At least the church's cornerstone tells us that 1910 was the year in which construction on the church commenced. Beyond that we know nothing about the church - when it was completed, how long it remained a church - except for the fact that it is now a private residence.
The exterior, at least, doesn't appear to have undergone any real change. The square bell tower and steeple at the corner of the sanctuary over the entrance remains in place. The bell even remains in the belfry. Like the sanctuary, the tower is clad in wood shingles, probably original. Open on all sides, the belfry has small railings top and bottom, supported by small square spindles. Atop is a shingled hipped roof with flared eaves, capped by a weathervane. Beneath are faux dormers the full width of the tower which extend from the eaves of the sanctuary up to the bottom of the belfry opening.
Gothic Revival in style, the gable roofed building has Gothic arched windows down each side and a large faux Gothic arched transom over the double wood doors of the main entrance. The transom consists only of decorative boards creating the impression of a large transom. There is no tracery in any of the windows, nor is there any stained glass in evidence.
The building rests upon a tall cobblestone foundation, extending at least six feet above ground, with larger cut sandstone quoins at each corner. At the rear corner, in the top of the foundation and just behind the double entrance doors, is a smooth sandstone cornerstone inscribed
First Presbyterian Church 1910
Belfry
Belfry is one of 3 communities created by the construction of the Yellowstone Park Railroad. The railroad company platted the community in 1905, and the tracks reached town a year later. Belfry, named for Pennsylvania investor Dr. Oran Merton Belfry, became a shipping point for Clarks Fork Valley farmers and ranchers. When the railroad went into receivership in 1909, reorganization led to the incorporation of the Montana, Wyoming & Southern Railroad, which operated until 1953.
From Montana Place Names