Just because something is handwritten does not always mean that it is the original. Many older courthouse records are handwritten transcriptions of the original documents-commonly referred  to as the record copy. This is especially true with deeds before other reproductive techniques were developed. Some wills were copied by transcriptionists into record books as well. It is not bad that something is a handwritten copy, but bear in mind that you could be looking at a handwritten reproduction of the original document. And some handwritten documents are the original document.
If you need a list of churches, try a city directory. They often have lists of churches grouped by type of denomination. Addresses and names of ministers may also be listed which may help in determining which church your ancestor attended.
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