The 125th anniversary of the oldest church in Townsend was held on May 4, 2008. The two-day quasquicentennial event began on May 3 with a special display of the Townsend United Methodist Church and of the influence of traveling circuit rider and evangelist, Reverend W.W. VanOrsdel (better known as “Brother Van) at the Broadwater County Museum.
The Townsend United Methodist Church was the first church built in Townsend. The church traces its roots to Anglican minister John Wesley in 1729. In its present form, its roots go to the founding of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland in 1784. In 1844, the Methodist Episcopal Church split into two conferences because of tensions over slavery.
In 1883, the Methodist Episcopal Church’s sanctuary building (the Townsend United Methodist Church as it now stands with the exception of the fellowship hall and classrooms on the northeast) was erected by Burns and Robinson, early day contractors. This was the first church built in Townsend. Reverend M. L. Hall promoted the building of the church, and he received generous response from early-day citizens of Townsend and the Valley. The church was officially dedicated at services in 1884 by J.J. Garvin, District Superintendent; W.W. Van Orsdel, a circuit rider lovingly known as Brother Van; and Reverend Hall.
According to church records, on March 7, 1885, the Northern Pacific Railroad deeded Lots 1 and 2, block 22, to Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church: James Knouse, Benjamin F. Potts, and James R. Marks. In 1889, Lot 3, Block 22 was also deeded over. The Trustees at this time were T.M. Averill, K.E. Kanouse, and George Beatty.
On Sunday, May 4, a special quasquicentennial church service was held at 11:00. This included an introduction of past pastors with them leading the congregation in Brother Van’s hymn, “Harvest Time.” The church choir also presented a special anthem, “He Looked Beyond My Fault.” As it was Communion Sunday, the past pastors also aided in blessing and giving the sacrament.
Following the church service was an old-fashioned BBQ complete with bratwurst, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and pie. YUM! The Luncheon Committee (Steve and Sue Babcock and Bill and Evelyn Alley and their helpers) did a fantastic job!
The theme selected for the anniversary observance by Chair, Barbara Foster, was “Past Praise, Future Glory.” Barbara was hindered in this assignment by a broken arm and leg caused from a fall in her home several months ago and time spend in a rehabilitation center. However, her commitment was always with the anniversary committee. From her hospital bed, Barbara Foster oversaw the planning of the event. How wonderful it was to have her be able to attend the celebration after such dedicated work.
A commemorative program began at 2:00 p.m. in the new high school gymnasium/auditorium and included music, history, and skits. Music was provided by the United Methodist Church Choir, Joe Foster, Jim Foster, and a special anniversary choir. There were introductions of 50-year members; recognition of past pastors, choir directors, and Sunday School teachers.
Guest speaker for the program was Norma Ashby, who once hosted the TV show, “Good Morning Montana.” Ms. Ashby is the granddaughter of George Beatty, one of the first ranching pioneers in Broadwater County and an early member of the Board of Trustees of the Townsend United Methodist Church.
Over the years, there have been 50 pastors at the church. The first resident pastor was the Reverend John Hosking (1885-1888). Reverend Bill Jensen is the present pastor who led the church in the planning and implementation of this historic event. One of the amazing letters received to honor the 125th anniversary was from Pastor Gordon Patterson, who served the church here in Townsend from 1949-1953. In his email, he stated he was still preaching every Sunday to a congregation in Minnesota. The remarkable fact of this is that Pastor Patterson is 90 years old!
Summing up a celebration of such historic significance is difficult, but perhaps, a sentence from the new historical document about the church does it best. “Just as ice floes, heavy rains, Chinooks, and swollen currents change the course of our Missouri River, so did the Townsend United Methodist Church building display change, not in ‘heart’ over the years, but in size, appearance, function, [and] features.” (United Methodist Church 125 Years, Lillian McCammon & Shirley McIntire)