Before becoming an Episcopal church, the building was home to the Pratt Ward, which served the Latter-Day Saints community in Alta from 1935 until 1993. Previously the community held their meetings in an old one room church house on the hill, about a quarter of a mile north of the present church; they met there from 1895 until 1935. The LDS community began building the present church in 1930, the stone was cut and hauled from Quarry Hill, just east of Alta. The original church was much smaller than it is now, an addition was put on in 1970 to house the growing congregation at that time.
The Episcopalians in this small community found themselves in possession of the historic building of hand cut native stone, along with a magnificent view of the Tetons, in 1994. Their first church service in their newly acquired building took place on July 3, 1994. A few days later a program and potluck dinner with the Mormon community took place, to unite the new congregation with the former Pratt Ward members, who wanted to introduce themselves to the Episcopalians.
St. Francis began in 1992, as a vision of Bishop John Thornton (now retired). Bishop Thornton had seen a need in the valley for both a community parish and a retreat center. Before the church was the purchased the first services were held at the Best Western Hotel, The American Legion Hall and at a residence in Victor. The retreat center began shortly after moving into the new building and stayed in existence until 2006. Rev. Sandy Casey-Martus was the first Vicar to the new church, she came in 1994 and stayed until around the closing of the retreat center.
St. Francis was also the home to the Teton Valley Food Bank for many years, it began at the church until they outgrew the space available there. The Food Bank later moved to Driggs, where they are now located.
Today the small country parish boasts that they “walk humbly, patiently and kindly among their neighbors”. They welcome all to their table for worship and Holy Eucharist. The members of this church are heavily involved in the community, serving on numerous non-profits, participating in Tin Cup, hosting “Eat and Meet” free dinners for the community, working directly with the Community Resource Center, as well as still being very involved with the Teton Valley Food Bank and its board. The heart and soul of this church stem from the devotion they have for their members and the community. Just show up on any given Sunday at 10 am to experience the love that comes from the little stone church on the hill, you will not be disappointed. All are welcome.
