A rural church sits all alone by itself on a bed of Montana prairie grass south of Malta.

Located near the northern gateway to Montana’s prairie region, the Scandia Luthern Church is a beautiful antique church; too perfect for words.

It is surrounded by native prairie grasses, and rises from the grasslands like a beacon to those few who still live in these parts. Quite literally, nothing else can be seen for miles around, except of course wheat, grasshoppers, and rattlesnakes. And although it sits there all by its lonesome self, this church speaks to you.

Built in 1915 by early homesteaders, churches like this were once commonplace here in Montana many years ago. They served not only as a place of worship, but also as a school and a community center. Picnics, for example, often followed Sunday church service here in was certainly a much simpler time. What sets this church apart from the rest is that by the grace of God (and hard work of local residents) it has survived Montana’s stiff winds, arid weather, and punishment of time. We are fortunate there are stewards who made sure this historical house of prayer was spared.

When you approach this church it really is an impressive site, especially in the morning’s first light. It would make the perfect backdrop for a movie. Sitting alone on top of a hill (a hill by eastern Montana standards, at least), there is nary a tree or building in site. As it should be.

Before I left I took a moment to sit on the damp prairie grass and admire its glory without a camera stuck to my face. I then got up, hiked back to my truck, and turned around to say good-bye. And then I added, “See you later this winter.”