queries to RC Churches in Manhattan?

[Lambendsor (aka IGS)]

This sort of relates to the "What's average charge by the American church for the look-ups?" thread, but I thought I should start a new one...

I've been trying to build up the courage to send some queries -  and donations - to a few churches in Manhattan (i.e. New York City), but the fear of getting no reply has put me off.

Have any of you been in contact or had luck (or not) with:

St. James Church on Oliver Street (down by the Brooklyn Bridge)?

Church of the Transfiguration on Mott Street?

Old St. Patrick's Cathedral on Mulberry Street?

My Irish forebears could have attended any or all of these churches in the 1850s and 60s, but they moved around a lot, so I gather I should contact all - or at least start with the most likely and patiently await a reply...?

[nickgc]

Well, I was going to suggest sending an email to the RC Archdiocese of New York to ask how best to go about this...

According to their website they have over 100 departments, so that might not be feasible.  Still, if you could find an office in their listings and luck out by contacting a sympathetic listener, it might be a first step.

Nick

[Lambendsor (aka IGS)]

Thanks - since posting I poked around on Rootsweb and it seems that I should simply write to the churches in question, include a donation, and hope for the best.

[KathMc]

I think it is hit or miss with the churches. I've contacted some and get a great response and others I never hear from. Definitely contact the churches directly, as they will be smaller than the archdioceses, so you have a better chance of getting an answer. Let me know how it goes. I still need to write to St. Stephen's in NYC to find some ancestors and have been putting it off for the same reason.

Kath

[Lambendsor (aka IGS)]

Thanks, Kath - Yeah, nothing ventured, nothing gained - I need to just get it over with. 

[KathMc]

The worst is you won't hear anything. With a donation included though that would be like stealing.  (no comment)

And you have motivated me to contact St. Stephen's.


Good luck.

Kath

[nutkin]

I have had the same mixed experiences in Brooklyn and NYC.  I usually send an email or snail mail to the church.  I ask if there is any fee to search and then if a reply is received with copies. I send a donation. others are very expensive.

I have found that with Lutheran Records in NYC, Wagner College holds the arhives for the diocese. For a fee they will send copies. I have had wonderful luck. Iwould check to see if any local colleges hold any records for the church.

[KathMc]

Hey Nutkin, haven't seen you around here in a while. Just at TJ Maxx

The Lutheran records, is that just for Manhattan, or would it include Queens? that's a great tip. I am loaded with Lutherans, all in Queens.

Kath

[nutkin]

Here is the link with a pdf for theholdings. 

http://www.wagner.edu/library/special

Busy lately with my gardens for the new house. Hard to create from a blank slate.