Our History
The Beginning
Bigfork Chapel was founded in October of 1953 under the leadership of Rev. Evelyn Peterson. Even in her early 20s, Rev. Peterson felt called to minister in the Flathead Valley and would travel to the logging camps throughout the area holding services. Years later, shortly after his graduation from Seattle Pacific University, her son Eugene (author of The Message Bible) encouraged his mother to start a church in Bigfork. The vision for Bigfork Chapel was born.
The Beginning
Bigfork Chapel was founded in October of 1953 under the leadership of Rev. Evelyn Peterson. Even in her early 20s, Rev. Peterson felt called to minister in the Flathead Valley and would travel to the logging camps throughout the area holding services. Years later, shortly after his graduation from Seattle Pacific University, her son Eugene (author of The Message Bible) encouraged his mother to start a church in Bigfork. The vision for Bigfork Chapel was born.
The Beginning
Bigfork Chapel was founded in October of 1953 under the leadership of Rev. Evelyn Peterson. Even in her early 20s, Rev. Peterson felt called to minister in the Flathead Valley and would travel to the logging camps throughout the area holding services. Years later, shortly after his graduation from Seattle Pacific University, her son Eugene (author of The Message Bible) encouraged his mother to start a church in Bigfork. The vision for Bigfork Chapel was born.
The Beginning
Bigfork Chapel was founded in October of 1953 under the leadership of Rev. Evelyn Peterson. Even in her early 20s, Rev. Peterson felt called to minister in the Flathead Valley and would travel to the logging camps throughout the area holding services. Years later, shortly after his graduation from Seattle Pacific University, her son Eugene (author of The Message Bible) encouraged his mother to start a church in Bigfork. The vision for Bigfork Chapel was born.
The Beginning
Bigfork Chapel was founded in October of 1953 under the leadership of Rev. Evelyn Peterson. Even in her early 20s, Rev. Peterson felt called to minister in the Flathead Valley and would travel to the logging camps throughout the area holding services. Years later, shortly after his graduation from Seattle Pacific University, her son Eugene (author of The Message Bible) encouraged his mother to start a church in Bigfork. The vision for Bigfork Chapel was born.
The Beginning
Bigfork Chapel was founded in October of 1953 under the leadership of Rev. Evelyn Peterson. Even in her early 20s, Rev. Peterson felt called to minister in the Flathead Valley and would travel to the logging camps throughout the area holding services. Years later, shortly after his graduation from Seattle Pacific University, her son Eugene (author of The Message Bible) encouraged his mother to start a church in Bigfork. The vision for Bigfork Chapel was born.
Initially, services were held Sunday afternoons in a schoolhouse on Cascade Avenue in Bigfork. In early 1954, a full schedule of services was implemented, consisting of Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Sunday School and a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Rev. Peterson considered prayer to be a vital aspect of the Christian life and made it one of the foundations of Bigfork Chapel. The Wednesday night prayer meetings would begin with a song and a Scripture reading, followed by at least an hour of prayer for families, friends, and the community.
Initially, services were held Sunday afternoons in a schoolhouse on Cascade Avenue in Bigfork. In early 1954, a full schedule of services was implemented, consisting of Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Sunday School and a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Rev. Peterson considered prayer to be a vital aspect of the Christian life and made it one of the foundations of Bigfork Chapel. The Wednesday night prayer meetings would begin with a song and a Scripture reading, followed by at least an hour of prayer for families, friends, and the community.
Initially, services were held Sunday afternoons in a schoolhouse on Cascade Avenue in Bigfork. In early 1954, a full schedule of services was implemented, consisting of Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Sunday School and a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Rev. Peterson considered prayer to be a vital aspect of the Christian life and made it one of the foundations of Bigfork Chapel. The Wednesday night prayer meetings would begin with a song and a Scripture reading, followed by at least an hour of prayer for families, friends, and the community.
