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Local Church Records

Baptism and local church membership records are the two most frequently requested materials. The General Commission on Archives and History does not hold such records. In United Methodist practice these... Read More

Search the Archives

Disclaimer - GCAH did not create the historic documents it archives, and the content of these historic documents do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of GCAH. ... Read More

Heritage Landmarks: A Traveler’s Guide to the Most Sacred Places in The United Methodist Church

The Heritage Landmarks of United Methodism remind us of those people and events that have shaped our history. They are tangible reminders of our heritage and their preservation helps keep... Read More

Methodist History Journal

Become a subscriber to Methodist History, the official historical journal of the United Methodist Church. Since 1962, the year of its inception, it has published articles, book reviews, pictures and illustrations,... Read More

Circuit Riders

John Wesley's Methodist plan of multiple meeting places called circuits required an itinerating force of preachers. Read More

Managing Records of the Annual Conference and Local Church

The General Commission on Archives and History makes these guidelines available to facilitate the planning and creation of retention schedules for your annual conference and local church. They are available... Read More

How To Research Your Family

If you believe your ancestor was a fully-ordained minister or a missionary in the United Methodist tradition and want some genealogical information then please feel free to fill out our... Read More

Historic Sites

See The Book of Discipline, 1712.1a. An Historic Site is a location or structure associated with an event, development, or personality deemed of strong historic significance in the history of... Read More

Heritage Sunday: May 21, 2023

Heritage Sunday 2023: “Local Church Histories: The Cornerstone of our Faith” Read More