State Church Records
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Arkansas Church records undoubtedly are a abundant resource for the genealogical and historical researcher. In many parts of Arkansas, church records predate civil records. They consequently document vital occurrences, supplying birth, marriage, and death details that could in any other case be lost. Besides furnishing names and dates, church records may uncover relationships between people and reflect a family’s standing in the community. In addition, entries of a personal nature are not unusual, and these could provide a glimpse into an ancestor’s character or behaviors.

Well before Arkansas County and city governments stored vital records, many people documented significant times, events, and names in their family Bible. Family Bibles are invaluable research resources. Despite the fact that the dates can’t be guaranteed, Family Bibles are a tangible link with past generations.

Arkansas Church records are a rich resource for the genealogical and historical researcher. In many parts of Arkansas, church records predate civil records. They therefore document vital events, giving birth, marriage, and death information that might otherwise be lost. Besides providing names and dates, church records may reveal relationships between people and depict a family’s status in the community. In addition, entries of a personal nature are not uncommon, and these can offer a glimpse into an ancestor’s character or habits.

Before Arkansas County and city governments collected vital records, many people recorded important dates, events, and names in their family Bible. Family Bibles are valuable research tools. Although the dates cannot be guaranteed, Family Bibles are a tangible link with past generations.

The following are repositories for Arkansas church records:

  • Baptist – Arkansas Baptist State Convention Collection, Ouachita Baptist University, Riley Library, 410 Ouachita, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
  • Episcopal – The Bishop’s Office, 509 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201.
  • Lutheran – Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church, 3558 S. Jefferson St., St. Louis, M0 63103.
  • Methodist – North Arkansas Conference Depository, Hendrix College, Olin C. Bailey Library, Washington and Front Streets, Conway, AR 72032; and Little Rock Conference Depository, Methodist Headquarters Building, 1723 Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72204.
  • Presbyterian – Arkansas College Library, Batesville, AR 72501.
  • Roman Catholic – Chancery Office, St. John’s Seminary, North Tyler and I St., Little Rock, AR 72201.

Arkansas Church and Bible Links