Kalispell in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
First Presbyterian Church
Courthouse Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020
1. First Presbyterian Church Marker
Inscription.
First Presbyterian Church. Courthouse Historic District. Charter members George and Helen Miles bestowed this land on the church in 1882. Since that time the First Presbyterian Church has occupied this space. Church trustees met in 1911 to discuss the construction of a larger $30,000-$40,000 church. Pastor Reverend J. Forsythe Smith reasoned that a new house of worship would “provide better social advantages, better intellectual advantages, and better moral and spiritual advantages.” In addition to a larger worship space, the modern facility would include a Sunday school and choir room. Architect Brynjulf Rivenes designed the concrete and brick edifice on the same site as the old church, which was sold and relocated to face North Prairie. Western Granite and Marble Works of Miles City donated the cornerstone, laid on November 26, 1914. C. N. Strevell gifted the main stained glass window fronting Montana Avenue. The oak finished, 871-pipe Estry organ was specially designed to fit the organ chamber. Dedicated in 1917, this impressive Gothic Revival Style church conveys a sense of stability and permanence.
Charter members George and Helen Miles bestowed this land on the church in 1882. Since that time the First Presbyterian Church has occupied this space. Church trustees met in 1911 to discuss the construction of a larger $30,000-$40,000 church. Pastor Reverend J. Forsythe Smith reasoned that a new house of worship would “provide better social advantages, better intellectual advantages, and better moral and spiritual advantages.” In addition to a larger worship space, the modern facility would include a Sunday school and choir room. Architect Brynjulf Rivenes designed the concrete and brick edifice on the same site as the old church, which was sold and relocated to face North Prairie. Western Granite and Marble Works of Miles City donated the cornerstone, laid on November 26, 1914. C. N. Strevell gifted the main stained glass window fronting Montana Avenue. The oak finished, 871-pipe Estry organ was specially designed to fit the organ chamber. Dedicated in 1917, this impressive Gothic Revival Style church conveys a sense of stability and permanence.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
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 November 26, 1914.
Location.
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48° 11.587′ N, 114° 18.718′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. Marker is on South Main Street near 6th Street West, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 524 South Main Street, Kalispell MT 59901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
