Pointing people to Jesus and inspiring them to become a part of that mission.

There are varying stories of how the city of Boise was named. The most well-known story is from the account of Captain Bonneville, who trekked for weeks through the desert wilderness terrain in the east. When his exploration party reached an overlook (Bonneville Point), they looked out and saw the Boise River Valley. A French speaking guide, overwhelmed by the sight of the verdant river, yelled, “Les Bois! Les Bois!” which means “The Woods! The Woods!” Later this area was given the geographic distinction by trappers as “La riviére boisée,” which means “the wooded river.” Set in a high desert area, the tree-lined valley of the Boise River became a distinct landmark for travelers and explorers—an oasis dominated by trees. The government established Fort Boise, which became an official city in 1863, just 40 years prior to the birth of the Church of the Nazarene in Idaho. The settling pioneers of the city, wanting to provide even more “shade in the desert” and improve the appearance of the valley, planted many trees throughout Boise, living up to the moniker: “The City of Trees,” or, “Tree City.”

In 1903, our church was “planted” in the city, becoming the first Church of the Nazarene in the state of Idaho, and would go on to provide a new kind of oasis for the Valley. Today, our church continues to be a longstanding “tree” in the valley, planted 121 years ago. We have sought to provide an oasis for travelers and explorers journeying through the most treacherous of terrain in their lives. We share a hope in Christ that can provide shade at just the right time in a person’s life. People from all over the Valley have settled into the family of our church and are pioneering a new life of pointing people to Jesus and inspiring them to become a part of that mission. Tree City Church of the Nazarene is proud to continue serving the Boise Valley and our world for years to come.