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.
First Unitarian Church. Helena Historic District. 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 the Unitarians’ bequest.
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 the Unitarians’ bequest.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
Location. 46° 35.422′ N, 112° 2.405′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 66 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 2, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
