Built in 1938 the First Baptist Church of Denver stands tall. It is a magnificent example of Georgian Revival architecture. Its imposing 160-foot tower reaches for the sky. The grand portico is breathtaking with its granite Corinthian columns. Indiana limestone trim adorns the building. Limestone pediments top the main entrance doors. Pilasters stand guard at each corner.
The First Baptist Church of Denver wasn’t always this grand. Its story stretches back to 1864. That’s when missionary Walter McDuffie Potter established the church. This was just six years after Denver was founded. Potter and his sister Lucy arrived in 1863. They were sent by the American Baptist Ministry Society. Their first service was held in a humble basement. It was nicknamed the “Holy Dug Out” because it was never fully completed.
Over the years the First Baptist Church of Denver moved to different locations in downtown Denver. The congregation continued to grow. By 1911 they considered a new building. They purchased the current land in 1917. World War I and the Great Depression delayed construction. It began in 1935 under Dr. Charles Kemper’s leadership. He was instrumental in raising funds and hiring architect G Meredith Musick. The church was completed in 1938. The first service in the current building was held on November 27 1938.
The First Baptist Church of Denver holds a special place in history. Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr preached there on April 16 1962. This reflects the church’s long commitment to social justice. The church’s impressive granite columns are noteworthy. They were the largest polished granite columns in Colorado when completed. They were quarried in Lyons Colorado then turned and hand-polished on-site.
In 2005 the First Baptist Church of Denver was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a testament to its architectural significance. It’s also a contributing property of the Civic Center Historic District. The church continues to serve its community. It’s a place of worship and a symbol of Denver’s rich history. It stands as a beacon of faith community and social justice. It’s a building worth admiring and remembering for generations to come.