Butte in Silver Bow County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

1. Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Rev. Hugh Duncan, a circuit-riding minister, led Butte’s first Methodist Episcopal services in 1873. A dance hall, and later a school, served the early congregation. The first church built on this prominent corner in 1883 soon became overcrowded. Rev. W. W. Van Orsdel (“Brother Van”), along with church trustee copper king W. A. Clark, helped lay the cornerstone for this grand church in 1899. William L. Donovan and John G. Link were the architects. Link rose to prominence and later helped design the wings of Montana’s state capitol. The church, completed in 1900, features a regal central tower with two arched entries. Magnificent stained glass richly embellishes the triple-arched windows on the south, north, and east. The sanctuary’s semicircular arrangement and slanted floor, reminiscent of period opera houses, hosted some memorable community events. Famous speakers included social reformer Jacob Riis in 1906 and saloon-smasher Carrie Nation in 1910. Among Butte’s eight Methodist churches, Mountain View was the “mine owners’ church.” Mountain View has hosted multiple choirs over the years, utilizing one of the most spectacular

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organs in the Pacific Northwest.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 0.919′ N, 112° 32.375′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is at the intersection of North Montana Street and West Quartz Street, on the left when traveling north on North Montana Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 North Montana Street, Butte MT 59701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country. It is 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

Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

2. Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church and Marker

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mountain View Church Parsonage (a few steps from this marker); First Church of Christ, Scientist (within shouting distance of this marker); 125 West Copper (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry Jacobs House (about 400 feet away); Leonard Apartments (about 400 feet away); Butte-Anaconda Historic District (about 400 feet away); Silver Bow County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); Clark Mansion (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021

3. Mountain View Methodist Episcopal Church

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 261 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.