St. Joseph's Catholic Mission Church

St. Joseph's Catholic Mission Church is a church building in Townsend with arched windows and a bell tower constructed in the 1870s. A steeple addition and architectural modifications came later and altered the appearance of the original structure.

The structure was built in 1875-1876 by Thomas Howell and remains the oldest surviving Roman Catholic church in Montana. In 1954, it was relocated and protected by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation when threatened by water projects in the area.

The building displays early Catholic architectural choices through its simple exterior design and bell tower, elements visible to visitors today. These features reflect how Catholics expressed their faith through the structures they built in this remote region.

The church is located along Montana Highway 284 in Townsend and can be found through its National Register listing. Visitors should note that the structure was relocated from its original position, which is worth considering when planning a visit.

This building represents one of Montana's rare examples of colonial-era architectural design, preserving its foundational layout despite later additions. This rarity makes it valuable for understanding how early settlers adapted European building traditions to the frontier.

Location: Townsend

Website: http://goldwest.visitmt.com/listings/17511.htm

GPS coordinates: 46.40889,-111.44861

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:05