Philipsburg in Granite County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
First Presbyterian Church
Philipsburg Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2022
1. First Presbyterian Church Marker
Inscription.
First Presbyterian Church. Philipsburg Historic District. Reverend Milton Cook organized Philipsburg’s first Presbyterian congregation in 1877 and Reverend George Edwards came from Missoula to preach once a month. But it was not until 1891 that Reverend Samuel Wishard established a permanent Presbyterian congregation in Philipsburg. Services and Sunday school were held in the schoolhouse until summer 1893 when the present building welcomed its first worshippers. An early cold snap, however, forced the congregation to move services to the Methodist Church until heating stoves could be installed. The building’s unusual hexagonal copper dome and intricate scrollwork make its steeple the most distinctive among Philipsburg’s churches. A Gothic window with tracery, lancet openings, and a round window embellish the simple frame façade. Fondly known as the “White Church,” the building takes its place along “church row” on the north side of Broadway. The local watering holes are all on the opposite side of the street, maintaining the historic separation of secular and spiritual. Presbyterians held services here until 1990 when they joined with the Methodists to share their facility.
Reverend Milton Cook organized Philipsburg’s first Presbyterian congregation in 1877 and Reverend George Edwards came from Missoula to preach once a month. But it was not until 1891 that Reverend Samuel Wishard established a permanent Presbyterian congregation in Philipsburg. Services and Sunday school were held in the schoolhouse until summer 1893 when the present building welcomed its first worshippers. An early cold snap, however, forced the congregation to move services to the Methodist Church until heating stoves could be installed. The building’s unusual hexagonal copper dome and intricate scrollwork make its steeple the most distinctive among Philipsburg’s churches. A Gothic window with tracery, lancet openings, and a round window embellish the simple frame façade. Fondly known as the “White Church,” the building takes its place along “church row” on the north side of Broadway. The local watering holes are all on the opposite side of the street, maintaining the historic separation of secular and spiritual. Presbyterians held services here until 1990 when they joined with the Methodists to share their facility.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
Location. 46° 20.043′ N, 113° 17.748′ W. Marker is in Philipsburg, Montana, in Granite County. Marker is on West Kearney Street near California Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 208 West Kearney Street, Philipsburg MT 59858, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 67 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
