Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
1. St. Paul's Episcopal Church Marker
The Episcopal Church came to Montana Territory with Bishop D.S. Tuttle in 1867, who rode horseback to mining camps and frontier posts. An abandoned saloon housed the first Fort Benton services, then a hotel and school. When Rev. S.C. Blackiston arrived in 1879, a committee was named by Tuttle to build a new church: W.G. Conrad, J.S. Hill, W.H. Todd, A.B. Kester, F.C, Roosevelt, Charles Conrad, Charles Duer, William Wetzel, Joseph A. Baker and Paris Gibson. $4,000 was subscribed by June 11, 1880. John Wilton was the architect and Henry Brinkman, donated the land. The first services were held August 10, 1881. The church's name came from St. Paul's School in Concord, NH; its visiting headmaster Rev. Colt made the initial contribution.
This is the oldest Episcopal Church in Montana and the oldest church in Fort Benton.
Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is August 10, 1881.
Location. 47° 49.134′ N, 110° 40.376′ W. Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named St. Paul's Episcopal Church (here, next to this marker); Chouteau County Courthouse (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Church of the Immaculate Conception (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Church of the Immaculate Conception (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Chouteau County Courthouse (about 800 feet away); Bank of Northern Montana (approx. ¼ mile away); Masonic Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Stockmen's National Bank (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
2. 1880 Oldest Episcopal Church in Montana Marker, inverse
Captions: (center) The Episcopal Church, Fort Benton, Mont.; (top right) Bishop D.S. Tuttle.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019
3. St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
