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
Inscription.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church. . St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fort Benton’s oldest church, is the oldest Episcopal Church in Montana. In continuous service since August 11, 1881, it appears today almost as it did upon opening. Architecturally, this Gothic style building is a fine example of the small community churches being built in Montana at that time. But its story illustrates the difficulties of civilization’s arrival on the raw frontier. After Bishop D. S. Tuttle established a congregation here in 1879, its members held services in the schoolhouse, a saloon, and finally in the courthouse while raising money to build a church. The building fund’s first substantial contribution even came from the East, from the Rev. Joseph Coit, headmaster of St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire. Thus the church was named St. Paul’s. Here worshipped notable Montana pioneers including W. G. Conrad, C. E. Conrad, Joseph A. Baker, and Paris Gibson. Note the leaded stained glass lancet windows, all placed as memorials and each a work of art.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fort Benton’s oldest church, is the oldest Episcopal Church in Montana. In continuous service since August 11, 1881, it appears today almost as it did upon opening. Architecturally, this Gothic style building is a fine example of the small community churches being built in Montana at that time. But its story illustrates the difficulties of civilization’s arrival on the raw frontier. After Bishop D. S. Tuttle established a congregation here in 1879, its members held services in the schoolhouse, a saloon, and finally in the courthouse while raising money to build a church. The building fund’s first substantial contribution even came from the East, from the Rev. Joseph Coit, headmaster of St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire. Thus the church was named St. Paul’s. Here worshipped notable Montana pioneers including W. G. Conrad, C. E. Conrad, Joseph A. Baker, and Paris Gibson. Note the leaded stained glass lancet windows, all placed as memorials and each a work of art.
Erected by Montana Historical Society; Department of the Interior, National Register of Historic Places.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 11, 1881.
Location.
Click or scan to see this page online
47° 49.134′ N, 110° 40.376′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is at the intersection of 14th Street and Choteau Street, on the right when traveling north on 14th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 14th Street, Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 128 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
