Curious how a parish can shape a community? Christ the King Catholic Church has been doing just that in Denver since 1947. It started with a vision and a need after World War II.
The Denver metro area was experiencing rapid growth. Christ the King Parish was officially established on July 3, 1947. Father John W. Scannell became its first pastor.
Just two years later, on August 18, 1949, five sisters of the Most Precious Blood order arrived. They would become the school’s first teachers. Christ the King Catholic School opened on September 6, 1949. There were about 175 students from kindergarten through 6th grade.
By 1951, the school served around 300 children. Its proximity to Lowry Air Force Base meant students came from 35 states and many foreign countries. The first diplomas were awarded in 1952 to 19 graduating students.
Stephen McNichols, a Christ the King parishioner, became Colorado’s first Catholic governor in November 1956. His sons attended Christ the King School.
A new church building was needed. Groundbreaking took place on May 4, 1961. The new Christ the King Church was dedicated on April 2, 1963. It could seat 900 people and featured five large bronze entrance doors. An 80-foot bell tower completed the structure.
A gymnasium/auditorium was added in January 1967. This benefited both the school and parish youth groups. Father Robert Syrianey aimed to make the school the finest in the Archdiocese in 1970.
Pope John Paul II visited Denver in August 1993. He celebrated World Youth Day. His Mass at Cherry Creek State Park drew 375000 people.
Denver Mayor Wellington Webb declared “Christ the King Youth Group Week in Denver” in July 1995. This was in honor of the group’s work with the homeless.
Christ the King celebrated its golden anniversary in November 1995. Hundreds of parishioners joined Pastor J. Darrell Schaffer. The celebration recognized the church family’s many ethnic origins.
Today, Christ the King Catholic Church continues to be a vital part of Denver. In 2016, there were approximately 1100 families in the parish and 240 students in the school. Christ the King remains a testament to faith, community, and service.