our toThe history of every parish in our diocese begins in a way, with a mention of the famous Jesuit priest, Father Peter John De Smet, the “Apostle of the Northwest.”  The Flathead Indians had journeyed to St. Louis to ask the “black robes” to bring Christianity to their tribes.  It was noted in his journals, that he camped at or near the junction of Ross’ Fork and the Judith River on September 14 and 15, 1846.  This made him one of the first white men to set foot in what was to become Fergus County.

The first Catholic residents of this valley were the Cree from Canada and a mixed-blood group from the Red River, the Metis.  An influx of various pioneers followed: gold prospectors, homesteaders, and merchants.  Steady growth reached its peak in the early 1900’s.

 The 1991 Renovation
In 1991, a major renovation sought to retain the “treasures” of the past while bringing the worship space up to liturgical requirements of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. The altar and tabernacle were constructed from the wood from the old confessionals. The organ was relocated from the loft down to the front of the church.  A baptismal font suitable for immersion of children was placed at the entrance.  New pews were placed in the nave angled to direct the assembly to the action at the altar and ambo. The floor was tiled. Steps were taken to dramatically improve the acoustics and lighting. The paint scheme was chosen to have a warm color above you (gold of the ceiling) and a cooler color (white) on the walls surrounding the assembly.

The 2016 Renovation
The front steps of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church were renovated, with new crosses at the top of the steps.
The tabernacle platform was completed, with thanks to Jack Gies and Jessie Ferguson for all their work in building the platform, and to Pat Morris and Neal Tucek for helping to move the tabernacle. Jesus is now in the center of our church: may He always be the center of our lives!