Walkerville, Montana • Est. 1897
The present St. Lawrence O'Toole Church continues to stand as a landmark of faith and craftsmanship in Walkerville, Montana, preserving the rich heritage and architectural beauty established by its founding parishioners.
The interior of the church showcases remarkable artistic and architectural detail, including the celebrated frescos, altar work, and the paintings of the evangelists that have been carefully maintained through the decades.
If you're interested in touring the site or renting it for weddings and gatherings, please get in touch.
The St. Lawrence O'Toole Church is located on the Butte Hill in Walkerville, Montana.
Directions are here .
The Historic St. Lawrence Church is owned and maintained by the City of Walkerville, Montana.
St. Lawrence O'Toole Church - Ceiling Detail
Nestled in Walkerville, Montana close to the heart of historic Uptown Butte, Saint Lawrence O'Toole Church is a beautifully preserved historic church offering a timeless setting for couples seeking charm, character, and affordability. Built in the early days of Butte's industrial rise, the sanctuary and alter feature original artwork, soaring vaulted ceilings, warm natural light, and classic craftsmanship that creates an unforgettable backdrop for your ceremony.
For just $250, you receive full access to the venue and all included amenities, no hidden fees, no complicated packages. The church provides comfortable seating and a dedicated preparation area.
Located steps from Butte's historic streets and turn of the century brick architecture, this venue is wonderful for couples and guests to enjoy a western mining town before and after the ceremony. With its blend of heritage, convenience, and simplicity, the St. Lawrence O'Toole Church remains one of southwest Montana's most welcoming and affordable wedding locations.
St. Lawrence O'Toole Church
St. Lawrence O'Toole Church Entry Way
St. Lawrence Parish was organized in March 1897, by Bishop John Brondel. The first service was Midnight Mass on December 25, 1897. The church was officially dedicated by Bishop Brondel on January 16, 1898.
The land for the church and school was donated by the Butte and Boston Mining Company, and the $25,000 needed for construction was raised by miners and their families. By the time of the first Mass, the church was fully paid for. At its peak in 1900, the church had 5,000 parishioners.
In 1903 an artist was commissioned to paint murals on the ceiling. There are more than sixty paintings of the life of Christ, saints, emblems of organizations and Catholic symbols. In 1906, the church acquired the frescos on the walls and the ceiling. This was the first work of this kind done in Butte. The Schatzlein Company engaged the European artist, Mr. Tolston, who came from New York, according to a story printed in the Butte Montana Catholic, September 22, 1906. According to an article in the Montana Standard in December of 1953, the church was renovated that year under the direction of Reverend J.W. McCormack. The work included covering the entire floor with rubber tile, washing and painting the woodwork, walls and murals. The heavy walled basement was reinforced in concrete.
St. Lawrence was the second Catholic parish of Silver Bow County. The parish was made up of the towns of Centerville and Walkerville and the church was placed exactly equal distance from the center of each business district. The congregation was predominantly Irish but also contained other ethnicities. The parish maintained an Italian speaking priest for the Italian immigrants and a priest who spoke German. The church was closed by the Helena Diocese in 1987 and through the action of the parishioners it was saved from being destroyed. It was then deeded to the town of Walkerville.
The sanctuary in back of the altar is finished in dark red drapery and has above it a painting of the sky in which the Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove. Above this is a painting of the Ascension, representing Our Lord ascending into Heaven in the Cloud.
The altar itself stands as a testament to the artistry and devotion of the craftsmen who created it, incorporating rich imagery and symbolism central to the Catholic faith.
On the right side of the sanctuary, at the top, is the coat of arms of the Pope; underneath it are the paintings of St. John and St. Luke. On the left side, at the top, is the coat of arms of the Bishop with the motto, "Sancitas et Justitia."
Beneath these are the paintings of St. Matthew and St. Mark. This latter panel completes the set of the evangelists, representing the four pillars of Gospel tradition that surround the faithful within the church.
Saint Lawrence O'Toole Church Altar
If you have questions, ideas, or simply want to learn more about the church or the wedding venue, we'd love to hear from you.
Feel free to use this contact form or give us a call at 406-498-0492 to get in touch. Our aim is to respond promptly and thoughtfully. We're always happy to provide more information.
Contributions can be made to the:
St. Lawrence Church Preservation Committee
40 W. Daly
Walkerville, MT 58701
Memorials are also available from the members of the Committee.