'The Butler' and His D.C. Church — A Man of Steady Faith

By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service
Terrence Howard and Oprah Winfrey in a scene from “Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler.’” P
Terrence Howard and Oprah Winfrey in a scene from “Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler.’” Photo via RNS.
Aug 14, 2013
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Eugene Allen served eight presidents as a White House butler, and his legendary career is the inspiration for Lee Daniels’ The Butler, a film starring Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, and a host of A-list Hollywood talent.

But members of The Greater First Baptist Church knew the man who died in 2010 by other titles: usher, trustee, and a humble man of quiet faith.

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An image of the November 2026 issue of Sojourners, titled "Face to Face." It features George Lakey on the cover
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Terrence Howard and Oprah Winfrey in a scene from “Lee Daniels’ ‘The Butler.’” Photo via RNS.