by Sheila O'Connor

eddings are always romantic, and even more so if the church is old. The Mission of the Sacred Heart, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, makes a perfect setting for an especially romantic wedding.

The mission is not only the oldest remaining building in Idaho, but has played a key role in the history of the Northwest. Constructed between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of Coeur d’Alene’s Native American tribe, the mission is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places (as is Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park, in which the mission is located). A visit reveals the dynamics and complexities between the Jesuit missionaries and the tribal people among whom they settled.

This has been called the “most remarkable building” in Idaho.

The building was designed by Father Anthony Ravalli who, in Italy, had studied theology, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and art. He carved the altar and painted it to achieve the effect of marble. He even hand-carved the two white statues on either side of the altar. The chandelier, made from old tin cans, is one of his ideas.

Building the church was not easy. The stone had to be brought in from the mountains, half a mile away. The Native Americans dragged in timbers and rafters and put them into place by hand. The walls, which can still be seen in their raw state today, were plastered with mud and clay. This has been called the “most remarkable building” in Idaho. It has foot-thick walls that were built without the use of nails, designed in the tradition of Italian cathedrals. Wooden pegs were used throughout the building to secure all structural beams together and even today some can be seen in the floor near the altar.

These days, you’ll be taken back in time when one of the park guides dons the outfit of a Jesuit priest and walks you through the fascinating building.
If you visit the second Sunday in July, you’ll see the Historic Skills Fair where men, women and children, dressed in historic costume, demonstrate pioneer crafts and play old-time fiddler music.

The church is nestled between the Coeur d’Alene Mountains and the Bitterroot Range, in an area known as the Silver Valley. This area produced 1,286 billion ounces of silver between 1884 and 2006 and is still producing it today. Over five million ounces were produced last year alone.

The treasure in this area can also be found in the outdoor activities that abound here. The scenery is simply breathtaking, with its towering mountains, unspoiled alpine lakes, and mile upon mile of peaceful hiking and biking trails.

Whether you’re planning a wedding just visiting Idaho, don’t miss the Mission of the Sacred Heart.

Idaho Parks: www.idahoparks.org/parks.

Return to: Recent articles, Top, Home.