We get a lot of people researching their family histories here. During the colonial period, especially, church records were often the only records kept in a town, so baptisms, marriages, and church memberships can play a big part in figuring out where and when your ancestors lived. Because each Congregational church is responsible for its own records, we don't have all of the information about every church that has ever existed. Take a look at our list of archival finding guides to see if the one you're looking for is available.
If you're looking for American Congregational ministers or missionaries, we have a tool that should be helpful. Our necrology database contains more than 25,000 citations for obituary notices and biographical sketches spanning four centuries. (I'm currently in the process of adding entries for 17th and 18th century clergy from Emerson Davis's unpublished Biographical Sketches of the Congregational Pastors of New England.) There is a page of frequently asked questions and search tips for the database, as well as a video demonstration of how to use a citation to find the full necrology.
You may be able to find biographies or published works of more prominent people in our catalog. Ministers often published their more popular sermons, and missionaries sent home reports about their work in the field. There is also a series of "Vital Records of..." books for several cities in Massachusetts compiled from civic and church records through 1849.
If you can't find what you're looking for in our collections, there are a number of options to try on our Useful Links page. In particular:
For British Congregational ministers, try the Surman Index. It contains listings for primarily English and Welsh clergy from the mid-seventeenth century through 1972, and includes early Presbyterians and Unitarians.
To find burial records, search Find A Grave. It has an impressive 72 million records, many of which include photographs or maps.
We are always happy to offer assistance with our online resources or the physical collections in person. Call, write, or visit at your convenience.
--Robin
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