Saint Peter And Saint Mary Episcopal Church

In the heart of Denver’s historic Baker neighborhood sits Saint Peter and Saint Mary Episcopal Church. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of a community, built by the very hands of Cornish silver miners in 1891. These miners, who toiled in the mines of Leadville and quarried the stone themselves from Castle Rock, envisioned a place of worship that would serve the neighborhood. Saint Peter and Saint Mary Episcopal Church continues to honor that vision today. The church’s architecture is a fascinating blend of Richardsonian Romanesque and Craftsman styles. Notice the rusticated stone walls, heavy arches, and the asymmetrical design. These are all hallmarks of Richardsonian Romanesque, popular in Denver in the late 1800s. The Craftsman influence is evident in the building’s simple shape and emphasis on natural materials. The church’s story is one of resilience and adaptation. Originally intended as a parish hall alongside a larger church, the silver market crash of the 1890s altered those plans. The congregation began worshipping in the hall, which became the church we see today. A later addition in the 1940s, while not stylistically aligned, allows the original sanctuary’s architecture to shine even brighter. The church also boasts a unique musical heritage. In 1900, a young David McKinley Williams began his tenure as the church organist. He later went on to compose several hymns featured in the 1982 Hymnal. In 1982, St. Peter’s Church merged with St. Mary’s congregation. This union, formed after a division over the ordination of women, resulted in the name Saint Peter and Saint Mary Episcopal Church. The church has served as a home for St. Clare’s Ministries, an organization that has served the community for over three decades. Saint Peter and Saint Mary Episcopal Church continues to be a beacon of hope and inclusivity in the Baker neighborhood. It’s a place where all are welcome, regardless of their background. Much like the stable behind the inn where Christ was born, this church embodies the spirit of love and acceptance.