Montana District (LCMS)
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.[1] 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.[2]
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 [3] 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). [4] 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
