The Oldest Church in Montana Is an Amazing 182 Years Old

You can find many old churches throughout the United States, but the oldest church in Montana is one you won’t want to forget. It’s a beautiful church with breathtaking sights in the Bitterroot Valley, flanked by the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains.

The Oldest Church in Montana

The St. Mary’s Mission is the oldest church in Montana, and you can find it in Stevensville. It was built in 1841, which was before Montana became a state. Montana didn’t become a state until 48 years later. 

The church underwent renovation and was rebuilt in 1866. Since then, careful preservation has been prioritized. In 1970, St. Mary’s Mission was added to the list of National Register of Historic Places.

The History

St. Mary’s Mission was founded by Father Pierre DeSmet, S.J., of the Society of Jesus of the Catholic Church. It was the first permanent settlement built by non-indigenous people. 

The missionaries from the church introduced Christian teachings, farming, and animal husbandry to the people in the area. In 1845, Father Anthony Ravalli, S.J., from Italy, joined the church and became the first physician, pharmacist, and surgeon in the area. 

Visiting St. Mary’s Mission

Pictures don’t do the church or surrounding location justice. If you visit Stevensville, MT, take some time to see St. Mary’s Mission. You can take a tour with an experienced guide between mid-April and mid-October. 

The tour takes you through the chapel, the attached residence, Father Ravalli’s cabin, the dining and kitchen area, and more. You can also examine historic documents, photos, and artifacts. 

The tours take 30-75 minutes, depending on the number of questions you ask or how long you spend looking at the historical sight. Tours are donation-based, so you only have to pay what you can afford. 

The Grounds

St. Mary’s Mission is in a breathtaking location with beautiful scenes throughout the property. You can picnic at DeSmet Park, wander through the cemetery where some founders were laid to rest, and sit beneath the apple tree planted by Father Ravalli. The property also has Indian burial grounds.

Wildlife Near the Oldest Church in Montana

The wildlife you can find in Stevensville, MT, near the oldest church, includes more than 200 bird species, including the eastern kingbird, yellow warbler, and pileated woodpecker. You also may see white-tailed deer, coyotes, muskrats, minks, and other wildlife. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © TylorOlsen/Shutterstock.com