Initially, services were held Sunday afternoons in a schoolhouse on Cascade Avenue in Bigfork. In early 1954, a full schedule of services was implemented, consisting of Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Sunday School and a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Rev. Peterson considered prayer to be a vital aspect of the Christian life and made it one of the foundations of Bigfork Chapel. The Wednesday night prayer meetings would begin with a song and a Scripture reading, followed by at least an hour of prayer for families, friends, and the community.
Initially, services were held Sunday afternoons in a schoolhouse on Cascade Avenue in Bigfork. In early 1954, a full schedule of services was implemented, consisting of Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Sunday School and a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Rev. Peterson considered prayer to be a vital aspect of the Christian life and made it one of the foundations of Bigfork Chapel. The Wednesday night prayer meetings would begin with a song and a Scripture reading, followed by at least an hour of prayer for families, friends, and the community.
Initially, services were held Sunday afternoons in a schoolhouse on Cascade Avenue in Bigfork. In early 1954, a full schedule of services was implemented, consisting of Sunday morning and evening services, as well as Sunday School and a Wednesday night prayer meeting. Rev. Peterson considered prayer to be a vital aspect of the Christian life and made it one of the foundations of Bigfork Chapel. The Wednesday night prayer meetings would begin with a song and a Scripture reading, followed by at least an hour of prayer for families, friends, and the community.
Grand Avenue
When the church began, the congregation consisted of only Rev. Peterson, her husband Robert and their three children, and one other family, but grew quickly and, in 1957, with attendance growing, it was time to build a larger building. Land was purchased in Bigfork to house the new Chapel. That building is located at 833 Grand Avenue, behind the fire hall. On August 12, 1959, it was dedicated debt-free.
Grand Avenue
When the church began, the congregation consisted of only Rev. Peterson, her husband Robert and their three children, and one other family, but grew quickly and, in 1957, with attendance growing, it was time to build a larger building. Land was purchased in Bigfork to house the new Chapel. That building is located at 833 Grand Avenue, behind the fire hall. On August 12, 1959, it was dedicated debt-free.
Grand Avenue
When the church began, the congregation consisted of only Rev. Peterson, her husband Robert and their three children, and one other family, but grew quickly and, in 1957, with attendance growing, it was time to build a larger building. Land was purchased in Bigfork to house the new Chapel. That building is located at 833 Grand Avenue, behind the fire hall. On August 12, 1959, it was dedicated debt-free.
Grand Avenue
When the church began, the congregation consisted of only Rev. Peterson, her husband Robert and their three children, and one other family, but grew quickly and, in 1957, with attendance growing, it was time to build a larger building. Land was purchased in Bigfork to house the new Chapel. That building is located at 833 Grand Avenue, behind the fire hall. On August 12, 1959, it was dedicated debt-free.
Grand Avenue
When the church began, the congregation consisted of only Rev. Peterson, her husband Robert and their three children, and one other family, but grew quickly and, in 1957, with attendance growing, it was time to build a larger building. Land was purchased in Bigfork to house the new Chapel. That building is located at 833 Grand Avenue, behind the fire hall. On August 12, 1959, it was dedicated debt-free.
Grand Avenue
When the church began, the congregation consisted of only Rev. Peterson, her husband Robert and their three children, and one other family, but grew quickly and, in 1957, with attendance growing, it was time to build a larger building. Land was purchased in Bigfork to house the new Chapel. That building is located at 833 Grand Avenue, behind the fire hall. On August 12, 1959, it was dedicated debt-free.
When Rev. Peterson retired in early 1967, she had pastored at Bigfork Chapel for nearly 14 years. The Lord led Rev. Dennis & Barbara Masters to Bigfork Chapel in March of 1967 and the church continued to see growth. They met in the building behind the fire hall until 1980 when congregation growth once again necessitated a larger facility.
When Rev. Peterson retired in early 1967, she had pastored at Bigfork Chapel for nearly 14 years. The Lord led Rev. Dennis & Barbara Masters to Bigfork Chapel in March of 1967 and the church continued to see growth. They met in the building behind the fire hall until 1980 when congregation growth once again necessitated a larger facility.
