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Episcopal (Anglican) church records in Pennsylvania

The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania once covered the whole state. Western Pennsylvania split off in 1865. Today the Diocese of Pennsylvania covers Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties.

Where the records are

Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Archives

Covers: Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware

archives@diopa.org · 267-575-8958 (contact info from an archived 2017 page; confirm before writing)

Access: Holds records of closed parishes (registers and vestry minutes) and parish histories. Open by appointment only. Selected St. Paul's Church (Philadelphia) registers are digitized free on OPenn.

Cost: Staff do small research requests for a 'nominal fee' (amount not posted)

Source: Episcopal Diocese of PA – History and Archives (archived page, 2017), OPenn – Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Archives

Ancestry: Pennsylvania, U.S., Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Church Records, 1759-1972

Online (subscription)

Access: Baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials, and parishioner lists.

Cost: Ancestry subscription

Source: Ancestry – PA, Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Church Records, 1759-1972

Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives

Covers: Western PA (diocese formed 1865)

Trinity Cathedral Parish Hall, 3rd floor, 325 Oliver Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Call ahead for an appointment.

Access: Records of closed parishes and files on active parishes, with parish records back to the late 18th century. One rural parish register (St. Michael's, Armstrong County, 1848–1988) is free online, with 1944 onward blocked for privacy.

Cost: Not posted

Source: Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives – Our Collection, Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives – Finding Us, Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives – On-Line Records

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)

Historical Society of Pennsylvania via Ancestry

Access: Church and town records for PA and NJ, 1669–2013, all denominations.

Cost: Ancestry subscription

Source: Ancestry – PA and NJ Church and Town Records, 1669-2013 (HSP), HSP LibGuide – Ancestry

County guides

Philadelphia County Bucks County Montgomery County Chester County Allegheny County