Idaho- Old Mission State Park

Old Mission State Park is located in Northern Idaho about an eight hour drive from home here in the Treasure Valley. It is also referred to as the Mission of the Sacred Heart and has the oldest building in Idaho. The park includes: the church, the parish house and the property.

The History
In 1842 Father Pierre-Jean De Smet arrived in the area per a request from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Along with Father Nicholas Point and Brother Charles Duet, Father Pierre-Jean De Smet built the mission in its existing location. Father Antonio Ravalli took over the church in 1850. He designed a new building that was constructed by the Coeur d’Alene people. The wattle and daub technique was used to build the church. The church was completed three years later. The mission became a supply station for settlers, traders and miners as well as a port for boats along the Coeur d’Alene River. The mission was given National Historic Landmark designation in 1961.

The Church
The interior of the church building was decorated with material purchased from the Hudson’s Bay Company. Hand painted newspapers received by Father Ravalli were also hung in the church. Chandeliers were created using tin cans. Statues were carved from wood. Huckleberries in the area were picked and pressed into a stain. The stain was used to paint the interior wood of the church.

The Parish House and Property
The parish house burned down and rebuilt in 1887. The new building had two stories. The first floor was used for day to day activities. The second floor held the bedrooms. The building also had a small chapel. A nature trail, a visitor center and two cemeteries can be found on the property around the parish house.

The Mission Today
The Mission of the Sacred Heart still holds great historical and spiritual importance. It continues to be a place of worship and spiritual relevance for the Coeur d’Alene people. The area stands as their ancestral homeland and is visited by members during the month of August to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. For non-tribal members, the church, parish house and surrounding property serve as an educational presentation of the tribal people of Idaho.