This is a photograph I took some years ago of the historic Bethany Lutheran Church near Oilmont, Montana. Built in 1918, this beautiful rural church is a piece of Toole County’s rich history and serves as a symbol of the faith and resilience of the early settlers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the church has been well-preserved over the years and continues to be a beloved landmark in the community.

The church quite literally sits in the middle of the prairie surrounded by little more than wheat fields and an occasional herd of pronghorn. About the only other thing you can see from here are the Sweetgrass Hills off in the distance.

The church was originally built by early Norwegian settlers in the area and has been a place of worship for generations. Its unique blend of Gothic Revival and Scandinavian architectural styles make it a one-of-a-kind gem in Montana.