Bannack State Park - Photo Tour

Built in 1877, the Methodist Church was the first building in Bannack built exclusively for the purpose of worship. Throughout Bannack's history, the women often remarked in their letters and diaries "of the lack of a proper place to worship." Religion played an important part in the lives of the first "respectable" women to come to this little mining town and no doubt had a lot to do with their tolerance of life here. However, not having a place to hold regular meetings was always a problem. Mary Edgerton is said to have carried with her across the plains a letter from her minister stating that she was "a member in full and regular standing" in her church in Tallmadge and recommended her "to any church of Christ, wherever her lot may be cast." Circuit riders became the norm for the isolated towns like Bannack. One of the more famous ones to come to Bannack and have a significant impact was William Van Orsdel, fondly remembered as "Brother Van."

<< back next >>

Brother Van arrived in Bannack at the peak of the mining activity. He found all the gambling houses and bars open on Sunday. Stepping up to the bar, he announced himself as a minister. The bartender whistled the crowd to quietness and informed them that the bar would be closed for "one hour." Brother Van had his chance and in his marvelous singing voice sang a popular song of that Day, "A Diamond in the Rough." The crowd, hungry for entertainment, asked for more. Brother Van, continued and the crowd got a good hours worth of religion.

In August of 1877, Bannack had a major Indian scare. Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians had just defeated General Gibbon at the bloody Battle of the Big Hole. Word reached the isolated little community that the Indians were on the rampage and headed straight for Bannack. People from around the area gathered in Bannack to seek protection. Two lookouts were built on the highest points of the hills on either side of Hangman's Gulch for early warning. In case of a siege, the local water supply was barricaded. The women and children were gathered in the brick fortress, The Hotel Meade. Some stories tell of hiding the children in the safes located inside the hotel. Although the Indians killed four settlers in Horse Prairie, they never came close to Bannack. The bodies of the settlers were brought to town and buried by Brother Van Orsdel.

After it was apparent that the town was safe from attack, Brother Van, being the promoter that he was, took advantage of the large number of settlers in town and talked them into building the first real church in Bannack.