Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Methodist Church

This Property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

1. Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Virginia City witnessed Montana’s first Methodist services in 1864. By 1874, however, too many residents had succumbed to “depraved and wicked conditions.” Well-known itinerant ministers Revs. W. W. Van Orsdel and T. C. Iliff, then resident pastors at Virginia City, successfully held a revival to inspire the congregation. On May 4, 1875, a large and reverent crowd gathered to witness the laying of the cornerstone of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church. Territorial Governor Benjamin Potts and Judge Henry Blake delivered addresses. Construction under D. C. Farwell proceeded rapidly. The church was, however, unfinished on August 28 when the first service was held there: the well-attended funeral of Alder Gulch discoverer William Fairweather. The finished church, dedicated on November 14, had a debt of $1,013. The guest speaker, Rev. Clark Wright of Helena, stood before the congregation, made an eloquent plea, and the debt was paid before the service ended. The building, its rubblestone walls covered in stucco, functioned as a church until 1900. A Gothic-arched entry, Gothic windows—two with original tracery—and a nameplate,

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which reads “M.E. Church 1875,” recall the building’s origins.

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. 45° 17.56′ N, 111° 56.708′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of West Idaho Street and Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling west on West Idaho Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 West Idaho Street, Virginia City MT 59755, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country and in Greater Bozeman.

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

Methodist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

2. Methodist Church and Marker

The maker is on a stand to right of the building.

Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Corbett House (a few steps from this marker); Belgium, Paris, New York, St. Louis, Virginia City (a few steps from this marker); Spacious Victorian Luxury (a few steps from this marker); Daems House (within shouting distance of this marker); Susie Marr House (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Francis Meagher Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Francis Meager (within shouting distance of this marker); Creighton Stone Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia City.

Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022

3. Methodist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.