Photo courtesy of the Western History Collection,
Denver Public Library
Downtown Golden used to have several old churches. There was a Baptist Church at 12th and Jackson Streets; a Methodist Church at 14th and Washington, a Catholic Church at 14th and East, a Christian Church at 10th and Jackson, Presbyterian at 15th and Washington, and Episcopal at 13th and Arapahoe. After World War II, most of the congregations built new churches away from downtown. Thanks to the Baby Boom, they needed more space, and thanks to the post-war romance with automobiles, they needed more parking space.
Two of the old churches survive. The Presbyterian Church is now Foothills Art Center. Only Calvary Episcopal Church is still serving its original purpose, with its original congregation.
Calvary Episcopal is celebrating their 150th anniversary this month. They are hosting free tours featuring the history, art and architecture of the church from noon – 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in September. Learn the amazing stories behind the people and gathering spaces of historic Calvary Church. Everyone is welcome and the tours are free. For more information, call 303-279-2188 or visit www.calvarygolden.net.