When Rev. Peterson retired in early 1967, she had pastored at Bigfork Chapel for nearly 14 years. The Lord led Rev. Dennis & Barbara Masters to Bigfork Chapel in March of 1967 and the church continued to see growth. They met in the building behind the fire hall until 1980 when congregation growth once again necessitated a larger facility.
When Rev. Peterson retired in early 1967, she had pastored at Bigfork Chapel for nearly 14 years. The Lord led Rev. Dennis & Barbara Masters to Bigfork Chapel in March of 1967 and the church continued to see growth. They met in the building behind the fire hall until 1980 when congregation growth once again necessitated a larger facility.
When Rev. Peterson retired in early 1967, she had pastored at Bigfork Chapel for nearly 14 years. The Lord led Rev. Dennis & Barbara Masters to Bigfork Chapel in March of 1967 and the church continued to see growth. They met in the building behind the fire hall until 1980 when congregation growth once again necessitated a larger facility.
When Rev. Peterson retired in early 1967, she had pastored at Bigfork Chapel for nearly 14 years. The Lord led Rev. Dennis & Barbara Masters to Bigfork Chapel in March of 1967 and the church continued to see growth. They met in the building behind the fire hall until 1980 when congregation growth once again necessitated a larger facility.
Swan Highway
Land was donated for a building just outside of Bigfork on Highway 83 (Swan Highway), and construction began. The congregation met in the basement fellowship hall for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed under the leadership of Rev. Chuck & Linda Tucker, who began pastoring in spring of 1986. With seating for over 200 people, the sanctuary allowed for weddings and other special events, as well as room for considerable congregation growth. The remainder of the facility houses classrooms, offices, and a conference room, as well as the spacious fellowship hall.
Swan Highway
Land was donated for a building just outside of Bigfork on Highway 83 (Swan Highway), and construction began. The congregation met in the basement fellowship hall for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed under the leadership of Rev. Chuck & Linda Tucker, who began pastoring in spring of 1986. With seating for over 200 people, the sanctuary allowed for weddings and other special events, as well as room for considerable congregation growth. The remainder of the facility houses classrooms, offices, and a conference room, as well as the spacious fellowship hall.
Swan Highway
Land was donated for a building just outside of Bigfork on Highway 83 (Swan Highway), and construction began. The congregation met in the basement fellowship hall for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed under the leadership of Rev. Chuck & Linda Tucker, who began pastoring in spring of 1986. With seating for over 200 people, the sanctuary allowed for weddings and other special events, as well as room for considerable congregation growth. The remainder of the facility houses classrooms, offices, and a conference room, as well as the spacious fellowship hall.
Swan Highway
Land was donated for a building just outside of Bigfork on Highway 83 (Swan Highway), and construction began. The congregation met in the basement fellowship hall for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed under the leadership of Rev. Chuck & Linda Tucker, who began pastoring in spring of 1986. With seating for over 200 people, the sanctuary allowed for weddings and other special events, as well as room for considerable congregation growth. The remainder of the facility houses classrooms, offices, and a conference room, as well as the spacious fellowship hall.
Swan Highway
Land was donated for a building just outside of Bigfork on Highway 83 (Swan Highway), and construction began. The congregation met in the basement fellowship hall for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed under the leadership of Rev. Chuck & Linda Tucker, who began pastoring in spring of 1986. With seating for over 200 people, the sanctuary allowed for weddings and other special events, as well as room for considerable congregation growth. The remainder of the facility houses classrooms, offices, and a conference room, as well as the spacious fellowship hall.
Swan Highway
Land was donated for a building just outside of Bigfork on Highway 83 (Swan Highway), and construction began. The congregation met in the basement fellowship hall for a number of years until the sanctuary was completed under the leadership of Rev. Chuck & Linda Tucker, who began pastoring in spring of 1986. With seating for over 200 people, the sanctuary allowed for weddings and other special events, as well as room for considerable congregation growth. The remainder of the facility houses classrooms, offices, and a conference room, as well as the spacious fellowship hall.
