Brother Van arrived in Bannack at the peak of the mining activity. He found all the gambling houses
and bars open on Sunday. Stepping up to the bar, he announced himself as a minister. The bartender
whistled the crowd to quietness and informed them the bar would be closed for "one hour." Brother Van
had his chance and in his marvelous singing voice, sang a popular song of that day, "A Diamond in the
Rough." The crowd, hungry for entertainment, asked for more. Brother Van, continued and the crowd
got a good hour's worth of religion.

Brother Van talked the settlers into building the first real church after the Nez Perce had defeated
General Gibbon at the Battle of Big Hole. It was later feared the Indians may attack the town.
They never came close to Bannack.