A Recap of Centennial Events:

Centennial activities have taken place throughout 2005 and 2006.

The celebration kicked-off with a "Tailgate Party" in the church parking lot in the fall of 2005.

Throughout the year, formers pastors returned to the pulpit at St. Paul and offered their Centennial Messages (see details below).

St. Paul hosted a Norwegian Dinner in July, 2006. Many friends of St. Paul enjoyed a proper Norwegian smorgasbord, great company, charming decorations, fine Norwegian costumes, Norwegian dancers, music and a fine speaker--Missoula's mayor, John Engen. Mr. Engen shared tidbits about his youthful escapades at St. Paul with the delighted crowd. (Scroll down for pictures of the Norwegian Dinner.)

A second tailgate party was held in the parking lot in the fall of 2006.

A weekend of celebration from October 20 - 22 included a Friday evening Pie Social, Decade Parade, power point display and a history lesson from Mark Jakobsen.

Saturday's events included an amazing display of members' visual arts and a festive reception. This exhibit included pewter items, needlework, metal sculpture, watercolor and other painting, rosmaling, carvings, pottery and pencil sketches.

Sunday's worship celebration included a Centennial message by Bishop Rich Omland and former pastors, Don Gordineer, Rusty Halaas, Joe Wahlin and former intern Daniel Disch return to assist in worship. A potluck luncheon concluded the weekend's activities.

The second century of St. Paul commenced with a stirring service of music, "Soli Deo Gloria" (To God Alone the Glory) composed by Dr. J. Robert Hanson. A 40 piece orchestra, 30 voice choir and two soloists presented this musical offering at both services. Don Beller served as conductor for this event.

Thanks be to God for this community of faith, for the people whose vision and energy planted and nurtured this congregation, for all the past, present, and future saints who have offered here their worship and praise.

We continue to Grow In Faith Together as we embark on our second century of service to Christ and community.
Thanks be to God.

Click here for additional event photos.

Centennial Messages:
Former pastors and children of the congregation who have been ordained have been invited to come back to St. Paul to offer a centennial message to the congregation.

Pastors Paul Meierding and David Ophus presented their messages in February and March.

Pastor Arne Bergland gave his message on July 23. Pr. Beth Jarrett returned to St. Paul and presented her Centennial Message on July 30, the eleventh anniversary of her ordination. Pastor Joe Wahlin, who has been designated Pastor Emeritus of St. Paul, "unpacked some boxes" and gave his Centennial Message on October 8, 2006. Pastor Don Gordineer has indicated that he, too, will be giving us his special message at a later date.

Our Centennial Theme: G. I. F. T.
Growing in Faith Together Through the Centuries . . .
Comprehending the Grace of God

The theme scripture comes from Colossians 1:3-6 and 9-12
3 In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. (NRSV)

St. Paul Centennial Medallions and Pins:

Happy news to those who have not already ordered medallions or pins: we did order extra medallions (they could be used as pendants or as Christmas ornaments) and pins so you can still purchase these keepsakes of the centennial. The handsome pewter pins are $15 each and the attractive medallions are $22 each. Please contact the church office at 549-4141 to order. Thank You!

You can still pick up the St. Paul 2006 Centennial Calendar

It's not too late to receive your copy of this remarkable keepsake. It is available at the church office and supplies are limited to stock on hand. Order yours today so you can enjoy the intriguing array of photographs from the first 100 years of this congregation! Cost: freewill donation!

See photos from the July 20, 2006 Norwegian Dinner below and while your are looking them over, help solve "the mystery of the embroidered table cloth".
Is there anyone who can tell about the history of the tablecloth with the embroidered names that is hanging in the background in picture #3 below? If you can enlighten us, please email the details to the church: stpaul@stpaulmissoula.org
Thank you!

This page was updated November 6, 2006