Under Rev. Tucker, many improvements were made to the church facilities, including a baptismal, altars for the sanctuary, and significant updates to the exterior of the building. Later, a larger foyer was added to the front of the building. Then Rev. Martin Davis, and his wife Julie, served as the church's pastors for 10 years. This facility was paid off in 2006 under Rev. Richard Stewart, and the church now operates debt-free. Rev. Stewart, and his wife Hope, faithfully served for 14 years before returning to full-time Native American missions work. In 2019, the Lord brought Rev. Chad and Melissa Petersen to Bigfork Chapel. During the 4.5 years under their leadership, the church continued to grow, expanding the opportunities for ministry and outreach into the community.
Under Rev. Tucker, many improvements were made to the church facilities, including a baptismal, altars for the sanctuary, and significant updates to the exterior of the building. Later, a larger foyer was added to the front of the building. Then Rev. Martin Davis, and his wife Julie, served as the church's pastors for 10 years. This facility was paid off in 2006 under Rev. Richard Stewart, and the church now operates debt-free. Rev. Stewart, and his wife Hope, faithfully served for 14 years before returning to full-time Native American missions work. In 2019, the Lord brought Rev. Chad and Melissa Petersen to Bigfork Chapel. During the 4.5 years under their leadership, the church continued to grow, expanding the opportunities for ministry and outreach into the community.
Under Rev. Tucker, many improvements were made to the church facilities, including a baptismal, altars for the sanctuary, and significant updates to the exterior of the building. Later, a larger foyer was added to the front of the building. Then Rev. Martin Davis, and his wife Julie, served as the church's pastors for 10 years. This facility was paid off in 2006 under Rev. Richard Stewart, and the church now operates debt-free. Rev. Stewart, and his wife Hope, faithfully served for 14 years before returning to full-time Native American missions work. In 2019, the Lord brought Rev. Chad and Melissa Petersen to Bigfork Chapel. During the 4.5 years under their leadership, the church continued to grow, expanding the opportunities for ministry and outreach into the community.
Under Rev. Tucker, many improvements were made to the church facilities, including a baptismal, altars for the sanctuary, and significant updates to the exterior of the building. Later, a larger foyer was added to the front of the building. Then Rev. Martin Davis, and his wife Julie, served as the church's pastors for 10 years. This facility was paid off in 2006 under Rev. Richard Stewart, and the church now operates debt-free. Rev. Stewart, and his wife Hope, faithfully served for 14 years before returning to full-time Native American missions work. In 2019, the Lord brought Rev. Chad and Melissa Petersen to Bigfork Chapel. During the 4.5 years under their leadership, the church continued to grow, expanding the opportunities for ministry and outreach into the community.
Under Rev. Tucker, many improvements were made to the church facilities, including a baptismal, altars for the sanctuary, and significant updates to the exterior of the building. Later, a larger foyer was added to the front of the building. Then Rev. Martin Davis, and his wife Julie, served as the church's pastors for 10 years. This facility was paid off in 2006 under Rev. Richard Stewart, and the church now operates debt-free. Rev. Stewart, and his wife Hope, faithfully served for 14 years before returning to full-time Native American missions work. In 2019, the Lord brought Rev. Chad and Melissa Petersen to Bigfork Chapel. During the 4.5 years under their leadership, the church continued to grow, expanding the opportunities for ministry and outreach into the community.
Under Rev. Tucker, many improvements were made to the church facilities, including a baptismal, altars for the sanctuary, and significant updates to the exterior of the building. Later, a larger foyer was added to the front of the building. Then Rev. Martin Davis, and his wife Julie, served as the church's pastors for 10 years. This facility was paid off in 2006 under Rev. Richard Stewart, and the church now operates debt-free. Rev. Stewart, and his wife Hope, faithfully served for 14 years before returning to full-time Native American missions work. In 2019, the Lord brought Rev. Chad and Melissa Petersen to Bigfork Chapel. During the 4.5 years under their leadership, the church continued to grow, expanding the opportunities for ministry and outreach into the community.
