The minutes of meetings can reveal a great deal about the problems facing the congregation. Treasurer's reports can chronicle the highs and lows of the congregation's history and can show what the congregation considered important enough to spend money on. By examining endowment records, you may also discover important benefactors whose names have been forgotten. Visit your local library and historical society to enlist the aid of their librarians. These collections may include local histories that refer to your congregation or an earlier congregation history.
Local newspapers are also an important source of information.
The library's photograph collection may contain photos of an old congregation building that no longer exists, former ministers, or the founders of the congregation. Explore the congregation's building for lost or forgotten materials. An old trunk in the attic or a dusty box of books in the basement might yield a wealth of materials to examine. Don't forget to use human resources by spreading word of your research among the members of the congregation. Longtime congregants may have interesting photographs and other memorabilia associated with the congregation that can be included in your history.