Restoring Fort Sherman Chapel

Local family-owned businesses Lake Creek Comfort and Lake Creek Painting & Coatings have once again teamed up to preserve a beloved piece of North Idaho history — the Fort Sherman Chapel, owned and operated by the Museum of North Idaho.

“We are so grateful to Lake Creek Comfort, Lake Creek Painting & Coatings, and Rodda Paint for their generosity and care,” said Britt Thurman, executive director of the Museum of North Idaho. “Their contribution helps ensure the Fort Sherman Chapel continues to stand as a vital part of our community’s story."

The volunteer project brought together community spirit, craftsmanship and a shared love of local heritage. Rodda Paint Coeur d’Alene generously donated all the paint used for the project, while Lake Creek Painting & Coatings provided all the supplies and materials needed for surface preparation and painting, a press release said.

Lake Creek Comfort contributed the labor, donating its team’s time and expertise to help breathe new life into the chapel’s historic exterior — a task made all the more meaningful given the building’s age and delicate condition.

Built in 1880, the Fort Sherman Chapel is the oldest standing building in Coeur d’Alene and remains a cherished symbol of the region’s early history. 

Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places 

For Lake Creek Comfort, the chapel holds a particularly special place in its heart. A few years ago, the company donated and installed a new heating system to help keep the chapel comfortable for visitors year-round. 

Even before Lake Creek Comfort was founded, John Hoffman, now co-owner and formerly general manager at RDI Heating & Cooling, donated and installed a gas stove for the chapel — continuing a long tradition of giving back to the community.

“We’re honored to give back to our community and to a place that means so much to us,” said Stefani Hoffman, co-owner of Lake Creek Comfort and Lake Creek Painting & Coatings. 

John Hoffman added, “The Fort Sherman Chapel is a living reminder of where our community began, and we’re proud to help ensure it remains beautiful and welcoming for future generations.”

The project reflects Lake Creek Comfort’s ongoing commitment to serving the Inland Northwest — not only through quality heating, cooling and hearth products, but also through heartfelt community service and support for local history.