Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 8

With Uplifted Hands

February 24, 2026 - Religious beliefs are deeply personal. We can agree with someone on the existence of God, but how we perceive, follow, or define this Supreme Being can vary greatly from person to person.

Yet even in these differences, we can find connection. And isn't that what the world needs right now?

In a similar way, being able to walk down the church aisles your ancestors walked can be an empowering experience, even if their beliefs at the time were different than yours are today.

I recall the first time I entered the St Mary's Church in Linton, Herefordshire, England. Seeing the baptismal font where my ancestors were christened, the altar where they were married, and the surrounding cemetery where many were interred was a powerful and moving experience.

So if you're planning to visit the lands of your ancestors, don't miss the opportunity to walk in their sacred spaces to better connect with them.

1. Very often, church records exist where civil records are absent. They are a vital resource to learn, not only what religion they espoused but so much more.
2. Sign into FamilySearch, then go to Search and choose Research Wiki from the dropdown options. From there, navigate to where your ancestors lived.
3. You can then find resources to church, and other, records from that area.
4. While researching for an upcoming trip to Scotland, I could not find the church or cemetery where I knew my ancestors worshipped and were buried. So I googled it! I found a site which informed me that the church/cemetery were no longer in use. That the church had been taken down and that the cemetery was now a park. But I knew where it was at the time. I saw no altar or baptismal font when I traveled to Dysart, Fife but just walking the grounds was impactful.
5. If you're not able to travel to where your ancestors lived, once you know the location of a church or cemetery, try using Google Street View to "visit." It's the next best thing.

Researching where your ancestors worshipped will connect you to them on a deeper level. How they lived their faith, including difficult decisions they may have made because of their beliefs, can inspire you in your own challenges.

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So until next time, always keep your eye on the One that loves you most. Ciao!

Janine

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