Fort Benton in Chouteau County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

1. St. Paul's Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. The Episcopal Church came to Montana Territory with Bishop D.S. Tuttle in 1867, who rode horseback to mining camps and frontier posts. An abandoned saloon housed the first Fort Benton services, then a hotel and school.
When Rev. S.C. Blackiston arrived in 1879, a committee was named by Tuttle to build a new church: W.G. Conrad, J.S. Hill, W.H. Todd, A.B. Kester, F.C, Roosevelt, Charles Conrad, Charles Duer, William Wetzel, Joseph A. Baker and Paris Gibson. $4,000 was subscribed by June 11, 1880. John Wilton was the architect and Henry Brinkman, donated the land. The first services were held August 10, 1881. The church's name came from St. Paul's School in Concord, NH; its visiting headmaster Rev. Colt made the initial contribution.
This is the oldest Episcopal Church in Montana and the oldest church in Fort Benton.

Erected by Fort Benton Community Improvement Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is August 10, 1881.

Location. 47° 49.134′ N, 110° 40.376′ W. Marker is in Fort Benton, Montana, in Chouteau County. Marker is at the intersection of 14th Street and Choteau Street, on the right when traveling north on 14th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 14th Street, Fort Benton MT 59442, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named St. Paul's Episcopal Church (here, next to this marker); Chouteau County Courthouse (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Church of the Immaculate Conception (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Church of the Immaculate Conception (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Chouteau County Courthouse (about 800 feet away); Bank of Northern Montana (approx. ¼ mile away); Masonic Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Stockmen's National Bank (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Benton.

1880 Oldest Episcopal Church in Montana Marker, inverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

2. 1880 Oldest Episcopal Church in Montana Marker, inverse

Captions: (center) The Episcopal Church, Fort Benton, Mont.; (top right) Bishop D.S. Tuttle.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 14, 2019

3. St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.