Finding Local Unit Historical Records
Local Unit Records Research Guide
The simplest way to identify what records the Church History Library has is to simply search by the unit’s name in the catalog. In most cases, this will lead you to the local records we have for that unit. However, unit names change, unit boundaries change, and units can be discontinued and reinstated.
For example, the Portneuf Stake in Idaho was organized in 1915 from the Pocatello Stake. In 1974, the stake’s name changed to Arimo Idaho Stake. In 1983, the stake’s name changed to McCammon Idaho Stake. Less than a year later, in 1984, the McCammon stake was divided, and a new Arimo Idaho Stake was created. In this case, the original Portneuf Stake that changed names twice (1974 and 1983) kept the same call number in the Church History Catalog, but the new Arimo stake organized in 1984 was assigned a different call number from the old Arimo stake.
Thus, if you intend to conduct a thorough search for all records pertaining to a unit (especially a unit that has been around for a long time), it will help to understand how we catalog and organize records as well as how our practices have changed over time.
Here are some suggestions for navigating such changes:
Call Numbers
The records for each unit of the Church are assigned a call number in the catalog, so it can help to identify the local unit’s call number at the outset of your research. Once a unit has a call number assigned to it, the call number is more stable than the name of the unit, which is more prone to change over time. These call numbers begin with the prefix LR (local record), followed by a space and then a number (generally four to six digits). For example, the call number for the Queretaro Branch in Mexico is LR 7285. We refer to that number as the base call number; a complete call number would be followed by a space and another number or two, known as the series number, which we will address in more detail later in this guide.
How do you find the call number? The simplest way is to search by the unit name in our catalog. The call number should appear in the resulting records. However, occasionally it can get more complicated than that (see “Unit Numbers” below). And remember, if you have questions, the library’s Ask Us service is just a click away.
When searching in the library catalog by call number, be sure to include spaces or a forward slash (/) where the spaces generally go. Without the spaces or slash, the catalog will not return appropriate results. For example, to obtain all the records in the catalog for the Queretaro Branch, you would select Call Number in the search drop-down and then type the base call number for that ward, as pictured here (note the space after “LR”).
Unit Numbers
In addition to the call number in the library catalog, every Church unit is assigned a unique ID, or unit number. This ID is used in the Church Directory of Organizations and Leaders (CDOL) and in paperwork used by Church units, such as purchase orders. CDOL was preceded by a print Directory of General Authorities and Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which began in 1900 and was discontinued in 2008. This directory is open and accessible in our catalog for the years 1900 to 1970. Beginning in the 1970 edition, the unit number was included in the directory.
A selection from the 2008 Directory of General Authorities and Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Note the unit number listed after the unit’s name.
We strive to include this unit number in the descriptive records as a historical note. For example, the Bountiful Thirty-Fifth Ward’s unit number is 79030. Because this number is included in many of the record descriptions for that ward, you can search the catalog by this number to retrieve records on that unit. While this is a less reliable way of searching than using the call number, the unit number can help verify that the records you find are the ones for the unit you are interested in. Also, if you already know the unit number, it can help our staff identify the correct records for you.
Historical Administrative Changes to a Unit
Administrative changes—such as a unit being organized, having its name changed, merging with another unit, or changing stake affiliations—can influence your searching and research. You can find information about administrative changes (pre-1983) in a resource called the Local Unit History File (LUHF). The LUHF contains summarized organizational dates, jurisdictional realignments, and call numbers for units. The information is filed under the name of the local unit; the listing of local units is alphabetical. The far right of the listing will show the local unit’s partial call number. For example, in the image of the LUHF provided below, the call number for the Orange California Stake is 8054. To search using the call number, simply add “LR” to the front: LR 8054.
The LUHF is available online in the Church History Catalog under call number CR 100 42. It would be wise to verify the LUHF information in the manuscript histories and annual reports, as they are not immune to contributors’ errors.
Some of this information is contained in CDOL, and our librarians can search that source for you. Contact us through our Ask Us service.
