Calvary Episcopal Church (Golden, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Calvary Episcopal Church
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| Location | 1300 Arapahoe Street Golden, Colorado 80401 |
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| Built | 1867 |
| Architect | Member original church vestry |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000186 |
| Added to NRHP | March 3, 1995 |
Calvary Episcopal Church is a beautiful old church located in Golden, Colorado. It was built in a style called Gothic Revival, which looks a bit like old castles or cathedrals. This church is very special because it's the oldest Episcopal church in Colorado that has been used continuously since it was built. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
Contents
The Church's Story
How Calvary Church Began
The idea for Calvary Episcopal Church started with a missionary bishop named George Maxwell Randall. A missionary is someone who travels to spread their faith. Bishop Randall later helped start the Colorado School of Mines, a famous university.
The land for the church was given by William A.H. Loveland. The church building itself was constructed between 1867 and 1868. It has been used by the church community ever since! This makes it a truly historic place.
Building the Church
The church was designed by someone who was part of the original church group, called a vestry member. The building was constructed by John H. Parsons, a well-known builder in the area. This was one of his earliest projects.
Inside the church, the wooden decorations look like those found in old Anglican churches. These beautiful carvings were made by Robert Millikin and Woods.
Special Gifts and Memories
In 1870, the church received a special gift: a bell! It was given by the wife of George A. Jarvis. A college called Jarvis Hall was named after him.
The church also has a baptismal font, which is a basin used for baptisms. This font was carved by George Morrison, and the town of Morrison, Colorado was named after him.
Keeping History Alive
Bishop Randall was very loved by the church community. When he passed away in 1873, the people of Calvary Church promised to keep the chapel safe. They wanted it to be a lasting reminder of his important work in Colorado.
Over the years, several parts have been added to the church. In 1902, a Guild Hall was built. It even used bricks from an old building called Standley Hall. Later, a projecting chancel (a part of the church near the altar) was added in 1909. A classroom addition was built in 1954.
The original chapel has been carefully restored over many years, starting in the 1990s and continuing into the 2000s. Because of its history, Calvary Episcopal Church is listed on both the Golden, Colorado, and National historic registers.
Famous Church Members
Many notable people have been part of the Calvary Church community. These include George West and Edward L. Berthoud. The Coors family, famous for their brewery, were also members. The founder of the brewery even donated the church pews (the long benches where people sit) and some of the beautiful windows on the north side of the church.
See also
