Top 10 oldest Denver churches with rich history, beautiful architectures

Denver do have history-riched and well-designed churches. (Photo by Nenad Spasojevic from Unsplash)

Tourists and residents flock daily to the markers of Denver, the Mile High City. But when asked to name one building with rich history and the most beautiful architecture, there will be a variety of answers. The town's old churches and cathedrals are some of the most mentioned ones.

Pay homage to Denver's rich heritage and architecture by taking a quick tour of one of these churches.

1. Trinity Methodist Church

The Trinity United Methodist Church is located on Broadway and 18th Street. It was built in 1887 by Colorado's first licensed architect using modern Gothic architecture. The structure is mainly made of a volcanic stone known as rhyolite. A triple Gothic arch gabled entrance-way is present on the front façade. The southwest corner of the structure features a spire that reaches a height of 181 feet. Inside the church, one of the only 13 Roosevelt organs in the nation fills a full wall. The organ's 4,725 pipes are arranged in 82 ranks, which is astounding.

2. Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

The Cathedral was the first Catholic church in Denver. It was once known as St. Mary's Parish Church. The Cathedral boasts French Gothic architecture. The 15 bell spires are the focal point of the Cathedral. Other sights to behold are the Cathedral's Gunnison granite foundation, Indiana limestone walls, and Germain stained-glass windows.

Throughout its years, important Masses were celebrated at the Cathedral. For example, on August 13 and 14, 1993. As a part of the World Youth Day event that year, which was hosted in Denver, His Holiness Pope John Paul II delivered Mass at the Cathedral.

3. Cameron United Methodist Church

In south Denver, Cameron Church stands as the oldest Methodist church. The present Cameron congregation has a thriving membership from around Denver. It also engages in local South Pearl Street community outreach initiatives in addition to those that benefit the larger worldwide community. The church's now wide reach is a definite expansion from the first congregation of just five people. After the Cameron family gave the church a $250 gift, a significant amount at the time, the church was renamed in 1890.

4. Central Presbyterian Church

The National Register of Historic Places listed Central Presbyterian Church in 1974. The building, built in 1892, is located at the heart of Denver. The church used to run a school. Many Chinese immigrants moved to Denver to work on the developing railways and had access to educational opportunities and spiritual guidance through Central Presbyterian Church. Throughout the years, the church also extended its help to the sick and disabled, and the homeless. They also became home to the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra.

F.E. Edbrooke designed the church. This church, covered in Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, has particular design features that resemble theater set designs. Box seats, side balconies, banked curving seating, and excellent acoustics are all distinctive elements of the church.

5. Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church

Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church is famous for contributing to Denver's rich history. Established in 1902 with a cloth-ceilinged tabernacle, the church's continued commitment to community service has benefited the Denver neighborhood. The most important event to happen at Montview occurred in 1964. The church hosted a gathering by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with preachers from the Denver region.

The church's Richardsonian Romanesque style is the creation of four distinguished Denver architects. It is well-known for its original tiny chapel, distinctive education wing, sanctuary building, and iconic downtown clock tower.

6. Elizabeth of Hungary Church

St. Elizabeth is one of Denver's more distinctive long-standing historic churches. Built-in 1870 through the petition of German immigrants, the church serves the Aurora and Southwest Denver neighborhoods. But as the only German national church present, St. Elizabeth became overcrowded. At that point, a new building had to be constructed.

Father Adrian, OSF, designed the Romanesque church. Although its striking façade and distinctive construction bring visitors in, the church's focal point is its 162-foot bell tower.

7. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is one of the city's prominent churches with a rich history. It stood in place of an abandoned Southern Methodist church at 14th and Arapahoe. Later on, St. John's relocated into its first cathedral structure at 20th and Welton.

In 1903, the Cathedral organized a design competition for its new structure. St. John is one of the well-known examples of Gothic Revival style architecture. Inside, visitors can see a major collection of religious art, including Oberammergau sculptures, as well as two historic organs.

8. Andrew's Episcopal Church

St. Andrew's is Denver's second Episcopal Church. It was known as Trinity Memorial Chapel and was situated at 26th and Curtis. The name was changed to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in the years following World War I. The church has been known for its Anglo-Catholic liturgy for over 90 years. Additionally, the parish has a lengthy history of engaging in various inner-city outreach.

St. Andrew's is famous for its gothic-style architecture and interior mural that features religious icons. The ancient seats, white-washed archways, and unique artwork decorating the walls add to the church's exquisite features.

9. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish

In the 1970s, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish was established to accommodate the booming population of Catholics in the Northglenn area. Neighboring churches and a Parish Council helped fund the parish's construction. And since its founding, the parish has grown to serve more than 6,000 families.

Immaculate Heart of Mary offers a wide range of amenities and facilities. There is a sanctuary, an adoration chapel, a stewardship center, and classrooms.

10. Holy Ghost Church

The current Holy Ghost Church was established on July 8, 1943. But the parish's history dates back to 1860, when St. Mary's Cathedral, Denver's first Catholic church, was built. Holy Ghost became a church under Fr. Frederick Bender in 1905 after the cathedral parish was partitioned.

Located at California Street, Holy Ghost is known for its fusion of Spanish and Italian Renaissance architecture. As part of its exterior, the church boasts a 110 feet tower with a six-foot bronze cross. Meanwhile, on the inside, visitors are welcomed by the largest installation of cream. Visitors can also witness about 300 tons of marble on the church's walls, piers, and columns.

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