Kalispell in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

First Presbyterian Church

Courthouse Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

1. First Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. Reverend George M. Fisher organized Kalispell’s Presbyterian congregation in 1891 with 17 members. Reverend Fisher came to Montana in 1882, preached the first sermon in Flathead County in 1886, and organized six congregations during his career. Under Reverend Fisher, the Presbyterians built Kalispell’s first church in 1892 placing the valley’s first bell in its steeple. Plans to build a larger church were begun in 1904 but they were not realized until 1925. Architect Fred Brinkman designed the present church to double as a community facility. Some 600 individual contributions and many local craftsmen made the Tudor style church a true community project. Water-smoothed river rock, log rafters, and decorative timbers are reminiscent of Glacier National Park’s rustic chalets. The octagonal belfry conveys its religious identity while the original 1892 bell survives displayed on the church lawn. First services were held in 1926. In 1927, the long retired Reverend Fisher, who according to pioneer Emma Ingalls “married and buried more people than all the other preachers put together,” dedicated this community

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landmark. It is one of Kalispell’s most enduring treasures.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 26, 1914.

Location. 48° 11.587′ N, 114° 18.718′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on South Main Street near 6th Street West, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 524 South Main Street, Kalispell MT 59901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Waggener and Campbell Funeral Home

First Presbyterian Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

2. First Presbyterian Church and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); 610 1st Avenue West (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pierce Residence (about 400 feet away); Rostad House (about 600 feet away); McAllester House (about 700 feet away); Jones House (about 700 feet away); Walker Residence (about 700 feet away); West Side Historic District (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

First Presbyterian Church, Kalispell, Montana image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

3. First Presbyterian Church, Kalispell, Montana

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 375 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.