Flathead Valley Church

(Whitefish, Kalispell) 

(1901- 1949)

The Missionary Visitor Feb. 1906 page 93

Flathead Valley Congregation, Montana

  March 11, 1902, found Eld. John Early and family pulling their earthly belongs together at a point about eight miles east of Kalispeel, in Flathead county, Montana. Others soon followed and on July 26, 1902, the congregation was organized by fifteen members handing in letters. The little body of defined their boundary lines as from the “main divide of the Rocky Mountains on the east, to Idaho Line on the West; from the Canadian linen on the north to the Idaho line on the south .” there is nothing small about this territory surely. Brother Early was chosen bishop and still holds the position. Their first love feast was held in the home of Brother Early Aug. 26, 1902, they have not seen there way clear yet to start a Sunday school. Since the organization of membership has increased to eighteen. Bro. Early thinks the opening for the Brethren in those parts are not very encouraging. Perhaps the mountains look big to the outer man, as the mountains of sin look big to the inner man. Why should they not? Yet the strength is in the Lord and surely Jesus has many in this valley for whom He died and longs to see accept His salvation.

The Gospel Messenger Dec. 4, 1909 page 780

Whitefish. – Brethren McLane and Swaney came to this place Nov. 13, from North Dakota. Bro. McLane preached one sermon for us, which was the first preached by an denomination in this part of the country. The people heard him gladly. We should be very grateful if other ministering brethren would stop with us and help us. Nov. 20 we met with the members at our elder’s home, nine miles east of Kalispell for a love feast. Bro. Levi Learn was elected to the ministry and Bro. John Penrod as deacon. Both were installed the following morning. Bro. Amos Peters, of  Wenatchee, Wash., officiated at the feast.  Brother Peters and Frantz were the only minister present.  Three member from Canada have located near Whitefish.  – Mary C. Davis, Whitefish, Mont. Nov. 21

The Gospel Messenger Nov. 19, 1921 page 722

Flathead Valley Church, Montana

 The past week has been a very helpful on to the members of this church. It was our happy privilege to have with us Bro. A. R. Fike and wife, of Nezperce, Idaho. While here he gave us some very uplifting sermons, presided at our council, conducted our communion and preached a dedication sermon.

 A little band of nine members first organized a church here in 1902. Bro. A. B. Peters presided, assisted by Bro. Jesse Peters, and they held a love feast the same day. Bro. early was the only minister here at that time, and as they had no regular house of worship, he held meeting in his home, one Sunday in each month, and sometimes in a schoolhouse, and also in a union chapel; and in this home they also held their communions.  Bro. early died March, 1913, and from that time on there was no minister here till Bro. James Harp came in June. 1919. Services were resumed and held in the various homes until, other members coming in, a house was built in Kalispell in the winter of 1920, and meetings have been held in it now for about six months. We were very happy and thankful that, Oct.  23, we could dedicate, here in this place, a church of God, free of debt.

  About twenty-four members communed Oct. 24. There are about thirty, altogether, enrolled in this church, but some are so isolated that they can not attend regular services, making about twenty in regular attendance. After this service at the church, a few of us held a communion at the home of Bro. Kintner, who has been an invalid for six years.

  We are only a few in number and our field of labor is large. We hope to gather the boys and girls into Sunday-school. We would be glad for others to come and work with us. Any members passing through here are earnestly requested to visit us.  Nellie Kao., Creston Mont.