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Church of the Brethren (Dunkard) church records in Pennsylvania

Brethren practiced adult baptism, so there are no infant baptism registers. An adult was added to the membership list after baptism. For genealogy, obituaries in Brethren periodicals are often the best source.

Where the records are

Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA)

Elgin, Illinois (the denomination's national archive). Mon–Fri 9–12 and 1–4; call ahead, since there is one staff member.

Access: Free to research on site. Answers genealogy requests by mail, phone, or email. Minutes of closed congregations may be here or at a nearby Brethren college library.

Cost: Genealogy requests $25/hour ($12.50 minimum, 2-hour maximum), billed after completion. Don't send payment in advance.

Source: Brethren Historical Library and Archives – Policies, services, and fees, Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists – How To

Statewide sources for every denomination

Pennsylvania State Archives – Church Records (MG-262) and WPA Inventory of Church Archives

Access: Church records on microfilm, plus the 1937–40 WPA survey that recorded where each congregation's records were kept at the time.

Cost: Contact the State Archives

Source: PA State Archives – MG-262 Church Records (PDF)

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Sources (checked 2026-10-16)

  1. Brethren Historical Library and Archives – Policies, services, and fees
  2. Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists – How To
  3. PA State Archives – MG-262 Church Records (PDF)
  4. Ancestry – PA and NJ Church and Town Records, 1669-2013 (HSP)
  5. HSP LibGuide – Ancestry