Montana District (LCMS)

Montana District Seal

The Montana District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), and comprises the state of Montana. It also includes one congregation in Idaho and one congregation in North Dakota. The Montana District includes approximately 67 congregations and missions, subdivided into 6 circuits, as well as 18 preschools and 7 elementary schools. Baptized membership in district congregations is approximately 15,000, making it one of the two smallest districts along with the Wyoming District, which is roughly equal in size; a merger of the two districts was proposed in 2006.

The Montana District was formed in 1945 when the North Dakota and Montana District was divided, also creating the North Dakota District. District offices are located in Billings, Montana. Delegates from each congregation meet in convention every three years to elect the district president, vice presidents, circuit counselors, a board of directors, and other officers. The Rev. Terry Forke became the district president in September 2006 and was re-elected to a second term in 2009. The 31st Regular Convention was held June 15–18, 2009 in Billings with the theme of "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (Heb. 10:23). The 31st Regular Convention will be held June 11–14, 2012 in Billings.

Presidents

Rev. Paul M. Freiburger, 1945–1966
Rev. August F. Droegemueller, 1966–1969
Rev. George F. Wollenburg, 1969–1977
Rev. Harold V. Huber, 1977–1984 (died in office)
Rev. Albert G. Pullmann, 1984–1989
Rev. Richard Kiessling, 1989–1992
Rev. George F. Wollenburg, 1992–2006
Rev. Terry R. Forke, 2006–present

Oldest congregations

1887 - First Lutheran Church, Helena, Montana
1888 - Saint Mark Lutheran Church, Butte, Montana
1892 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Falls, Montana
1895 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell, Montana
1896 - Redeemer Lutheran Church, Anaconda, Montana
1900 - First Lutheran Church, Missoula, Montana
1905 - Grace Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Montana
1906 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Miles City, Montana
1911 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Harlowton, Montana
1912 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Libby, Montana
1912 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Bridger, Montana
1912 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Roundup, Montana
1912 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Plentywood, Montana
1913 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Laurel, Montana
1913 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Park City, Montana
1913 - Zion Lutheran Church, Chinook, Montana
1913 - Zion Lutheran Church, Power, Montana

Only congregation in North Dakota: Concordia Lutheran Church, Williston, North Dakota, 1933
Only congregation in Idaho: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Salmon, Idaho, 1978

Largest congregations

Membership totals include all baptized members and are according to the LCMS website.

1450 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell, Montana
1250 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Billings, Montana
1052 - Our Savior Lutheran Church, Glendive, Montana
766 - First Lutheran Church, Missoula, Montana
688 - Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Billings, Montana
679 - First Lutheran Church, Helena, Montana
570 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Great Falls, Montana
534 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Laurel, Montana
516 - First Lutheran Church, Bozeman, Montana
421 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Miles City, Montana
357 - Grace Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Montana
354 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Sidney, Montana
298 - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Columbia Falls, Montana

Only congregation in North Dakota: Concordia Lutheran Church, Williston, North Dakota, 289
Only congregation in Idaho: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Salmon, Idaho, 183

References

Archives, Concordia Historical Institute
Archives, The Montana District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

External links

Districts of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

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