Salem Baptist Church (Alton, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Salem Baptist Church
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Front of the church
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2001 Seiler Rd., Foster Township, Madison County, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 13001004 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 2013 |
The Salem Baptist Church is a historic African-American Baptist church located in Foster Township, Illinois. It was built in 1912. This church was the third building for the Salem group, which started way back in 1819.
This church was very important for the local Black community in the early 1900s. It was a place where people could gather and feel safe. At that time, many public places treated Black people unfairly. The church offered a friendly space for everyone.
Building the Church
The Salem Baptist Church was built by skilled workers. An African-American stonemason named Madison Banks helped build it. A white contractor, Samuel Marshall, also worked on the project. Both were from Alton. Two members of the church group, John Walker and William Emery, also helped with the building.
A Community Hub
The church was more than just a place for worship. It was a lively center for social events. The church hosted many fun activities for its members. These included picnics, dinners, and hay rides. They even had fashion shows!
The church also helped its members in other ways. The women of the church formed a "Ladies Aid Society." This group helped raise money for a college scholarship program. There was also a "Progressive Club" for the young people. These groups helped the community grow and thrive.
Later Years
After the 1960s, fewer people attended the church. This happened for a few reasons. One reason was that communities became more integrated. This meant Black people could go to more public places. Another reason was that many people moved away from rural areas to cities. This is called "rural flight."
Historical Recognition
The Salem Baptist Church is a very important historical site. On December 31, 2013, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places in the United States that are important to history.
