When one thinks of a mission, they generally think of a small wood frame or log church built in the wilderness to minister to the natives and the settlers. This mission is slightly different from one's preconceived notion. It is different both inside and out; inside in its cathedral like appointments and murals and outside in its sheer size. The inside tends to steal the show from its Gothic Revival exterior.
This church, dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, was built in 1891. In 1840, Fr. Peter DeSiviet came to Montana in response to the request of four separate delegations of indians, and in 1841, he established St. Mary's Mission at Stevensville.
In 1854, St. Ignatius Mission was founded to serve the religious and educational needs of the Salish and Kootenai people. Father Hoecken and his Jesuit helpers built the original log cabin which still stands on the north side of this church. within 35 years the mission included a large school, a sawmill, printing press, flour mill, hospital, farm and the present church.
The renowned murals in this church were painted by Br. Joseph Carignan, S.J., the mission cook.
In 1973, this mission was declared a National Historic Site.
From the sign at the Mission
Lake County's oldest town, founded in 1854 by Jesuit Missionaries, is home of the St. Ignatius Mission. St. Ignatius had the first residence school for Indians, first hospital, first saw mill, and first flour mill in the state.
The St. Ignatius Mission is over 100 years old and a visitor's delight. This beautiful landmark was built with local materials by Indians and missionaries in 1891. The million bricks were made with local clay, the lumber was cut in nearby foothills and the striking interior murals were designed and painted by brother Joseph Carignano. The 58 frescoes and murals on the church ceiling are worthy of European cathedrals. The St. Ignatius Church is open daily to visitors.
From Inland Northwest