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When Idaho Territory was created a century ago this year, probably the only permanent structure in the area was the Catholic Mission of the Sacred Heart, located not far from Highway No. 10 [Now Interstate 90] about 28 miles east of Coeur d’Alene, which still stands today, as imposing as it was in 1863.

In 1863, Idaho’s birthyear, the mission church was at least a decade old, built over a period of years by pioneer Jesuit priests and brothers, who had only a few crude tools with which to work, and the assistance of unskilled Indians.

Today’s residents marvel that such an edifice could be built under the existing conditions.

In size the Mission is some 90 feet long, 40 feet wide and 30 feet high and all needed lumber was cut from near-by forests. Rocks required for the foundation were carried by willing Indians, both men and women, from some distance away.

Uprights are described as 18 inches square, and rafters 10 inches square, shaped with an improvised whipsaw, the planning and shaping done by hand or a board axe.

Nails were not available, so holes were bored and wooden pegs inserted. Huge timbers were cut for the floor, six large columns to support the roof of the porch were placed in pedestals and steps leading to the porch were split logs hewed from large trees.

To the Indians accustomed to small teepees, the church was a mansion!

Building of the church was under the direction of Father Anthony Ravelli and he and also Brother Huybrechts carved much of the trimmings and some of the statues, still withstanding time.

History of the Jesuits’ activities in this area dates back to 1842 when Father Peter DeSmet first visited here. A site on the Spokane river near Coeur d’Alene is said to be where first services were held for the Indians. That same year, the priest established a mission on the St. Joe river, not far from St. Maries. But four years later, after the mission grounds had been flooded annually in the spring, Father DeSmet started looking for another site and selected the high knoll where the mission still stands.

The Jesuits moved there late in 1846 and probably work was started as soon as possible. Historians have recorded that first services were held in the church in “1852 or 1853.”

In the years following, the mission was more than a place of worship. It was the “St Bernard of the West” to many travelers and was visited by such important pioneers as Gen. Isaac Stevens and Capt. John Mullan.