Bigfork Chapel’s history shows a rich tradition of prayer. This is evident in the focus that Rev. Evelyn Peterson placed on prayer meetings, and it is still demonstrated throughout Bigfork Chapel's ministry today. There are families still attending Bigfork Chapel who were present when the church was founded or who came to Christ during the early years. God has been faithful to strengthen the body of believers at Bigfork Chapel over the years, both in number but also in faith.
Bigfork Chapel’s history shows a rich tradition of prayer. This is evident in the focus that Rev. Evelyn Peterson placed on prayer meetings, and it is still demonstrated throughout Bigfork Chapel's ministry today. There are families still attending Bigfork Chapel who were present when the church was founded or who came to Christ during the early years. God has been faithful to strengthen the body of believers at Bigfork Chapel over the years, both in number but also in faith.
Bigfork Chapel’s history shows a rich tradition of prayer. This is evident in the focus that Rev. Evelyn Peterson placed on prayer meetings, and it is still demonstrated throughout Bigfork Chapel's ministry today. There are families still attending Bigfork Chapel who were present when the church was founded or who came to Christ during the early years. God has been faithful to strengthen the body of believers at Bigfork Chapel over the years, both in number but also in faith.
Bigfork Chapel’s history shows a rich tradition of prayer. This is evident in the focus that Rev. Evelyn Peterson placed on prayer meetings, and it is still demonstrated throughout Bigfork Chapel's ministry today. There are families still attending Bigfork Chapel who were present when the church was founded or who came to Christ during the early years. God has been faithful to strengthen the body of believers at Bigfork Chapel over the years, both in number but also in faith.
Bigfork Chapel’s history shows a rich tradition of prayer. This is evident in the focus that Rev. Evelyn Peterson placed on prayer meetings, and it is still demonstrated throughout Bigfork Chapel's ministry today. There are families still attending Bigfork Chapel who were present when the church was founded or who came to Christ during the early years. God has been faithful to strengthen the body of believers at Bigfork Chapel over the years, both in number but also in faith.
Bigfork Chapel’s history shows a rich tradition of prayer. This is evident in the focus that Rev. Evelyn Peterson placed on prayer meetings, and it is still demonstrated throughout Bigfork Chapel's ministry today. There are families still attending Bigfork Chapel who were present when the church was founded or who came to Christ during the early years. God has been faithful to strengthen the body of believers at Bigfork Chapel over the years, both in number but also in faith.
Bigfork Chapel is a tribute to God’s grace and provision, as well as to the leadership of Rev. Peterson and the other pastors of this fellowship who were faithful to the vision that God placed in their hearts for a church in Bigfork, MT. Today, we carry on that vision as we continue, in our community and around the world, to influence people towards Christ.
Bigfork Chapel is a tribute to God’s grace and provision, as well as to the leadership of Rev. Peterson and the other pastors of this fellowship who were faithful to the vision that God placed in their hearts for a church in Bigfork, MT. Today, we carry on that vision as we continue, in our community and around the world, to influence people towards Christ.
Bigfork Chapel is a tribute to God’s grace and provision, as well as to the leadership of Rev. Peterson and the other pastors of this fellowship who were faithful to the vision that God placed in their hearts for a church in Bigfork, MT. Today, we carry on that vision as we continue, in our community and around the world, to influence people towards Christ.
Bigfork Chapel is a tribute to God’s grace and provision, as well as to the leadership of Rev. Peterson and the other pastors of this fellowship who were faithful to the vision that God placed in their hearts for a church in Bigfork, MT. Today, we carry on that vision as we continue, in our community and around the world, to influence people towards Christ.
Bigfork Chapel is a tribute to God’s grace and provision, as well as to the leadership of Rev. Peterson and the other pastors of this fellowship who were faithful to the vision that God placed in their hearts for a church in Bigfork, MT. Today, we carry on that vision as we continue, in our community and around the world, to influence people towards Christ.
Bigfork Chapel is a tribute to God’s grace and provision, as well as to the leadership of Rev. Peterson and the other pastors of this fellowship who were faithful to the vision that God placed in their hearts for a church in Bigfork, MT. Today, we carry on that vision as we continue, in our community and around the world, to influence people towards Christ.