Messiah, first known as First English Lutheran Church of Red Lodge, came into being on April 7, 1935 in the basement of the city library. In 1938 the congregation was disbanded and then reorganized in 1942 under an alignment with the church in nearby Absarokee. A few years later the Finnish Church building became available for use and was renovated. In 1952 the first resident pastor was called. In 1957 the churches in Red Lodge and Joliet joined to form a parish sharing a pastor, and that arrangement exists to this day. In 1959 the name of the church was changed Messiah Lutheran, and the seventeen remaining members of the Finnish Lutheran Church deeded the building to Messiah and officially became members of it. On July 24 1972 the church was destroyed by fire. Offers of assistance came from far and near and within the year, a new building was erected.
Since Red Lodge is a resort town, the congregation has a unique opportunity to minister to tourists. The church is often used to house campers and skiers, and tourists are encouraged to attend worship services in an informal atmosphere.
From the guide to the Messiah Lutheran Church, Red Lodge, Montana, Records, 1935-2012, (Pacific Lutheran University)
