Faith and Community
Most of the African Americans who moved to Montana were born enslaved, leaving for the west in search of freedom and opportunity. Religion was fundamental to the growth and prosperity of the Black community in Butte. As sacred places of worship, education, and safety, churches became places of unity, identity, and stability.
Although many tried to find a place in the already established churches in Butte, Black citizens were often shunned and told to “worship in their own churches.” As a result, Butte’s first African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church was founded July 10, 1892, at the Butte Silver City Colored Masonic Lodge No. 9.
Bethel Baptist Church was the first all-Black Baptist church in Butte, founded in 1901. It was located on the northeast corner of Idaho and Mercury. Reverend D. A. Jefferson was the pastor in 1907. The church helped African American residents by hosting literacy and improvement societies which advanced the intellectual environment of the community.
Shaffer Chapel was founded as the second AME church in Butte, built in 1902 at 602 South Idaho. It is the only remaining church building in Butte that once served an all-Black congregation. The chapel was more than just a place of worship. It also served as a community center and relief agency, and provided opportunities to build skills in self-government, finances, and business management through the operations of the church. The 1902 church building stands today and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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