Near Lapwai in Nez Perce County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Spalding’s Presbyterian Church

American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

1. Spalding's Presbyterian Church Marker

Captions: (background) The church as it appeared from 1886 through 1905. Since then a porch and brick facing have been added. The church building and grounds are private property and not open to the public.; (upper right) Presidents of the Presbyterian Camp Meeting Association of the Nez Perce Indians, Rev. James Hayes, D.D., 1909-1911 and 1913-1928 (top) and Rev. Moses Monteith, 1911-1913 (bottom).

Inscription. Inspired by Henry and Eliza Spalding’s missionary zeal, this church held its first service in 1876. A number of Nez Perce embraced Spalding’s religion. Soon there were Nez Perce ministers, hymns in the Nez Perce language, and Indian blankets and beadwork for church decoration.
Beginning in the mid-1800s, some Nez Perce became Presbyterian, some became Roman Catholic, and others held to traditional beliefs. Still active, this church is a tangible link to a time of wrenching change and cultural adaptation.

The introduction of Christianity had far-reaching effects upon our people, whether those be good or bad -- Allen P. Slickpoo, Sr.

Erected by Nez Perce National Historical Park. (Marker Number 241.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites series list.

Location. 46° 26.814′ N, 116° 49.026′ W. Marker is near Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. Marker is on Watson's Store Road near Spalding Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lapwai ID 83540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Watson's Store (a few steps from this marker); Coming of the Railroad (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indian Agent's Residence (about 700 feet away); Lapwai Mission Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding (approx. ¼ mile away); Spalding’s Gristmill Canals (approx. ¼ mile away); Nez Perce Village Site (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of the Lapwai Mission (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lapwai.

More about this marker. This marker is located at Nez Perce National Historical Park, Spalding's Mission site.

Regarding Spalding’s Presbyterian Church. The Spalding’s Presbyterian Church is part of the Lapwai Mission and one of 445 American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Sites registered between 1973 and 2003 by the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), headquartered in Philadelphia. Approved sites received a metal plaque featuring John Calvin’s seal and the site’s registry number (PHS marker location unknown).

The following text is taken from the Presbyterian Historical Society website:

Henry H. and Eliza Spalding, New School Presbyterians from New York, opened the first Christian mission station among the Nez Perces in 1836, a few miles
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

2. Spalding's Presbyterian Church and Marker
up Lapwai Creek. They moved to this site in 1838. The missionaries opened Idaho's first school, translated and printed scripture and hymns, and trained the Nez Perces as farmers to grow the first Idaho potatoes. The mission was suspended in 1847 after the massacre of the Spaldings' colleagues, the Whitmans, at Waiilatpu, Washington. By 1864 the mission was revived. Ditches are the only visible remains of the original mission, but the 1886 church building is still in use. The National Park Service has a museum at the site, part of the Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Spalding's Presbyterian Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

3. Spalding's Presbyterian Church

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

4. Spalding's Presbyterian Church

Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

5. Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding

Born at Bath, N.Y.
Nov. 26, 1803
Commenced the Nez Perce Mission
In 1836,
Died among his people at
Lapwai, I.T.
August 3, 1874
Age
70 yrs, 8 most. & 7 ds.
Blest with many souls as seals to his ministry.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 350 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on August 14, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.