Corona Presbyterian Church

Amidst Denver’s vibrant Capitol Hill, Corona Presbyterian Church has stood as a beacon of faith since 1904. It started humbly in a private home on Ogden Street. The congregation, committed to serving Jesus Christ, quickly outgrew this space. They soon purchased land at the corner of 8th Avenue and Downing Street, the very spot where Corona Presbyterian Church stands today. A small cement block chapel, just 25 by 40 feet, was built in 1905. That same year, a 25-foot addition was necessary to accommodate the growing congregation. Corona Presbyterian Church wasn’t just growing physically, but spiritually. The church’s namesake, the Corona neighborhood itself, borrowed its name from the Corona School, a structure from the 1880s now known as Dora Moore School. By 1909, the congregation numbered 144. The small chapel was bursting at the seams. They broke ground for a larger, more permanent structure. This building was dedicated in 1910. Corona Presbyterian Church continued to adapt and expand. In 1954, a major remodel transformed the church into the structure we see today. The sanctuary, parlor, perimeter offices, and basement classrooms all took shape. This remodeled southern half became the core of Corona Presbyterian Church. Decades later, in 1981, an addition on the north side added classrooms, offices, a kitchen, and a large multipurpose room. Even a library was incorporated into the design. Corona Presbyterian Church has always been outward-focused. In the 1940s, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Lutz, it became a mission-oriented church, sending forth numerous members into ministry and missionary work. The legacy of supporting missions continues to this day. Throughout the years, Corona Presbyterian Church faced challenges and changes. During the suburban expansion of the 60s and 70s, membership declined. Yet, the church persevered. It merged with Hillside Presbyterian Church in 1971, adding a rich history dating back to 1886 as the Welsh Presbyterian Church. Today, Corona Presbyterian Church continues to serve its diverse, urban community, hosting a variety of speakers and offering weekly Sunday services. It’s a place where faith, history, and community intertwine, a testament to the dedication and resilience of its congregation.