Saint James Catholic Church

In 1904, a German baron’s dream of a “Beautiful Suburban Town” led to the birth of Saint James Catholic Church. Denver’s Montclair neighborhood, once just a collection of homes and farms, needed a spiritual center. Bishop Nicholas Matz saw this need. He established Saint James Parish, encompassing a large area east of Colorado Boulevard. Imagine thirteen families, gathered in the Montclair Town Hall, attending the first Mass led by Father Hugh L. McMenamin. This humble beginning marked the start of Saint James Catholic Church’s long journey. Father McMenamin, before moving on, secured land at 13th and Newport, laying the foundation for a permanent structure. Saint James Catholic Church’s first church, a small stone building, was dedicated in 1909 by Bishop Matz. Named after St. James the Lesser, the church became the heart of the growing community. The post-World War II boom brought rapid growth to Denver, and Saint James Catholic Church felt the impact. The small stone church was overflowing with parishioners, children even sitting on the altar steps during Mass. Father William V. Powers, recognizing the urgent need for expansion, embarked on an ambitious building project. A new, larger church and a three-story school were constructed in 1948. Saint James Catholic Church continued to expand, adding a new garden-level church in 1958 and a gymnasium/auditorium in 1964. The parish even purchased a house to convert into classrooms, accommodating the burgeoning student population. Father Powers, instrumental in this growth, was honored with the title of Monsignor before his retirement. Saint James Catholic Church’s current building, a contemporary red brick structure, was completed in 1975. It stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of the community that built it. The church, reminiscent of the catacombs, offers a unique space for worship. From its humble beginnings in the town hall, Saint James Catholic Church has grown into a thriving community, a testament to faith and perseverance.