the 1500s, we have no sacramental records before 1840. While the Archdiocese of Galveston originally included all of Texas, our records cover only the present Archdiocese, as well as some parishes now in the Dioceses of Beaumont, Tyler, and Victoria. These records are open to researchers up to 1920. After 1920, the records are closed except to the person(s) named in the record, and proof of identity must be provided before we will issue a certificate. We do not provide sacramental certificates to genealogists, but we will provide copies of the records (if possible) or transcripts. There is no charge for the research. Requests for records may be submitted by phone, letter, email, or fax. We do not currently have facilities for researchers on site. 
*'''Closed Parishes:''' Please contact the Archives to request records from these churches. The Archives holds the records of the following closed parishes and missions: 
::Galveston: Catholic Chaplains Corps, Holy Rosary Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Queen of Peace/Reina de la Paz Mission, Sacred Heart Church, St. Mary Cathedral Basilica, St. Joseph Church, St. Patrick Church, St. Peter the Apostle Church.
::Freeport--St. Henry Church,
::Port Bolivar--Our Mother of Mercy Church,
::Fayetteville--Espiritu Santo Mission
 

The Archdiocese includes the counties of: [[Austin County, Texas Genealogy|Austin]], [[Brazoria County, Texas Genealogy|Brazoria]], [[Fort Bend County, Texas Genealogy|Fort Bend]], [[Galveston County, Texas Genealogy|Galveston]], [[Grimes County, Texas Genealogy|Grimes]], [[Harris County, Texas Genealogy|Harris]], [[Montgomery County, Texas Genealogy|Montgomery]], [[San Jacinto County, Texas Genealogy|San Jacinto]], [[Walker County, Texas Genealogy|Walker]] and [[Waller County, Texas Genealogy|Waller]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[https://www.dioceseoflaredo.org/ '''Diocese of Laredo''']<br>1901 Corpus Christi Street<br>Laredo, TX 78043<br>Phone: (956) 727-2140 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.dioceseoflaredo.org/parish-map '''Parish Map.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Dimmit County, Texas Genealogy|Dimmit]], [[Jim Hogg County, Texas Genealogy|Jim Hogg]], [[La Salle County, Texas Genealogy|La Salle]], [[Maverick County, Texas Genealogy|Maverick]], [[Webb County, Texas Genealogy|Webb]], [[Zapata County, Texas Genealogy|Zapata]] and [[Zavala County, Texas Genealogy|Zavala]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://catholiclubbock.org/beta.htm '''Diocese of Lubbock''']<br>4620 Fourth Street<br>Lubbock, TX 79499-8700<br>Phone: (806) 792-3943 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://catholiclubbock.org/Parishes.html '''Parish Directory.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Bailey County, Texas Genealogy|Bailey]], [[Borden County, Texas Genealogy|Borden]], [[Cochran County, Texas Genealogy|Cochran]], [[Cottle County, Texas Genealogy|Cottle]], [[Crosby County, Texas Genealogy|Crosby]], [[Dawson County, Texas Genealogy|Dawson]], [[Dickens County, Texas Genealogy|Dickens]], [[Fisher County, Texas Genealogy|Fisher]], [[Floyd County, Texas Genealogy|Floyd]], [[Gaines County, Texas Genealogy|Gaines]], [[Garza County, Texas Genealogy|Garza]], [[Hale County, Texas Genealogy|Hale]], [[Haskell County, Texas Genealogy|Haskell]], [[Hockley County, Texas Genealogy|Hockley]], [[Kent County, Texas Genealogy|Kent]], [[King County, Texas Genealogy|King]], [[Lamb County, Texas Genealogy|Lamb]], [[Lubbock County, Texas Genealogy|Lubbock]], [[Lynn County, Texas Genealogy|Lynn]], [[Motley County, Texas Genealogy|Motley]], [[Scurry County, Texas Genealogy|Scurry]], [[Stonewall County, Texas Genealogy|Stonewall]], [[Terry County, Texas Genealogy|Terry]] and [[Yoakum County, Texas Genealogy|Yoakum]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://www.sanangelodiocese.org/index.html '''Diocese of San Angelo''']<br>804 Ford Street<br>San Angelo, TX 76905<br>Phone: (325) 651-7500 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1829<br>San Angelo, TX 76902-1829 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.sanangelodiocese.org/parishfinder '''Parish Finder.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Andrews County, Texas Genealogy|Andrews]], [[Brown County, Texas Genealogy|Brown]], [[Callahan County, Texas Genealogy|Callahan]], [[Coke County, Texas Genealogy|Coke]], [[Coleman County, Texas Genealogy|Coleman]], [[Concho County, Texas Genealogy|Concho]], [[Crane County, Texas Genealogy|Crane]], [[Crockett County, Texas Genealogy|Crockett]], [[Ector County, Texas Genealogy|Ector]], [[Glasscock County, Texas Genealogy|Glasscock]], [[Howard County, Texas Genealogy|Howard]], [[Irion County, Texas Genealogy|Irion]], [[Kimble County, Texas Genealogy|Kimble]], [[Martin County, Texas Genealogy|Martin]], [[McCulloch County, Texas Genealogy|McCulloch]], [[Menard County, Texas Genealogy|Menard]], [[Midland County, Texas Genealogy|Midland]], [[Mitchell County, Texas Genealogy|Mitchell]], [[Nolan