In the heart of Butte, Montana, where history and heritage intertwine, St. Patrick’s Church stands as a testament to resilience and faith. Originally built in 1922 in Browns Gulch, the church served as both a place of worship and a schoolhouse for a tight-knit community of immigrants. Over time, as the population dwindled, the church faced an uncertain future.

Determined to preserve this piece of Butte’s past, a dedicated group of volunteers moved St. Patrick’s Church from Brown's Gulch to the World Museum of Mining in 1976, ensuring its legacy would live on. The relocation was a labor of love—materials were donated, granite blocks were carefully placed, and every effort was made to maintain the church’s original structure.

Now, nearly 50 years later, the church is in need of restoration. The walls are buckling, and without intervention, this historic landmark risks being lost to time. The museum has launched a campaign to raise $250,000 for repairs, including a new foundation to secure the building for generations to come.

Excitingly, the project is slated to receive $155,000 in funding from Montana’s HB 12, a bill dedicated to historic preservation grants. The bill has successfully passed through the legislature and is currently awaiting Governor Gianforte’s signature

Thanks to the unwavering support of the community, St. Patrick’s Church is on its way to being saved once again. Butte’s deep appreciation for its history fuels this effort, proving that the past is worth protecting. With every donation and every act of preservation, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Church continues to shine.

St. Patrick's Church

By WORLD MUSEUM OF MINING INC

St. Patrick's Church