Lutheran Church ArchivesGuide to Collections

The Lutheran Church Archives consist primarily of administrative records documenting Minnesota affiliates of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) along with predecessor and supporting synods. In addition, there are congregational histories, biographical files regarding clergy and church leaders, and microfilmed church records (ending about 1930).
We hold records for the following bodies.

  • Primary Collection Areas:
    •  Augustana Synod, 1860-1962
      • Minnesota Conference, 1858-1962
      • Red River Valley Conference, 1912-1962
      • Association of English Churches, 1908-1931
    • English Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the Northwest (Northwest Synod), 1891-1962
      • Central Conference
    • Lutheran Church in America, 1963-1987
      • Minnesota Synod
      • Red River Valley Synod
  • Secondary Collection Areas:
    • General Synod, 1820-1918
    • United Lutheran Church in America, 1918-1962
    • Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (Suomi Synod), 1890-1963

Collection Finding Aids

Finding aids are for large collections such as governing church bodies and small collections documenting people and events. At present, very few collections are processed enough for the creation of finding aids. There are internal inventories for many collections. Contact the archivist for more information.

Church-Related Biograhical Files

These files contain a variety of information including news clippings, obituaries, publications, and other items. Names are organized alphabetically by surname.

Synod of the Northwest: Central Conference Congregations

List of congregations in the Central Conference with founding dates. The list was compiled from 1962 synod Minutes. There are 60 congregations in Minnesota and 1 from Wisconsin.

Microfilm Index: Minnesota Conference Congregations, Augustana Synod

Contained here is a listing of towns and congregations of the Lutheran Minnesota Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church. This index serves as a tool to begin accessing 194 microfilm reels of church records.

Microfilm Index: Red River Valley Conference Congregations, Augustana Synod

Contained here is a listing of towns and congregations of the Red River Valley Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Church. This index serves as a tool to begin accessing 77 microfilm reels of church records. These records are fantastic resources for genealogists and those seeking to learn more about local churches.