Fellow researchers, Below is a message, in part, from a fellow that I helped a bit last year. He was just beginning family history research for himself and his wife. Curious to know if any of you had this local problem & how YOU managed to deal with it? ........ "Church records were a breeze to gain at St Mary's in Elyria.....was made very welcome & spent 7 hrs pouring over each volume. They allowed me access to everything they had in the safe. I was quite appreciative......I met the complete opposite in my quest at St Mary's in Avon. I have a portion obtained from the Cleveland Public Library up through the late 1800's but anything from that point on - nothing could be had. The priest actually got on the phone and told me that is "personal and private" information period and told me to send back a form. I am still awaiting a response to my submission of this several months ago"............ Note: this is another message that had been sent to the list on Aug. 13th. Nancy M. Meyers, Lorain OH OGS Life Member http://www.ogs.org/ Genealogy Volunteer http://www.centurytel.net/lorgen