7 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Montana

Driving through Montana, you’ll spot abundant mid-century modern homes and cozy log cabins among the rugged outdoors. But the state also boasts some unique architectural designs found in churches and cathedrals. In fact, the state has some rather tasteful examples of Gothic and Gothic Revival style. Check out these picks for the seven most beautiful and awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals in Montana, including their architectural styles and locations.  

1. Cathedral of Saint Helena – Helena

This cathedral is the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana, and takes up a whole city block due to its grand scale. The Cathedral of Saint Helena is one of the most beautiful and well-known cathedrals in the state, where it sits on N. Ewing St. Architect A.O. Von Herbulis designed the building in a Gothic Revival style, which began construction in 1908 and held the first mass in 1914. The Votivkirche, a Neo-Gothic church in Vienna, inspired its massive twin spires. You will also find gold-leafed crosses, hand-cast bells, and 59 stained-glass windows.

2. St. Ann’s Cathedral – Great Falls

St. Ann’s is a Catholic cathedral and the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. The original St. Ann’s Parish was made of brick in the spot where the Heisey Center is now located. And the current church was completed in 1907, costing around $100,000. John H. Kent designed the cathedral in a Gothic Revival style, which sits in the Northside Residential Historic District in Great Falls. Inside the cathedral, you will find a pipe organ built by the Reuter Organ Co. in 1929.

3. St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral – Billings

Along with St. Ann’s in Great Falls, St. Patrick’s is the seat of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, meaning it’s a co-cathedral. Workers completed the Gothic Revival style church in 1904. However, extensive renovations took place in 1954, including replacing the altar, pews, furnishings, and communion rail. Along with a rose window, you will find an interior design style with Byzantine decorative paintings. Some of the present furnishings include a marble altar and ambo paneling.

4. St. Ignatius Mission – St. Ignatius

This historic landmark is a Catholic mission in St. Ignatius, Montana. Architect Brother Joseph Carignano designed the church in Gothic Revival but in a simplified style, constructing the building using bricks. The inside is spectacular, featuring 58 hand-painted murals by the architect himself. Carignano actually worked as a cook for the mission but had a passion for art, which visitors can still see today. St. Ignatius Mission was built between 1891 and 1893. It holds a place in the National Register of Historic Places.

5. St. Francis Xavier Church – Missoula

Located in Missoula’s downtown district, St. Francis Xavier Church is a historic place and an impressive structure. This church is the tallest building in Missoula and also one of the tallest in the state. Completed in 1892, the architect was Mr. Blanchard from Portland, Oregon, who designed the church in a Romanesque Revival style. Brother Joseph Carignano, who painted the frescoes at St. Ignatius, also painted the interior of St. Francis. These paintings are well over 100 years old. You will also find a 2,200-pound bell, stained-glass windows, and a pipe organ. 

6. The Holy Rosary Catholic Church – Bozeman

Built in 1912, The Holy Rosary Catholic Church is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a brick building designed in a Late Gothic and Neo-Gothic Revival style by Fred F. Wilson, a Bozeman-based architect attributed to designing many buildings on the National Register. Reinforcing its Gothic style, the church features arched windows, a detailed roof design, and a notched door. 

7. Historic St. Mary’s Mission – Stevensville

Established by the Society of Jesus of the Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Mission is a historic church in Stevensville, Montana. This historic place was completed in 1866 on two acres of land after Native American raids destroyed the first one. St. Mary’s underwent restorations in the 1970s and 1980s, including the addition of a museum.

Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Montana: A Recap of the Top 7

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