County, Texas Genealogy|Nolan]], [[Pecos County, Texas Genealogy|Pecos]], [[Reagan County, Texas Genealogy|Reagan]], [[Runnels County, Texas Genealogy|Runnels]], [[Schleicher County, Texas Genealogy|Schleicher]], [[Sterling County, Texas Genealogy|Sterling]], [[Sutton County, Texas Genealogy|Sutton]], [[Taylor County, Texas Genealogy|Taylor]], [[Terrell County, Texas Genealogy|Terrell]], [[Tom Green County, Texas Genealogy|Tom Green]] and [[Upton County, Texas Genealogy|Upton]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://www.archsa.org/ '''Archdiocese of San Antonio''']<br>2718 W. Woodlawn<br>San Antonio, TX 78228<br>Phone: (210) 734-2620 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.archsa.org/parishes/ '''Parish Locator.''']
The Archdiocese includes the counties of: [[Atascosa County, Texas Genealogy|Atascosa]], [[Bandera County, Texas Genealogy|Bandera]], [[Bexar County, Texas Genealogy|Bexar]], [[Comal County, Texas Genealogy|Comal]], [[Edwards County, Texas Genealogy|Edwards]], [[Frio County, Texas Genealogy|Frio]], [[Gillespie County, Texas Genealogy|Gillespie]], [[Gonzales County, Texas Genealogy|Gonzales]], [[Guadalupe County, Texas Genealogy|Guadalupe]], [[Karnes County, Texas Genealogy|Karnes]], [[Kendall County, Texas Genealogy|Kendall]], [[Kerr County, Texas Genealogy|Kerr]], [[Kinney County, Texas Genealogy|Kinney]], [[McMullen County, Texas Genealogy|McMullen]], [[Medina County, Texas Genealogy|Medina]], [[Real County, Texas Genealogy|Real]], [[Uvalde County, Texas Genealogy|Uvalde]], [[Val Verde County, Texas Genealogy|Val Verde]] and [[Wilson County, Texas Genealogy|Wilson]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[http://www.dioceseoftyler.org/index.php '''Diocese of Tyler''']<br>1015 ESE Loop 323<br>Tyler, TX 75701-9663<br>Phone: (903) 534-1077 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.dioceseoftyler.org/en/find-a-parish '''Parish Finder.''']
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Anderson County, Texas Genealogy|Anderson]], [[Angelina County, Texas Genealogy|Angelina]], [[Bowie County, Texas Genealogy|Bowie]], [[Camp County, Texas Genealogy|Camp]], [[Cass County, Texas Genealogy|Cass]], [[Cherokee County, Texas Genealogy|Cherokee]], [[Delta County, Texas Genealogy|Delta]], [[Franklin County, Texas Genealogy|Franklin]], [[Freestone County, Texas Genealogy|Freestone]], [[Gregg County, Texas Genealogy|Gregg]], [[Harrison County, Texas Genealogy|Harrison]], [[Henderson County, Texas Genealogy|Henderson]], [[Hopkins County, Texas Genealogy|Hopkins]], [[Houston County, Texas Genealogy|Houston]], [[Lamar County, Texas Genealogy|Lamar]], [[Leon County, Texas Genealogy|Leon]], [[Madison County, Texas Genealogy|Madison]], [[Marion County, Texas Genealogy|Marion]], [[Morris County, Texas Genealogy|Morris]], [[Nacogdoches County, Texas Genealogy|Nacogdoches]], [[Panola County, Texas Genealogy|Panola]], [[Rains County, Texas Genealogy|Rains]], [[Red River County, Texas Genealogy|Red River]], [[Rusk County, Texas Genealogy|Rusk]], [[Sabine County, Texas Genealogy|Sabine]], [[San Augustine County, Texas Genealogy|San Augustine]], [[Shelby County, Texas Genealogy|Shelby]], [[Smith County, Texas Genealogy|Smith]], [[Titus County, Texas Genealogy|Titus]], [[Trinity County, Texas Genealogy|Trinity]], [[Upshur County, Texas Genealogy|Upshur]], [[Van Zandt County, Texas Genealogy|Van Zandt]] and [[Wood County, Texas Genealogy|Wood]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----
[https://www.victoriadiocese.org/ '''Diocese of Victoria''']<br>P.O. Box 4070<br>1505 E. Mesquite Lane<br>Victoria, TX 77901<br>Phone: (361) 573-0828 
*Each parish maintains its own sacramental records. You may find the contact information for parishes of this diocese by using the [https://www.victoriadiocese.org/parishfinder '''Parish Finder.''']
*Early sacramental records are on microfilm at the [https://txcatholic.org/catholic-archives-of-texas/ '''Catholic Archives of Texas.''']<br>
The diocese includes the counties of: [[Calhoun County, Texas Genealogy|Calhoun]], [[Colorado County, Texas Genealogy|Colorado]], [[De Witt County, Texas Genealogy|De Witt]], [[Goliad County, Texas Genealogy|Goliad]], [[Jackson County, Texas Genealogy|Jackson]], [[Lavaca County, Texas Genealogy|Lavaca]], [[Matagorda County, Texas Genealogy|Matagorda]], [[Victoria County, Texas Genealogy|Victoria]], [[Wharton County, Texas Genealogy|Wharton]] and [[Fayette County, Texas Genealogy|Fayette]]<ref name="rome" /> 
----

===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: 
*[http://www.daddezio.com/society/hill/SH-TX-NDX.html '''Society Hill List of Texas Societies''']<br>

==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>

[[File:Dark_thin_font_green_pin_Version_4.png|50px]]'''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'''.]]

==References==
{{Adoption TXGenWeb}}
<references /> 
{{Texas|Texas}}{{USChurch}}</div>{{-}}
 
 [[Category:Texas, United States]]
 Church]] 
       [[Category:U_S_States_Church_records]]