Miles City in Custer County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

First Presbyterian Church

Main Street Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020

1. First Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. 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

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historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. 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. 46° 24.512′ N, 105° 50.58′ W. Marker is in Miles City, Montana, in Custer County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (Business Interstate 94) and North Montana Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 Main Street, Miles City MT 59301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Montana, in Custer Country and in the Powder River Basin.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

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

First Presbyterian Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020

2. First Presbyterian Church and Marker

The marker is above the lower window to the right of the entrance.

this marker: Methodist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Furstnow House (about 700 feet away); Kennie / Howe House (about 700 feet away); Kelly Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carriage House Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ulmer House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cresap / Smart House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Emmanuel Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Miles City.

First Presbyterian Church, Miles City, Montana image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Knesal

3. First Presbyterian Church, Miles City, Montana

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 268 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 5, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on May 4, 2025, by Brian Knesal of Gig Harbor, Washington.