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The Bureau took a role in arranging for churches to
be built, and for space to be used by the freedmen. Whites resisted sharing
their churches with the freedmen, and Captain Jackson repeatedly noted
that sentiment was very strong against the freedmen. In this letter,
Jackson request a white church to allow their property to be used for
services by the freedmen, and "hopes
that no demonstrations will be made interfering with the peace."
The Bureau also helped establish churches where none had previously existed. Often these churches would bbe built in conjunction with schools, which the Bureau also took a role in establishing. Some funds were appropriated by the Bureau itself; some were solicited by the Bureau from Northern aid societys on the Freedmen's behalf, and others were raised by the Freedmen themselves. One church was erected in Staunton by the freedmen using primarily their own funds. The Bureau records contain much information of one church which the Bureau in Staunton helped to build in Waynesboro. The Bureau provided funding, aided in acquiring land, and helped in its dedication.This Methodist Episcopal Church no longer stands in the same place today, but has moved to another location in Waynesboro, and is still an active church. |