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

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

1. St. Joseph's Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. Bishop John Brondel founded St. Joseph’s Parish in 1902 to serve the varied ethnic groups settling on Butte’s south side. Father P. A. Quesnel celebrated the parish’s first Mass in a makeshift public hall. In 1907, a combination parish church and school was built on Delaware Street, which served until it was destroyed by fire in 1911. Once again, services were held in a public hall while the present church was under construction. On Christmas Day of 1911, the first Mass was offered in the grand new church, which was dedicated by Bishop John Carroll, the following April. Albert O. Von Verbulis, the Austrian-born architect who designed Helena’s famed St. Helena Cathedral, drew the plans for this impressive Greek Revival style building. Ionic columns supporting a full-height entry porch, denticulated cornice, and beautiful stained glass enhance the tall windows and light-colored brick. Today, St. Joseph’s Parish maintains its vibrant ethnic diversity, counting many of the original families among its membership.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 46° 0.239′ N, 112° 31.698′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is in Pioneer. It is at the intersection of Utah Avenue and East 2nd Street on Utah Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 941 Utah Avenue, 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 least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Northern Pacific Locomotive 25 (approx. half a mile away); Town Pump Trail (approx. half a mile away); Dumas Hotel (approx. 0.6 miles

St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

2. St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Marker

The marker is to the right of the middle entrance.

away); Milwaukee Depot (approx. 0.6 miles away); 125-134 South Main (approx. 0.6 miles away); Push Saloon / Silver Dollar Saloon (approx. 0.6 miles away); Pleasant Alley and the Copper Block (approx. 0.6 miles away); Pleasant Alley (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 419 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 17, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.