A series where we take a #lookback at the stories and history of our community, brought to you by Mick Pryor, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
Throughout America, it’s a pretty good bet that whatever town you stopped in you will find a few staple institutions: a convenience store, a local watering hole, and more than likely a church. Churches have long been used in our union such as during the colonial period when churches were central to community life. Many early settlers built simple, utilitarian meeting houses that served both religious and community functions. Even into the days of the West as the nation expanded, churches retained their prominence, often serving as the primary public buildings in burgeoning towns. Dubois’ St. Thomas church is no exception.
According to Mary Allison’s Dubois Area History, “The first step toward a new beginning for the town of Dubois by having a church built, was made by Dr. F.H Welty in 1905 when he donated two lots for the future church and a ladies guild.” Construction of St. Thomas church wouldn’t officially start until 1910 under the watchful eye of Oliver Ernest Stringer. The logs used for the were supplied by the Wyoming Tie and Timber Company with the total cost of the building estimated to be 500 dollars- which would amount to around 16,000 dollars in today’s money.
St. Thomas was immediately put to use as the church’s history points out, “The church truly served as the community church for many years; marrying, burying and baptizing all that were in need.” Eventually, additions would be built with a sacristy and living quarters tacked on in 1926 and a community room to follow shortly in the 1930s.
As well as being a place for the people of Dubois to gather and worship for over 100 years, St. Thomas has been integral in providing entertainment and sustainability for the community. Since 1948 the church has hosted the Summer Square Dance, which is now held in the Rustic Pine Tavern. For many years the church held the Opportunity Sale which helped to raise funds for the church and other projects throughout the community. Finally, in 2006 the Opportunity Shop was opened, a thrift store that, through its grants, has poured tens of thousands of dollars back into the town of Dubois. St. Thomas Episcopal Church has been a bedrock of Dubois since its founding and it doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.
Author: Braeden Kluver
Next up for the Fremont County Museum
August 24, 10:30am at the Dubois Museum, “Kids Corner: WY Wildflowers” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
August 28, 6pm, at the Riverton Museum, “David Miller: Gas Hills Uranium District” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
August 28, 7pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Eagle Spirit Dancers”
August 28, 6pm at the Riverton Museum, “Randy Tucker: History of Riverton” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
September 7, 9-2pm at the Riverton Museum, “Sinks Canyon Cave Tour” Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series
September 7, 10am at the Pioneer Museum, “Red Canyon Petroglyph Trek” Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series
Call the Dubois Museum 1-307-455-2284, the Pioneer Museum 1-307-332-3339 or the Riverton Museum 1-307-856-2665 for detail regarding their programs.
The Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum need your financial support. In the current economic environment, the museums are more reliant than ever on donations from the private sector to continue to provide the quality programs, collections management, exhibits and services that have become their hallmark over the last four years. Please make your tax deductible contribution to be used specifically for the benefit of the museum of your choosing by sending a check to Fremont County Museums 450 N 2nd Rm 320 or taking it directly to the museum you choose to support.