Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

First United Methodist Church Parsonage

— United Methodist Church Registered Historic Site No. 444 —

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2019

1. First United Methodist Church Parsonage Marker

Inscription. The pioneer Methodist circuit rider William Wesley Van Orsdel—better known as “Brother Van”—arrived in Fort Benton, Montana, on the steamboat, Far West, in 1872. For forty-five years, he traveled on horseback, by wagon, by rail, and, finally, as a passenger, by car, holding services and establishing churches across the state. In the early days, he held prayer meetings in stores, barns, living rooms, and even, at times, saloons. He is credited with having helped found more than a hundred churches, a college, six hospitals, and a children’s home, which, in the years since, have contributed enormously to Montana’s welfare. Because he never married and spent most of his time traveling, Brother Van did not have a home of his own, even though he oversaw the building of approximately fifty parsonages. According to legend, saloonkeepers once gave him a thousand dollars to build himself a home; instead, he donated the money to the Great Falls hospital to help construct a nurses’ residence. When Rev. J. A. Martin had this classic American four-square home built in 1909, he included a room for Brother Van. A lively place, the six-bedroom

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parsonage also sheltered Martin, his wife, their three children, three boarders, and frequent guests. Brother Van’s room was located at the head of the stairs on the second floor, so he wouldn’t disturb the family when he came in late at night. When Brother Van died in 1919, the governor ordered flags to half-mast. Montana had lost one of her best-loved sons.

Erected by The Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program, and the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series lists.

Location. 47° 30.422′ N, 111° 17.826′ W. Marker is in Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. It is on 6th Street North near 2nd Avenue North. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 113 6th Street North, Great Falls MT 59401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Russell Country. It is

First United Methodist Church Parsonage and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2019

2. First United Methodist Church Parsonage and Marker

The marker is to the right of the entrance.

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.

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: Methodist Parsonage (here, next to this marker); First Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); F.W. Woolworth Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Ann's Cathedral (about 700 feet away); Cascade County Courthouse (about 700 feet away); Great Falls Central Business Historic District (about 800 feet away); Lemon Boarding House (approx. 0.2 miles away); S.H. Kress and Company (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Falls.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 371 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 24, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.