Tom Oatney asked: Has anyone copied the records from St. Mary's Church in Lancaster? I >always had a tough time getting them to respond to any requests for >information. If they have not been copied, they would be a good one to get. The Catholic Record Society in Columbus at 197 E Gay St., Columubus, Ohio 43215 phone (614) 241-2571 has a microfilm of their records and will do research for you (it will take months they are all volunteers and come in once a week). I just finished talking to a gentleman at the society and he gave me some information that I believe will help those who are searching for their Catholic ancestors. 1. The Catholic Record Society has all the records for the Diocese of Columbus (boundaries as of 1960). 2. In order to be married in the Catholic church you must show a baptismal record - this information may appear on the marriage record. 3. Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio was a central location. Priests were like circuit riders and went out once or twice a year marrying and baptising Catholics in the area. Thus, a couple in Chillicothe maybe included in the St. Mary's records. 4. Priests usually did not attend funerals of members outside the immediate area. Thus, death records are scattered. 5. The completeness of the records varies depending on the personality and interest of the priest. 6. If you are interested in seeing the extent of the Diocese of Columbus get hold of a OGS Report Fall 1995 p. 160+ for an excellent article. The Fairfield County District Library in Lancaster, Ohio has back issues of the Report. Carol Swinehart cshart@greenapple.com Listowner of Fairfield County, Ohio Mailing List at: OHFAIRFI-L@rootsweb.com Stop by the Fairfield County, Ohio Genweb page at: http://www.greenapple.com/~ksmith