The existing church of St Michael in Farnley is comparatively new, though built on the site of older chapels. Baptisms and burials were carried out here from an early period; some memorial stones in the churchyard date back to the 17th century. Known records date back to 1624.
Early records are with Leeds Parish registers as many vital records of Farnley folk were registered elsewhere, especially St. Peter's, Leeds Parish Church.

Baptisms registered at Leeds Parish Church BUT took place at Farnley Chapel, can be found on the St Michael's Baptism page