Young Antonio Ravalli spent many hours in his Italian parish church, Santa Maria in Vado.  His memories of the magnificent interior seem reflected in many details seen in Historic St. Mary’s Chapel. Unlike the simple rustic exterior, the church interior has elements of a miniature Italian Renaissance  cathedral.

When restoration began, stripping and sanding revealed Fr. Ravalli's use of harmonious colors throughout the Chapel. 
~ Historic St. Mary's Chapel
Historic St. Mary’s Mission, was founded in 1841 by Fr. Pierre DeSmet, a Jesuit priest. This is the fourth of the Chapels built in the valley for the Salish people. The front part of the Chapel was built in 1866. It was enlarged from the archway back, with completion in 1879. The colors have been restored to the original shades used by Fr. Ravalli who achieved his brilliant colors by using vermilion clay for the reds, blue from indigo traded among the tribes, yellow, a sacred color, came from a cave at the mouth of the Judith River.

The Mission was closed from 1891, when the Salish were forced to move to the Jocko Reservation. It was re-opened in 1921 and served as the Parish Church until 1954.

Today, services in the Chapel are held on a limited basis and regardless of one's religious leanings it is inspiring to sit in the age-old building and harken back to the beginnings of the State of Montana.

Current restoration and preservation of the Mission Complex began in 1972, spearheaded by local historian and author, Lucylle Evans.

INSIDE THE CHAPEL

  • Tall candle sticks turned on a hand lathe by Fr. Ravalli.
  • Statue of St. Mary was carved from a pine log in two sections. The robe was colored blue with berry juice.
  • Urns were carved from wood and painted to resemble marble.
  • 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.
  • A Crucifix made by Fr. Ravalli using the handle from a shepherd’s crook.
  • Altar, railing and all other wood work done by Fr. Ravalli
  • Light fixture is original found on the grounds and was repaired by a blacksmith.
Historic St. Mary's Mission Chapel Interior
Carlo Ravalli ringing the bell at Historic St. Mary's Mission
Carlo Ravalli of Italy, a relative of Fr. Anthony Ravalli, visited the Mission in 2005. He is seen here ringing the historic bell in the Chapel at St. Mary's.

The Ravalli Visit
Chapel and Salish Lodge at Historic St. Mary's Mission
Preservation and restoration efforts are funded by donations, tours and gift shop sales.
Mission Complex, Cross on a Hill brand at St. Mary's Mission
Stevensville, Montana site of Historic St. Mary's Mission
Where Montana Began
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Last Update: 8/24/2016
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