Churches in 1880 Town

As the West became more settled, churches were also established. By 1880, people were interested in seeing their area cease from lawlessness and become "more civilized." They wanted families, businesses, schools, and churches as well as ranches or farms. However, getting specific data on the number of churches or denominations west of the Mississippi can be a challenge since detailed records from that period aren't always available.

Yet, in the late nineteenth century, we do know that the Western United States saw a significant growth in various Christian congregations. Here is some general information I found:

Many Baptist churches were already well-established in the West by 1880.

The Methodist Church was one of the largest denominations of the time, and they had a strong presence in the West.

The Catholic Church had an early presence in the West, especially in areas with a large Mexican or immigrant presence.

The Presbyterian Church also expanded westward, building many churches.

There were various Lutheran synods active in the West, such as the Missouri Synod.

Many other denominations had a somewhat smaller presence, including Episcopalians, Congregationalists, and Pentecostal groups.

1880 Town in Midland, South Dakota, has two churches, but only one was open to the public when we were there. The Protestant church sat on a hill just outside of town but was visible from there. It had not been renovated or opened yet.

St. Stephen's Church, the Catholic church, was located at one end of town with beautiful stained glass windows as well as other furnishings. It was closed for repairs on the day we were there. It was originally in another South Dakota town and was preserved by moving it to the reconstructed town. 

Whatever their denominations, Western churches became an important part of their communities and often the hub of town society. All my books set in the West have a church congregation of some sort, and most of the time they play an important part in the book.

________________________________