About Us
St. John's Episcopal Church is a small and deeply-rooted congregation nestled in Paradise Valley, Montana between two mountain ranges along the banks of the Yellowstone River. Our community is shaped by faith, the land we love, and a genuine welcome for all who find their way to our church in Emigrant.
Our Mission
The mission of St. John's Episcopal Church is to help restore the people of the Upper Yellowstone and all who come to us to unity with God and each other in Christ — spreading His Word, sharing His peace, and extending His love to our valley, our visitors, and the wider world.
Our History
The original Church Building housing St. John’s Episcopal Church in Emigrant, Montana was built in 1898. Later, a community room and kitchen complex was added. Water for the kitchen came from a hand pump on the only counter. A trail covered with dry long grass lead from the kitchen door to the outhouses.
In the early 1970s, the old hall was sold. The men and women of the congregation provided the labor and 50% of the funding to build a new hall with indoor plumbing. The remaining balance was financed through a loan from the diocese, which was repaid well ahead of schedule.
With a beautiful new hall, we turned our ideas to a fitting outdoor setting. Lawn, flowers and trees were planted with an underground sprinkler system for irrigation. The addition of a handicap entry and sidewalks completed the project.
As our congregation grew, additional space became necessary. Once again, the congregation raised the funds to hire a contractor. We renovated the kitchen, added storage space, a Sunday School room, an office, and a library/meeting room.
With St. John’s located in the center of an area of continued growth, we have strong potential to remain a thriving and active parish into the distant future.
Our Belief Cornerstones
We believe in a God who loves us, the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer who created the universe, who in Jesus Christ has healed the human condition of fear, estrangement, and death, and who sustains each of us through love and grace.
Scripture
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1st Thessalonians 5:16-18
Take up the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17
Tradition
We believe that we have much to learn from those who have preceded us.
Reason
We believe that we are called to think carefully in our search for understanding and truth.
Experience
We believe we are called to reflect upon the experience of daily life as an ongoing journey of faith.
Rector Search
We are actively seeking a new rector for St. John’s and our sister parish in Livingston, St. Andrew’s. We are looking for a priest who will help us deepen our faith, strengthen connections between our congregations, and guide us into the next chapter of ministry.
Our Leadership
St. John’s is guided by a dedicated team of clergy, vestry and staff who are deeply committed to the life and mission of our parish.
Staff
Erin Thompson
Administrator
Vestry
Bob Anderson
Senior Warden
Sonya Anderson
Junior Warden
Brian Manidok
Treasurer
Debbie Newby
Secretary
Leslie Pierson
Susan Olson
Steve Anderson
Search Committee
Richard Edwards
Chair
Valerie Anderson
Erin Thompson
Connie Malcolm
Our Parishioners
St. John’s Episcopal Church hosts a wonderful combination of agricultural families with deep roots to the valley, summer residents, retirees, and travelers on their way to enjoy the Greater Yellowstone region. We are a diverse group of individuals that thrive in a group setting. As a parish, our common thread is to show up and help each other and our neighbors.
We invite you to get to know our community.