Of course, the first step in providing temple work for your kindred dead is to identify your ancestors. It can be a rewarding process. As you dig up information on who they were, what kinds of things they enjoyed doing, and where they came from, you can learn more about yourself as well. Don’t forget to contact your family history consultants if you need help locating a difficult piece of information.
When you’re just beginning, you’ll want to start with your parents and grandparents. If you already have a great deal of information gathered, you’ll want to start finding out which ancestors need their temple work done for them.
Regardless of your starting point, there are three basic tools that will help you in your search. They are – your family records, FamilySearch, and the family history center.
Family Records:
You can contact relatives to find out which information has already been gathered. As you look through your own papers, you may find marriage certificates, birth and death certificates, journals, family Bibles, and other important documents that will give you the names and dates you need to start. If you coordinate your efforts with that of a relative, you’ll find that the work goes more smoothly and you’re not duplicating efforts.
FamilySearch:
FamilySearch is a computer program designed specifically to help you locate your ancestors. You can sift through millions of names to find those that pertain to you. By putting in an ancestor’s name and date of birth or death, you can pull them up quickly. The information is divided into different sub-programs such as the Ancestral File, the International Genealogical Index, and the Family History Library Catalog. The program will also tell you when you need to consult a microfilm for more information.
As you utilize these tools and learn to organize your information, you’ll be well on your way to completing the temple work for your kindred dead. How great shall be your joy!
Related Blogs:
Temple and Family History Work: An Overview
Salvation for the Living and the Dead
Temple Ordinances for the Dead