 | ||||||
~ The Historic Chapel ~
2004 Historic St. Mary's Mission, Inc. * All Rights Reserved
©
Web Site Design by SMJ-Designs
406-777-5734
Email: stmary@cybernet1.com
www.saintmarysmission.org
P.O. Box 211
West End of 4th Street
Stevensville, MT 59870
The Mission Complex consists of St. Mary's Chapel with an attached residence, kitchen and dining room, the dove cote, Chief Victor's cabin which is now a museum of Salish artifacts, Farther Ravalli's cabin/pharmacy, a diorama with statues of Chief Big Face, Fr. De Smet and Chief Victor, and the Visitor's Center which contains a museum, research library, art gallery and gift shop.
The Bitterroot mountains are the backdrop to Historic St. Mary's Mission. The ever-changing view in this peaceful setting affords inspiring photo opportunities and lifetime memories.
Visitors are encouraged to stroll the grounds and enjoy a picnic in De Smet park in the shadow of St. Mary's Peak.
Tours are offered from April 15 through October 15. The Visitor's Center remains open through December.
Last Update: 11/6/2007
Photo 1
The historic Chapel at St. Mary's Mission. This was the 4th Chapel built by the Jesuits for the Salish people and settlers.
Photo 2
View of the Chapel interior. The influence of the Italian Renaissance on Fr. Ravalli can be seen in the colorful Chapel.
Photo 3
The statue of St. Mary was carved by Fr. Ravalli from two pieces of wood. The gown was stained using berry juice.
Photo 4 -
The cross atop the belfry is a replica of the original cross carved by Fr. Ravalli. The original cross now resides inside the Chapel backed by a piece of fabric from Ferrara, Italy, Fr. Ravalli's home.
Photo 5
Black robe statue is of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order. Constructed using an iron frame, shaped, draped with canvas, then covered with black tar and paint. The head and hands are carved wood. The shoes, belt and rosary are real.
Photo 6
View of the Chapel from the choir loft.
Photo 7
An old photo of the Chapel and Fr. Ravalli's cabin/pharmacy from days gone by.
Photo 8
Maintenance is key in the preservation of the historic buildings. Here, the Chapel is being scraped and sanded in preparation for paint.
Photo 9
Photo 10
Click on the Back or Next buttons above to view photos.
The setting at the Mission Complex afford visitors everchanging opportunities for great pictures and breathtaking views.
MORE PHOTO TOURS
