Press Release

I just sent the following to both TV stations in Great Falls (KRTV & KFBB), the Great Falls Tribune, The River Press in Fort Benton, and our diocesan newspaper, the Harvest.

Let's see if we get a response.

Historic Church Seeking Renewal

Fort Benton, “the Birthplace of Montana”, is known for its history. Not only is the story of Fort Benton a story of fur trading, gambling, shootings and a missing governor, it is a story of faith. From the earliest days, religion has played a part in the development of Fort Benton. It is reported that on September 27, 1846, Fathers Pierre de Smet, SJ, and Nicholas Point, SJ, celebrated Masses. These were reputedly the first religious services held in this region.

In 1878-79, the first church in Fort Benton, the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, was built. This structure served the Catholic community until it was destroyed by fire on December 31, 1905. By 1907, a new stone church was erected. This church was used until 1967 when it was deemed to be too small to serve the local community and the current church used by the community was built.

In its 102 year history, the old Immaculate Conception Church has stood strong as a testament to the faith of the people of Fort Benton. Unfortunately, the old church has received little upkeep over the last 40 years and this piece of history in Fort Benton is being threatened.

This has been the impetus for a group from Fort Benton, Catholic and non-Catholic, to attempt to restore the old church to her original beauty. This is not an effort to renovate the church to meet the current liturgical practices, but to maintain the design to meet the liturgical practices that were in place when the church was first built.

Having completed a structural engineering evaluation, it was determined that the old church is still structurally sound, but will not remain so if immediate action is not taken to replace the roof and much of the grout making up the stone walls. The inside is in need of much plaster repair as the leaking roof has led to water damage in some areas.

Father Leo McDowell, pastor of Immaculate Conception in Fort Benton, has commented, “We are excited about what these efforts might bring about. The historical significance of this old church is a reminder of the glory given to God through the beauty of its art and architecture. It would be a shame to have this all lost when it could be saved.”

For more information about the restoration efforts you can check out their web page www.oldimmaculateconception.net.

Father McDowell added, “It would be nice to use the old church once again for small weddings, funerals and Mass. It would be a shame to lose this part of Fort Benton history.”