Mayflower Congregational Church

Picture the green burlap. Imagine the coal burner. This is Mayflower Congregational Church. Built in 1904 its first services were held in Denver homes. It started small just five members in 1906. Its first church building was a single room. It was heated by a coal burner. The interior was covered in green burlap. Rev MacArthur served as its first minister from 1906 to 1907. Kate Haus became its first female minister in 1912. She earned a meager $14 a week. Mayflower Congregational Church wasn’t always this grand. Over time it grew. A basement was added in 1910 and dedicated in 1914. By 1921 over 200 people attended Sunday school. Classes overflowed into the North Elementary School across the street. Additions continued. A kitchen and parlor were built in 1924. The lectern and altar arrived in 1930. Rev Ray Steakley served as minister from 1939 to 1948. His salary increased to $2080 per year when he became full-time in 1947. The church purchased a parsonage in 1943.Three basketball teams were even formed in 1946. Fundraising in 1949 paid off the mortgage. Major remodeling happened. An organ was purchased. Three years later the church bought neighboring houses and lots for $7000.The owner Joe Glandon kept lifetime residency rights. The church acquired the land when he passed in 1960. It became part of the church lawn. The church’s 50th anniversary in 1954 saw 386 members. 346 attended Sunday school. Groundbreaking for a new education wing followed. A new Wurlitzer organ was installed in 1957. A five-foot oak cross donated by Arnold Kautz was added behind the altar. Rev Herbert Hosanna served from 1962 to 1972. New hymnals organ choir robes and pews were added during his tenure. The stained glass windows were refurbished during the 75th anniversary in 1979. A memorial reredos was installed around the oak cross. A hailstorm in 1990 damaged the roof and flooded the basement. Yet Mayflower Congregational Church persisted. Membership declined to 36 by 2001. Rev Paul Ramsey arrived. He prevented closure. Membership rose to 88 by 2002. The church became open and affirming in 2005. Major fundraising followed. A third tower was added with an elevator. New bathrooms and remodeled spaces emerged. A new playground was built. The church continues to thrive. It now hosts several other groups and ministries. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. It stands as a Denver landmark. Mayflower Congregational Church is more than a building. It’s a living legacy.