Local Genealogical Gems : NYSL Church Records for Palatine Germans

This week's set of records is located in the New York State Library (NYSL). The library holds many church book records from throughout the state. Today we are focusing on records from Dutchess and Columbia Counties. These church books are essential for researchers who are tracing their Palatine German ancestors. This list is by far from exhaustive. It is a small sample of church books that will be found in the NYSL. These are sources that I am using for tracing my Palatine ancestors.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wurttemberg, NY
(Dutchess County); Multiple Volumes
Call Number: 974.733 fW95l9 

Records of Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Peter the Apostle, The Stone Church, Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, NY; Multiple Volumes
Call Number: H974.733 R31h9p q 1965

Baptism and Marriage Records of the Reformed Churches of Upper Red Hook, Tivoli, Mellenville, and Linlithgo, 1766-1899
(Columbia & Dutchess Counties); Multiple Volumes
Call Number: H 974.739 q L 78l 1ba 

Baptismal Record of the Reformed Church of West Copak, NY, 1783-1899 (Columbia County)
Call Number: 974.739 qW522w5

Records of St. Paul's (Zion) Evangelical Lutheran Church at Red Hook, NY, 1730-1905
(Dutchess County)
Call Number: 974.733 fR31L9   

Records of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Rhinebeck, NY
(Dutchess County), Multiple Volumes
Call Number: 974.733 fR31l9p

Information gleaned from most of these baptism records will include:

• child's name
• date of baptism
• names of parents
• names of sponsors/witnesses

Baptism record for William Edward Reiffenberger
baptized: 27 November 1811
parents: John Reiffenberger & Elisabeth (wife)
sponsors: John Crusius & Atoinna Eckert
Wurttemberg, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran