Best Loved Man in Montana: Brother Van
by Suzanne Waring
Image courtesy of Suzanne Waring
The City of Great Falls’ web site has a page titled “Fun Facts.” On that page there’s a list of famous people who have lived in Great Falls. Among others on the list is the name of William Wesley Van Orsdel, fondly known as Brother Van. In tribute to this man who inspired the building of state-wide, much-needed institutions, the Great Falls’ home where Brother Van lived has become a museum. During guided tours of the Brother Van House Museum, docents tell Brother Van’s life story while also making public this northside restored home where he lived.
Brother Van came to Montana in 1872 in his twenty-fourth year. He told the captain of the steamboat, Far West, that he wanted to “sing, pray, and encourage people to be good.” With a charismatic personality and a love for people, he did all those things and more during the ensuing forty years. A major portion of those years he was the Superintendent of the North Montana Conference of the Methodist Church. He traveled first by horse and then by train across the highline to meet with congregations in many small towns from his headquarters in Great Falls.
By inspiring others and by standing his ground against all odds, he led the charge to build a college, a children’s home, seven hospitals, and a hundred churches. Sometimes to others’ dismay, he would say, “…we must not let this opportunity for service to pass us by.”
Brother Van did not marry but made serving the people of Montana his life’s work. He loved children, and when they saw Brother Van ride into a farmyard, they went running to him. He was always willing to work on committees that would serve children. Governors repeatedly appointed him to the State Board of Charities.
Christmas & New Years Card from Brother Van Orsdel, photograph of Brother Van and T. C. Iliff who died February 1918. [Zion Collection, 2015.076.0030]
Reverse of Christmas & New Years Card with letter from Brother Van Orsdel. [Zion Collection, 2015.076.0030]
Brother Van was the friend and confident of every Montana territorial and state governor from the time of his arrival until his death. He always sought to advise on behalf of the best for Montana, whether or not it directly involved church or religion. When he was in Helena and visited the Capitol, governors dropped everything and offered to take him to lunch. The governors liked being seen on the street with Brother Van because he was more popular than they were.
When Brother Van died on December 19, 1919, the flag at the Capitol was flown as half mast, which was unusual because it had traditionally been flown only for those in government or in the military, not in honor of a civilian. Brother Van was so devoted to Montana that he was known to say, “To me, Montana is next to heaven, and I’m never going to leave Montana until I go straight up!”
Brother Van’s circle of friends included more than the clergy, their families, and the Methodist congregations across the state. He was friends with governors, judges, state legislators, patrons and proprietors of saloons, farmers, stockmen, and cowboys. The Blackfeet made him an honorary member of their tribe and gave him the name, “Great-Heart.” In short, Brother Van was friends with everyone. It was entirely fitting that he was called by many as the “best loved man in Montana.”
Image courtesy of Suzanne Waring
Docents guiding tours of the Brother Van House Museum, located at 113 Sixth Street North in Great Falls, will lead you through the home that is decorated in a Victorian motif. The Brother Van stories—which is the emphasis of the tour—will expand on what you already know about Brother Van’s life’s adventures as he crisscrossed the state in his work. Some of these stories are believed to be true and others appear to be inflated but still a “kick” to share. Some visitors are interested in the home that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Questions, such as when it was built, how it’s being restored, what is the origin of the furnishings, and who had lived there, are answered during the tour.
Yes, Brother Van should be on the list of famous people who lived in Great Falls. Not only was he famous in Great Falls but also throughout Montana, and beyond.
If you are interested in the Brother Van House or maybe a tour, call: 406-453-3114