Columbia Falls churches noted

Special edition commemorating the first 100 years in Columbia Falls also had my stories concerning two 100-year-old churches, St. Richard’s Catholic and the Methodist. It was published July 25, 1991.

St. Richard’s Catholic Church had an announcement concerning a centennial celebration July 28, 1991. Father William C. Molloy was the priest.

Columbia Falls Methodists scheduled their centennial for April 4-5, 1992 with Rev. John Farquhar, minister.

Berne brothers used clay from near the Flathead River to form bricks for the first St. Richard’s Church building. It was built without an architect with mainly local labor.

The church was founded by Father H. Alleys, who was stationed at Frenchtown, 13 miles from Missoula. Columbia Falls was part of Missoula County at that time.

Father William C. Molloy announced plans for a new church on Highway 40 during the Easter season in March, 1959.

The original church and rectory were sold to Bob and Betty Wyman. The building became a storage house for Wyman Brothers. The Hagers bought the church building in 1975 for chiropractic offices and residence. It was declared a National Historic Site in February, 1980.

The new Catholic Church at the west entrance to Columbia Falls was dedicated March 20, 1960. Father John Miller is the priest.

Methodist Church history shows that Rev. J. M. Eastland, first minister, also held services in Bad Rock, Troy, Libby and northern Idaho. I always heard stories of his loud hymn singing as he traveled in the country with his horse and buggy.

The church parsonage was built and church foundation laid in January, 1892 with Rev. O. W. Mintzer, minister. Modernization of the two story parsonage was underway from 1928 until 1938. Chief carpenter and minister was Rev. H. E. Mecklenburg.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the education building was March 15, 1959 when Rev. Fred Gaston was minister. Present sanctuary was consecrated Sept. 21, 1975 with Rev. Ray Davis, minister.

The original old two-story parsonage was replaced in October, 1952, when the home at 201 First Ave. W. was purchased. The present parsonage, located at 111 Second St., was purchased in 1976.

Rev. Beulah Rayson served from June 27, 1950 until Jan. 2, 1952. I remember how happy she was when we gave her an icebox from the Housing Project. Miss Rayson had been minister of the West Side Methodist Church in Kalispell. She always wore long black dresses, even when we attended Youth Fellowship Camp at Rollins on Flathead Lake.

Rev. Dave Merkel is United Methodist Church minister.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.