Celebrating One Hundred Years
June 25, 2000
A brief history of the church
Pine Creek United Methodist Church was the first church of any denomination built to serve Paradise Valley and the adjoining areas south of Livingston. Methodist activity is recorded in the region as early as 1883. The church was formally organized in 1899 and the building was completed and dedicated free of debt on Sunday, February 2, 1900.
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During 1902 a parsonage was built adjoining the church which cost $750 in cash and $400 in labor. Two years later a barn for the minister's horse and buggy was added for $200. A church hall was built on the rear of the church in 1910 and in 1942 a kitchen was added. During 1978, modern restroom facilities were installed.
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Pine Creek Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1900 and for the last 100 years an active women's group has helped with the religious, social and financial affairs of the church. Beginning in 1948 a Harvest Festival sale has been an annual fund-raising event.
For many years Pine Creek United Methodist Church remained the only rural Methodist Church in Montana with its own full-time pastor in residence. But with the move of Rev. Edwin Dover to Hamilton in June 1970, Pine Creek became part of a larger parish and has since shared a pastor with Holbrook United Methodist Church of Livingston.
