Kate and Sue McBeth, Missionary Teachers to the Nez Perce

1872

On the reservation, the new interest in Christianity resulted undoubtedly from the tensions and anxieties through which the people had been living. The government-supported headmen took the lead in accepting Christianity, bringing their entire villages and bands along with them in mass conversions that allowed them to retain their leadership positions, though in new roles of pastors, preachers, and elders. The acceptance of Christianity, moreover, gave them a sense of increased security. Because the agent was a Presbyterian and the reservation under the Presbyterians' control, there seemed obvious advantages, politically and economically, in becoming a Presbyterian.

The spread of Christianity brought other changes. Ancient village sites were abandoned as bands clustered in new family dwellings—sometimes log huts—around the churches. In these new church-village centers, the former headmen vied for prestigious positions as church leaders. The new factionalism and antagonisms that broke out between the Catholics and Protestants were exacerbated by the Catholics' awareness of the Protestants' superior power. And, finally, the dogma and regulations of the churches hastened acculturation. Old habits and ways, beliefs, manners of dress, and cultural traits were ridiculed and proscribed as pagan, heathenish, and backward. Even the use of horses and the acceptance of chiefs were eventually frowned upon or condemned. (pp. 112-113)