Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church

Has anyone ever told you about the church that started in a tent? I’m talking about Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church, right here before us. In 1895, this congregation began its journey under canvas. It’s quite a leap to imagine, isn’t it, from a simple tent to this modified Gothic Revival structure? Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its founders. They envisioned a permanent home, and in 1911, they purchased this very lot at the corner of East 11th Avenue and Fillmore Street. The original sanctuary, completed in 1912 at a cost of $16,000, welcomed worshippers with a warm “Welcome” spelled out in the stained glass above the Fillmore Street entrance. Look up at the corner tower with its tall, arched, stained-glass windows. Notice the elaborate decoration on the eaves of the gabled roof. These architectural details, characteristic of the modified Gothic Revival style, are the work of architects Montana Fallis and Robert Willison. Willison, who also designed St. Cajetan Catholic Church, had a prominent career in Denver, even serving as one of Mayor Robert Speer’s trusted advisors. Fallis, his architectural partner, had his own impressive resume, having collaborated with the renowned firm of Frank Edbrooke. He later became an independent consultant specializing in structural engineering for large buildings, leaving his mark on Denver’s cityscape. Step inside and imagine the rich dark walnut and light oak paneling, the tones of walnut, blond, and mahogany. These were added during the 1956-57 remodeling, which also saw the creation of a memorial chapel for private meditation. It’s a space designed for quiet reflection, a stark contrast to the church’s humble beginnings under a tent. Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church has seen a lot of changes since 1895. Yet, through it all, the spirit of community and faith has remained constant.