1886 - 2026
Looking back at how events unfolded in the establishment of this region's communities, we see that the very first missionary pastors who came to establish local churches, began arriving in 1886. Once the railroad made it to Missoula, Montana, things began to really change north of there in the Flathead Valley. Soon people looking to get a new start, began making their way up there. It wasn't long before you could get to Ravalli by train, and then to Polson by stagecoach. From there, because ground transportation was very hard, the best way was to take a steamer to the North end of Flathead Lake, and then on up the river to places like Selish, Egan & Gregg's Landing/Demersville. All of the first missionary pastors that arrived between 1886 & 1891, most likely spent their final leg of their journey on a steamship.
Rev. G.M. Fisher
Rev. George McVey Fisher, a Presbyterian minister, preached the first sermon, “Seek First the Kingdom of God” in what is now Flathead County. This took place in the Ashley Schoolhouse. Right from the beginning he went on to minister and work to establish the Church in Ashley, Sheldon & Selish.
Rev. E.L. Lee
After the town of Demersville was established in 1887, Rev. E.L. Lee, a minister sent by the Methodist Episcopal Church South, began regular services
in Demersville and Egan, and other communities. He built the first church building and dedicated it debt free in 1891.
Rev. J.M. Eastland
In 1888 John Milton Eastland sank his roots deep (& permanently) in the Flathead Valley. He established a farm at Fairview. During this time he became ordained by the Methodist Episcopal Church. He began church gatherings near Fairview, in Deer Park, Elk Park & Bad Rock.
Rev. M. Mertz
Rev. Martin Mertz explored the areas on the Eastside of the Flathead River. Rev. Mertz found settlers in the Bad Rock area, as well as South of there, who had been associated with the Lutheran Church. He held his first worship service in Sheldon, and ministered in Bad Rock & Columbia Falls.
Unsung Leaders
During these years, there were others who's names have been forgotten, who began gathering people and establishing foundations of churches to come.
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, we gathered with a heart to thank the Lord for all that He had done in this county's pioneer past. But we also wanted to pray together for the Lord's will and purposes to be done here in us as the body of Christ here, in the days ahead. So together, cross-denominationally, we held a 140th Anniversary Commemorative Service aboard the Far West. It was fun for all, giving this special gathering the flavor of "Living History". And just like the first arrivals, we were considering and praying about the future from the deck of a ship! It was a very meaningful and encouraging day!
