Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

First Unitarian Church

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

1. First Unitarian Church Marker

Inscription. Outstanding architecture and a long history of community service make this stunning landmark much beloved. It is the only known example of prominent architect C. S. Haire’s work in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Magnificent round arches, a stylistic hallmark, are its most prominent feature. Public-spirited Unitarians believed that churches should serve the community. They planned the building to function as a public auditorium and theater as well as a church. At its dedication in 1901, Reverend Leslie Sprague said, “I do not believe God wants churches that are too holy for usefulness in any cause, even for the entertainment and pastime of His children.” In 1933, the Unitarians donated the church to the city and it became the public library. It has been home to Grandstreet Theatre since 1976. The interior features a Tiffany window, exquisite woodwork, and the handsome original proscenium arch. In 2005, the 1901 blueprints inspired the replacement of the aging utilitarian window above the entry. The new window follows the designer’s original sketch. Today Grandstreet Theatre, vital to the town’s creative spirit, perpetuates

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the Unitarians’ bequest.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program, and the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 46° 35.422′ N, 112° 2.405′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of North Park Avenue and West Lawrence Street, on the right when traveling north on North Park Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 325 North Park Avenue, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Gold West 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.

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

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021

2. First Unitarian Church and Marker

The marker is near the NO PARKING sign.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Federal Reserve Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Federal Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Montana (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Christmas Gift Evans House (about 300 feet away); Montana Club (about 400 feet away); Fashion Livery and Boarding Stable (about 500 feet away); Discovery of Gold in Last Chance Gulch (about 600 feet away); Eybel's Cafe (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 331 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.