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 FIRST - Building in St. Ignatius, MT Posted by:  T0SHEA
N 47° 18.899 W 114° 06.181
11T E 718939 N 5244238
St. Ignatius, the very large and impressive Jesuit Mission, built in 1891, was sufficiently influential in the area that the town of St. Ignatius grew up around it.
Waymark Code: WMN664
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 01/02/2015
Views: 4
Standing to the north of the mission church are two log buildings, this, the first structure built on the site in 1854 as the Brother's home, and the other, built in 1864 to house the Providence Sisters. The first church no longer stands, replaced in 1891 by the present large brick mission church. Just a few miles up Highway 93 are the remains of Fort Connah. One of the fort's original buildings, built in 1846, still stands, making it the oldest building in Montana so, at best, this is the second oldest building in Montana.
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 a sign at the Mission
St. Ignatius
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
FIRST - Classification Variable: Item or Event
Date of FIRST: 01/01/1854
More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]
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