One of the most striking buildings in downtown Missoula, Montana, is the St. Francis Xavier Church. Its spire can be seen from afar; it is the tallest church in Missoula, and one of the tallest in the state. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A photo of the church's spire was used as last weekend's One Clue Mystery. It was recognized by George G -- congratulations George!
Jesuits arrived in Missoula in 1841 on their journey to establish a mission in the Bitterroots. The Jesuits opened a chapel in Missoula in 1873. As Missoula grew the need for a larger church soon became apparent. A new church was constructed which is the brick building we see today. The church is designed in the Romanesque Revival style and was completed in 1892. It was designed to hold 600 people and another 150 in the choir.
As you enter the church you will be impressed with how spacious and beautiful it is. A major highlight is the colorful art in the cathedral. The ceiling and walls are coverd with bright murals. These frescoes are well over 100 years old and were painted by one of the brothers of the Society of Jesus (Joseph Carignano, a kitchen helper from Italy, who painted them in his spare time).
The cathedral has a grand pipe organ,,,,
...colorful stained glass windows...
and a nice altar ...
While it's not as grand as some of Europe's wonderful cathedrals, it is a nice church that's worth visiting when you're in Missoula.
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