Phillips County Museum News for October 14, 2020

St. Paul’s Indian Mission was a topic of discussion at the PC Museum this week. The story of its beginning and continuing story arrived with items from Jay and Lynn Contway. Here is the history as it was presented to us.

On May 1, 1886, Reverand Eberschweiler said mass for the first time in the Little Rockies. Father De Smet and two Indians were his companions. Finding a beautiful spot and three log cabins he immediately began plans for St. Paul’s Mission. Construction was slow but steady. In September 1887 the Mission School was opened with twenty-five students. By 1889 enrollment had increased to 150 pupils. All of these students boarded at the Mission.

The first large stone building which had a chapel was finished in 1893. A fire caused this building to be destroyed. Buildings and fires seemed to be the story for several years. Eventually, as roads became better, a day school was established at the Mission. This arrangement worked well, and life continues at the Mission today.

The staff was delighted when along with the story came pictures of the old Mission. Stop in and visit the PC Museum if you would like to read the history or see the pictures. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-5.