Billings First Congregational Church

(United Church of Christ)

Billings, Montana

Billings First Congregational Church, the oldest congregation in Billings, has a long history that parallels the town in which it was founded. Today, it is a vibrant and historic gathering place that serves a diverse and growing community.

Billings First Congregational Church Courtesy Billings First Congregational Church

Billings First Congregational Church Courtesy of Billings First Congregational Church

2024 Cohort

Billings First Congregational Church

(United Church of Christ)

Billings, Montana

Billings First Congregational Church, the oldest congregation in Billings, has a long history that parallels the town in which it was founded. Today, it is a vibrant and historic gathering place that serves a diverse and growing community.

Built in 1957 and designed by architect Orr Pickering, the current building replaced the original 1882 sanctuary. The 1927 Parish House is still standing, fusing the older Colonial Revival style with the more recent Modern sanctuary. Billings First Congregational Church (BFCC) is located across the street from the old courthouse, speaking to its role as a “civic church” in Billings, engaged in the life of the community. Throughout its history, the congregation served the community through women’s aid societies, Boy Scout troops, and by acting as a makeshift hospital during the flu pandemic of 1918.

BFCC hosts numerous programs that serve vulnerable populations and supports community organizations through partnerships and volunteering. Its campus hosts an LGBTQI+ and a Two-Spirit resource center and has hosted the Billings’ annual Pride parade and festival. The church has served as a winter overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness and its campus is frequently used by community organizations for meetings, events, and other activities.

A National Fund grant of $250,000 with $500,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will allow BFCC to make urgent improvements to fire suppression and electrical systems; upgrade HVAC systems; perform asbestos remediation; and undertake ADA upgrades. This scope of work will improve life safety and enhance the church’s service to the community.

Courtesy Billings First Congregational Church

Spotlighting Women’s History at Historic Houses of Worship

Religious institutions have served both as a platform for the advancement of women’s rights and opportunities, and women have played critical roles in advancing religious traditions. The leadership and community building opportunities within these sacred sites have been critical to increasing female independence outside of the home and allowing women to develop institutions that strengthen their congregations and broader communities. The four historic houses of worship highlighted embody positive examples of how the histories of women and religion are inherently linked.

First Church in Oberlin

Stories and Media Coverage

Read more about how the National Fund for Sacred Places is helping congregations around the country rehabilitate their sacred places.

Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church by Luis P. Gutierrez