GotMyCallA resource for families of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Find your missionary ancestors

Did someone in your family serve a mission long ago? The Church History Biographical Database can show you in 3 steps.

Open the database → Share their story ↓

3 steps

About 5 minutes. You need a FamilySearch account.

  • 1. Open the database. Church History Biographical Database. Anyone can search by name.

  • 2. Tap “Show My Ancestors”It’s to the right of the search bar. Then tap “Activate Ancestor View.”

  • 3. Sign in to FamilySearchYou come back to a list of your direct ancestors in the database, matched from your Family Tree.

Source: Church History Library, 4 simple steps

What you’ll find

Early missionaries, from 1830 on.

  1. Step 1Where and when The mission and the dates they served.
  2. Step 2Their own words Links to journals and letters, when the library has them.
  3. Step 3Photos Pictures of the missionary, when available.
  4. Step 4 More than missionaries Pioneers, Mormon Battalion members and Church leaders too.

Sources: Database home · Research guide

Not there?

No results doesn’t mean no missionary.

  • Not added yetMore records are being added over time.

  • Didn’t pass through Salt Lake CityMost data came from a Salt Lake City register, so some missionaries aren’t listed.

  • Dig deeperThe Missions and Missionaries research guide lists registers, reports and diaries.

Source: Church History Library research guide

Share their story

A small way to connect a new call to family history.

  1. Step 1At the farewell A one-line mention of where an ancestor served. Farewell ideas →
  2. Step 2At the reveal Pin the ancestor’s mission on the map too. Reveal game →
  3. Step 3Sing together “Called to Serve,” Hymn 249. Official page
  4. Step 4 In a letter Tell your missionary about the ancestor who served before them.

Source: Called to Serve (Church Music)

Questions

Tap to open · 6 common questions
How do I find out if an ancestor served a mission?

Open the Church History Biographical Database, tap “Show My Ancestors” next to the search bar, then “Activate Ancestor View” and sign in to FamilySearch. It lists your direct ancestors found in the database.

Can anyone use the Church History Biographical Database?

Yes. Anyone can search it by name. To see only your own ancestors, you sign in with a FamilySearch account.

How many missionaries are in it?

The database home page says it has information on 44,000 missionaries who served from 1830 to 1940. The Church History Library research guide says about 47,000. It is updated as records are added.

Why don’t my ancestors show up?

They may not be in the database yet. Its data came mostly from a register kept in Salt Lake City, and more records are being added. Try the Church History Library research guide on missions.

Are recent missionaries included?

No. For privacy, it only includes people who have died or who began their missionary service 80 or more years ago.

Is this for LDS missionary ancestors?

Yes. The database is run by the Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Sources and fine print

Tap to open · 3 official pages + fine print

Fine print

  • The database home page says 44,000 missionaries (1830–1940); the research guide says about 47,000. Both are official Church History pages.
  • For privacy, it lists only people who have died or began serving 80 or more years ago.
  • The Church History Department and FamilySearch are separate, but both are affiliated with the Church (database FAQ).
  • GotMyCall links only; we don’t copy records or photos.

. Official pages, your call packet and the Missionary Portal are always the final word. GotMyCall is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Farewell ideas Opening the call First week While they serve What a mission costs Letters & packages

Spot something out of date? Email igotmycall@gmail.com or message @igotmycall on X.