Stevensville in Ravalli County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

First Baptist Church

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

1. First Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. The Stevensville Baptist congregation first organized as the Etna Baptist Church of Christ at the nearby Etna schoolhouse in 1882. In 1884, the growing membership purchased land in Stevensville and hired talented Missoula architect Thomas W. Longstaff to draw the plans for a church. The building, completed in 1886 at a cost of $2,904.39, is an excellent example of architect Longstaff’s adaptation of the Stick Style. Clapboard siding with decorative vertical, horizontal, and diagonal accents characterize this style, uncommon in Montana. The angles created through external ornamentation are intended to mimic the building’s structural skeleton. The classical symmetry of the floor plan and window placement, lavish Queen Anne style details including fish-scale shingling and beautiful stained glass, and the stick ornamentation blend to produce a statement of surprising elegance for a modest rural church. By 1887, all building expenses had been paid and the congregation had bought an organ. The church included Sunday school and baptismal services in the Bitterroot River. The bell, purchased by the membership from Sears Roebuck

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for eight dollars, was installed in the square bell tower in 1901. This architectural landmark, important for its association with one of Montana’s most respected architects, is equally significant for its long service as the religious and social center of the local Baptist community.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 30.486′ N, 114° 5.538′ W. Marker is in Stevensville, Montana, in Ravalli County. It is on Church Street near East 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 Church Street, Stevensville MT 59870, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana,

in Glacier Country,

and in Greater Missoula.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

2. First Baptist Church Marker

The marker is at the right corner of the church.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Denayer House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Porter & Buck Building (about 600 feet away); Calvin and Magdalene Cook House (about 700 feet away); First State Bank Building (about 700 feet away); Henry Buck/Stevensville Trading Co (approx. 0.2 miles away); Thorton Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); IOOF Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gleason Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stevensville.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 332 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.