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 special Baptist church in Foster Township, Illinois. It is known for its important history in the African-American community. The church building you see today was finished in 1912. It was the third church built for the Salem group, which started way back in 1819.
Building a Community Church
The Salem Baptist Church was built by skilled people from the nearby town of Alton. An African-American stonemason named Madison Banks worked on it. A white contractor named Samuel Marshall also helped. Two members of the church, John Walker and William Emery, assisted them. Together, they created this beautiful church building.
More Than Just a Church
During the early 1900s, the Salem Baptist Church was much more than just a place for worship. It was a very important center for the local African-American community. At that time, many public places were separated by race. This meant African-Americans often faced unfair treatment.
The church became a safe and welcoming space. It hosted many fun events for its members. These included picnics, dinners, hay rides, and even fashion shows. It was a place where people could gather, socialize, and feel connected.
The church also had special groups to help its members. The Ladies Aid Society was for women. This group even helped students go to college by offering scholarships. There was also a Progressive Club for young people. These groups helped the community grow and support each other.
A Place in History
After the 1960s, the number of people attending the church slowly went down. This happened as communities became more integrated. Also, many people moved from rural areas to cities.
Even with fewer members, the Salem Baptist Church remains an important landmark. Because of its rich history and role in the community, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 31, 2013. This means it is recognized as a special place in American history.
Images for kids
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Front of the church
