“Who knew a bicycle could spark a parish?” That’s how the story of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Denver begins.
Let’s step back in time to 1912. Father Fred McDonough pedaled around Park Hill. He sought to gather Catholics without a local church. His efforts led to a new parish. Initially, they gathered for Mass. It was in the Park Hill Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, that location is the Cherry Tomato Restaurant.
Bishop Matz established Blessed Sacrament Mission in Denver. This was for 45 families in late 1912. Father J. Frederick McDonough became the first pastor.
In March 1913, Blessed Sacrament officially became a parish. Before that, it was a mission of St. James Parish. That same year, the parish constructed its first building. This Neoclassical structure served many purposes. It was a chapel, rectory, and parish hall. Corinthian pilasters adorned the gray brick building. Today, this building is still in use. It serves as the Blessed Sacrament School.
During the prosperous 1920s, plans for a grand Gothic church emerged. Denver architect Harry James Manning designed it. The vision included square-cut ashlar limestone walls. Rich stained-glass windows were also planned. Twin spires would soar over Montview Boulevard. The Great Depression, however, altered these plans.
Manning died in 1933. William F. Andres, his associate, scaled back the project. The present one-story church opened in 1935. Despite the changes, Blessed Sacrament remains a Gothic Revival example. It features abbreviated front towers.
The church’s cornerstone was laid in the fall of 1934. Archbishop Vehr dedicated the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The dedication took place on September 15, 1935.
Many special features adorn Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Stained glass windows fill the church. Unique designs from the Franz Mayer Studios of Munich decorate the nave walls. Each lancet window has four scenes. These illustrate the window’s theme. Descriptive labels are below. Many windows relate to the Blessed Sacrament. One window depicts St. Tarcisius. He was a 12-year-old boy martyred in Rome. He died protecting the Holy Eucharist.
Other notable windows can be found here. The Eucharist window shows several scenes. St. John gives Holy Communion to the Blessed Mother. St. Therese receives her First Holy Communion. Pope Pius X promulgates the law of Holy Communion to children. St. Thomas Aquinas writes a hymn to the Blessed Sacrament.
A window of Christ illustrates various attributes. These include Christ the Consoler and Christ the Teacher. It also shows Christ the Good Shepherd and Christ the King.
Illuminated stained-glass windows grace the sanctuary’s back wall. They depict Jesus and the Holy Eucharist. Also shown are St. Clare of Assisi and St. Agnes the Martyr. St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Joan of Arc are there too. These windows were moved from the back of the church.
Conrad Schmitt Studios of New Berlin designed other windows. These Wisconsin artists created the stained-glass in the confessional area. Intricately carved statues adorn the building’s exterior. These depict Christ the King and St. Peter.
Blessed Sacrament has expanded over the years. In 1922, the school opened. The Sisters of Loretto ran it. By 1958, Bishop Machebeuf High School opened. It provided education for older students.
A major fire damaged the church in August 1989. The church was renovated with a new raised roof line. The work was completed in 1990.
Today, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church continues its mission. It serves as a parish and hosts an elementary school. It is truly an architectural treasure. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the Park Hill neighborhood. Remember Father McDonough and his bicycle as you reflect on the rich history.