The Catholic Churches would often send missionaries, which would go across boundaries and geographical areas to spread Christianity and sometimes even of proselytizing others.(Proselytism is the act of converting to Christianity.)
They are at the top because they are the wealthiest and have to most authority
Jefferson expressed a dislike and distrust for banks and bankers, and opposed borrowing believing it created long-term debt, monopolies, invited dangerous speculation, as opposed to productive labor, all to Republicanism.
Its the Gold Rush which occured in 1848.