I am beginning to sound like the letter writing queen of CAtholic churches in Manhattan. Have received records from St. May's too. Important point for all to understand: the people assigned to do these searches, are often not native speakers of English. English is often their second language, so they do not imagine alternative spellings or "read into" old cursive. I recommed: l- Calling the church ahead of time to find out availability of records, correct person to contact, and if there is an exact fee. This saves time and aggravation. 2- Type your letter as simply as possible. Make it more like a list eg, type of record requestsed, approx date, names and alternative spellings. 3-Include your name, mailing address and phone number. I have been phone by a Church more times than not. 4-Include a self addressed stamped envelope. 5- Include a check and address it to the research person. 6- Be nice. Thank them etc. Barb > I've requested searches at approx. 7 RC Churches in Manhattan & the Bronx. > I've only had a real problem with 1...St. Mary's on the Lower East Side. > They got me the info I was looking for but it took 3 phone calls and about 7 > > months. > > Something I do that I think helps, is make a donation to the church with the > > request. This is of course a "no strings attached" donation and I make it > clear I'll pay additional if they find my records and request additional > payment. > > I believe it is an inducement to them to make my search and of course as a > donation it is tax deductible to me. > > If you request something from the Archives Office NYC, you have to pay > whether they find a record or not. Many of the people doing the searches at > the church are volunteers doing many things besides looking through the > registers. Keep in mind, many of these parishes are quite poor & can use the > > money. > > Frank McCullough > Calif. >