The Montana School of Religion was incorporated in 1924, through the cooperative efforts of President Charles H. Clapp of the University, the Law School, and the Missoula Ministerial Association. William L. Young was its first director. The Montana School of Religion was not an organic part of the University. As an affiliate, however, the director was still responsible to the University and a Board of Trustees representing cooperating denominations. Students could not receive a degree in Religious Studies, but they could take up to 15 credits in courses offered by the school. The purpose of the school was to help students “make the proper adjustments in their religious thinking at the same time that they are making their readjustments in other realms of thought” and to develop a lay Christian leadership. At the same time, the school also emphasized its non-sectarian nature.
The Montana School of Religion became defunct sometime in the late 1960s. A Department of Religious Studies that was directly affiliated with the University started in 1969.
From the guide to the The Montana School of Religion Records, 1924-1958, (University of Montana--Missoula Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives and Special Collections)
