Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1745-1805: Cacusi or Hain's Reformed Church

Lower Heidelberg Township lies on the western side of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and Cacusi Reformed Church, which later became known as Hain's Reformed Church, lies in the township. This database contains more than 7,100 records of baptisms from Cacusi or Hain's Reformed Church for the years 1745-1805. Researchers may find information concerning the baptized, the sponsors of the baptism, and other helpful information.

Church records rank among the very best genealogical records available worldwide, but they are one of the most under-used sources in American genealogy. Until the advent of vital statistics in the United States—a very late development in most states—church records were the primary source of birth, marriage, and death information. The sheer number of denominations and affiliate churches has made identifying and locating each one's records a time-consuming ordeal for most genealogists. Church records also vary a great deal in content and emphasis according to the basic theology of the religious group that created them.

Early immigrants from England, Scotland, and other European countries brought their religious beliefs, institutions, and customs with them, including the keeping of church books in which to record births, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, communion lists, deaths, and burials. Lutheran and Reformed Church records in Pennsylvania rank among the very best church records available.