Montana District (LCMS)

Montana District of the LCMS
Montana District Seal
Location
Country United States
Territory Montana
Headquarters Billings, Montana
Statistics
Congregations 87
Schools
  • 18 preschool
  • 7 elementary
Members 15,000
Information
Denomination Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Established 1945
Current leadership
President Rev. Terry R. Forke
Website
www.mtdistlcms.org

The Montana District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), and comprises the state of Montana. It also includes one congregation in Idaho and one congregation in North Dakota. The Montana District includes approximately 67 congregations and missions, subdivided into 6 circuits, as well as 18 preschools and 7 elementary schools.[1] Baptized membership in district congregations is approximately 15,000, making it one of the two smallest districts along with the Wyoming District, which is roughly equal in size; a merger of the two districts was proposed in 2006.[2]

The Montana District was formed in 1945 when the North Dakota and Montana District was divided, also creating the North Dakota District. District offices are located in Billings, Montana. Delegates from each congregation meet in convention every three years to elect the district president, vice presidents, circuit counselors, a board of directors, and other officers. The Rev. Terry Forke became the district president in September 2006[2] and was re-elected to a second term in 2009. The 31st Regular Convention was held June 15–18, 2009, in Billings with the theme of "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (Heb. 10:23).[3] The 31st Regular Convention will be held June 11–14, 2012, in Billings.

Presidents

  • Rev. Paul M. Freiburger, 1945–1966
  • Rev. August F. Droegemueller, 1966–1969
  • Rev. George F. Wollenburg, 1969–1977
  • Rev. Harold V. Huber, 1977–1984 (died in office)
  • Rev. Albert G. Pullmann, 1984–1989
  • Rev. Richard Kiessling, 1989–1992
  • Rev. George F. Wollenburg, 1992–2006
  • Rev. Terry R. Forke, 2006–present

Oldest congregations

Only congregation in North Dakota: Concordia Lutheran Church, Williston, North Dakota, 1933
Only congregation in Idaho: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Salmon, Idaho, 1978

Largest congregations

Membership totals include all baptized members and are according to the LCMS website.

Only congregation in North Dakota: Concordia Lutheran Church, Williston, North Dakota, 289
Only congregation in Idaho: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Salmon, Idaho, 183

References

  1. ↑ "Montana District: Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)". www.mtdistlcms.org.
  2. 1 2 "Reporter - LCMS News & Information".
  3. ↑ "Reporter - LCMS News & Information".
  • Archives, Concordia Historical Institute
  • Archives, The Montana District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
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