The Missionaries Followed the Explorers and the Fur Traders

Abstracted from "History of the State of Idaho," by Cornelis J. Brosnan, published by Charles Scribner's Sons, 1918. archive.org

The First Religious Service in Idaho

"The First Religious Service in Idaho.—Prior to 1834 there is no record of any formal religious service in what is now Oregon, Washington, or Idaho except the religious observances at the various trading-posts and camps of the Northwest and Hudson's Bay Companies. The first sermon preached in the vast interior region west of the Rocky Mountains was delivered by Jason Lee, a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Fort Hall on Sunday afternoon, July 26, 1834. It was in response to an invitation from Captain Wyeth, who was then building Fort Hall, that this historic religious service was conducted. The text selected for his sermon was taken from Paul's message to the Corinthians: "Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." After the service the company proceeded to enjoy a series of horse-races between the Indians and half-breeds present. On July 30 the missionary party resumed their journey to Fort Vancouver, and were persuaded to undertake their work in the Willamette Valley instead of the Flathead country.

Spalding and Lapwai (1836)
The Catholic Missions
LDS - Fort Lemhi

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