Miles City in Custer County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Methodist Church
Carriage House Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020
1. Methodist Church Marker
Inscription.
Methodist Church. Carriage House Historic District. In 1910, the Methodists hired a New York fundraising firm to raise funds for a new, larger church to replace the 1883 building. The growing congregation raised $14,000 and neighbor C. J. Wagenbreth donated the needed capital to complete the project, providing that no bell be hung in the belfry. Wagenbreth, not wanting to be awoken by bells, offered this deal, a steeple but no bells. Designed by the architectural firm of Woodruff and McGulpin in 1912, the Methodist Church stands as a visual reminder of the growth of Miles City and is an important neighborhood anchor. The building exhibits eclectic architectural influences, including Romanesque Revival windows, crenellated Gothic battlements, and early Christian or Tudor massing. Decorative round-arched Romanesque openings complement the bell tower and the design carries over to the main level windows. Each opening is highlighted with painted wood mullions and cusps that form a pair of arches with circular openings surrounded by brick. The only structure in Miles City designed by the firm, the design bears similarities to Brynjulf Rivenes’ Presbyterian Church on Main Street.
In 1910, the Methodists hired a New York fundraising firm to raise funds for a new, larger church to replace the 1883 building. The growing congregation raised $14,000 and neighbor C. J. Wagenbreth donated the needed capital to complete the project, providing that no bell be hung in the belfry. Wagenbreth, not wanting to be awoken by bells, offered this deal, a steeple but no bells. Designed by the architectural firm of Woodruff and McGulpin in 1912, the Methodist Church stands as a visual reminder of the growth of Miles City and is an important neighborhood anchor. The building exhibits eclectic architectural influences, including Romanesque Revival windows, crenellated Gothic battlements, and early Christian or Tudor massing. Decorative round-arched Romanesque openings complement the bell tower and the design carries over to the main level windows. Each opening is highlighted with painted wood mullions and cusps that form a pair of arches with circular openings surrounded by brick. The only structure in Miles City designed by the firm, the design bears similarities to Brynjulf Rivenes’ Presbyterian Church on Main Street.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
Location. 46° 24.542′ N, 105° 50.704′ W. Marker is in Miles City, Montana, in Custer County. Marker is at the intersection of North 11th Street and Pleasant Street, on the right when traveling north on North 11th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 98 North 11th Street, Miles City MT 59301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020
2. Methodist Church and Marker
The marker is at the top of the steps, to the right.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020
3. Methodist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
