Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel: A Place Where Faith Takes Root

Faith has always been part of the Ranch’s heartbeat.

In the early 1960s, Sunday mornings meant loading nearly thirty kids into cars, vans, and even an old bus to attend churches across Billings. We were welcomed warmly by the faith community, but our founders soon realized the Ranch needed something more—a spiritual home of its own.

That vision led to the creation of the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel, a place where faith and belonging take root.

Building the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel

Thanks to generous donors—like Dr. Harold Schwartz, the Kresge Foundation, and many faithful friends—the idea of a chapel became a reality. Their gifts funded what was first known as the All-Faith Chapel, later renamed the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel to honor the Ranch’s founder.

The Hamilton family donated custom-stained-glass windows, designed by their son to reflect the beauty and spirit of Montana. When the chapel opened in 1970, the Ranch’s Spiritual Life Program formally began.

Life Inside the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel

Inside the chapel, Chaplain Wendell Wilson guided kids in both faith and character. Worship services, Bible studies, youth groups, drama teams, and the Ranch Choir filled the space with music, reflection, and moments of hope. Over time, the chapel became more than a building—it became a steady place for healing, guidance, and growth.

Spiritual Life at the Ranch Today

Today, our Spiritual Life Program continues to thrive. The Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel remains a place where kids experience faith—often for the first time in a way that feels personal and lasting.

For many youth, the chapel is where they discover something they carry long after leaving the Ranch: A sense of purpose, a place to belong, and a foundation of hope.

Learn More About Our History

Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who helped shape our mission. Their vision continues to impact thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.

Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, available on Amazon.