Here at the corner of Ogden Street and 16th Avenue stands a testament to faith and community. This is Saint Paul’s United Church. Founded in 1860 Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church built this building in 1910. For over a century Saint Paul’s United Church served the Capitol Hill community.
Imagine Victorian homes surrounding this neoclassical building. Envision sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows. Feel the weight of history in its tall stone columns. Saint Paul’s United Church is located in the Swallow Hill Historic District. This district encompasses 69 buildings in Uptown.
In its early years Saint Paul’s United Church showed a progressive ministry. It fed hungry people. It sheltered unhoused teens. In fact Saint Paul’s United Church took in 35 unhoused teens. This was the first incarnation of Urban Peak.
But the story of Saint Paul’s United Church takes an interesting turn. In 1981 Julian Rush a youth minister came out as gay. He lost his position in Boulder. Saint Paul’s United Church offered him a position. Though it was unpaid the church supported him.
During the AIDS crisis Saint Paul’s United Church became a refuge. It was a refuge for LGBTQ+ people. Rush helped organize the Colorado AIDS Project. The project’s offices were initially housed here at Saint Paul’s United Church.
Despite its progressive efforts Saint Paul’s United Church faced challenges. In 2016 the church closed due to dwindling attendance. Only about 20 members remained. They joined other congregations.
However the story does not end there. In 2019 the church was reorganized. It became Belong Church. This was meant to be an inclusive welcoming faith community. Belong Church is moving in with another congregation.
The United Methodist Church still owns this 114-year-old building. It was listed for sale at $1.39 million. The building is nearly 11000 square feet. It sits on about one-third of an acre. The building has a finished basement a commercial kitchen and office space.
Real estate broker Michelle Glass noted its impeccable exterior. She mentioned the original stained glass windows. She said the interior needs significant work. Renovations could cost between $200000 to millions of dollars. The UMC hopes for a buyer interested in historic restoration.
Saint Paul’s United Church is more than just a building. It is a symbol of faith community and change. Its walls hold stories of hope acceptance and resilience. As we stand here remember its legacy. Remember the people who found solace and strength within these walls. Saint Paul’s United Church a place of history and heart in Denver.