HomeMy WebLinkAbout121 S Willson 1984 MONTANA HISTORICAL AND
ARCHITECTURAL INVENTORY Site#
Legal Description: Alderson's Blk B/Lots 5.3' of 7. all 8 , 9 , 1.0
Address: 121 South Willson
Ownership: name: Methodist Episcopal Church
C$pnvate address: Roll k 79 Frame N 23
p❑ ublic BOX 1253
Historic Name: Methodist-E isco al Church
l I First Methodist Church
Common Name:
I ❑ estimated
Date of Construction: 1873-1874 documented
`• I r,.`i -__�._ __�..� Architect:
Unknown
Builder.
Original Owner. Unknown
�l L. _ —A— 1
I Original Use: Chtirrh
Present Use: Church
Research Sources:
El abstract of title El city directories
i
❑ plat records/maps ❑ sewerlwater permits
,� r'---•--•• — -+ _ El tax cards ❑ obituaries
I
i ( ❑ building permit ❑ biographies
Sanborn maps—dot o8' 181q4
Bibliography:
Department of `.-E*ion
` Methodist History
Location map or building plan with arrow nortn.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Describe present appearance of structure/site,then contrast and compare that with it's original aN� ice,
noting additions,alterations,and changes in materials.Discuss significant architectural features.
This detached one-story church structure has a two-story bell tower
on the front corner with an open entrance-way and a central gable-
roofed vestibule with arched opening over the main entrance. The
brick construction is covered with stucco over the original material
on the main structure and includes several additions of brick to the
north and west. Windows are stained glass with pilasters between
and have an equilateral arch. The structure sits on a concrete foundation
and the gable roof has decorative exposed carved rafters and shingle-
style detailing. The main roof is of cedar shingles and and the flat-
roofed addition is of built=up materials. The axis of the main roof
is perpendicular to the street. A brass plaque on the SE corner quotes
"methodist Church, 1874, in memory of Grace Clark , missionary to Africa. "
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Justify how the persons,important events,and/or historical patterns associated with the structure/site
and surrounding area lend the property significance.
This property is significant because the First Methodist Church, Bozeman
is the oldest extant church structure. The Methodist-Episcopal community
was the first church to organize in Bozeman in 1864 under the direction
of lay preacher W. W. Alderson. In 1867, a small frame structure was
erected to be replaced by the present structure erected in 1873-74. Social
builder and developer William H. Tracy was the contractor. The sanctuary
has the distinction of being of the oldest Methodist sanctuary in use in
Montana. The tower bell was cast for a passenger packet on the lower
Mississippi River.
This structure is potentially eligible for the National Register because
of its historical associations and because of its architectural significance.
INTEGRITY. As^.Pq, .iie degree to which the structure/site,and surrounding area accurately convey the historical associations of the
property.
the historic integrity of this property has been retained due to the survival
of original design and materials and continuity of use, setting and location.
INFORMATION VALUE: Explain how the extant structure/site may demonstrate or yield information about its historic use or construc-
tion.
None.
FORM PREPARED BY. GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Name_ JAMES R. R"C!'Q"tALD VCHITECTS P.C. Acreage:
P. 0. E'v":
Address: -- USGS Quad:
Date: -jSS'0bLA, n"ONTANA 59807 UTM's:
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