Long before Denver’s skyline defined the horizon a seed of faith was planted. That seed grew into what we know today as Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Let’s delve into its history.
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church’s rich history started with farmers in Burlington in 1868. They gathered at their schoolhouse. Reverend Francis Byrne held the first service. He was Colorado Territory’s first Episcopal Missionary. His sermon inspired Margaret Andrew. She organized regular Sunday school meetings. Saint Stephen’s persevered. It became the oldest continuing congregation in the St. Vrain Valley.
Burlington grew around a stagecoach station. It was where the Cherokee Trail crossed the St. Vrain River. In 1871, the Chicago-Colorado Colony built Longmont. Episcopalians met in Arthur Llewelyn Williams’ store. It was located on 4th and Main.
As other Longmont denominations built churches Margaret Andrew sought help from Bishop Spalding. She wanted to do the same. He approved a Mission under Saint Stephen. However he offered no financial support. Church ladies formed a Sewing Society to raise money. They laid a cornerstone at 5th and Main. They began building a wood-frame building. A massive fire on Main Street changed their plans. Episcopalians used red brick from nearby Lyons. Saint Stephen’s was completed in 1881. The cost was $3500.
The congregation struggled with debts and membership. Hiring a permanent priest proved challenging. Lay readers and visiting clergy often led services. Lay reader Williams entered the priesthood. He did not return to Saint Stephens. He later became the Episcopal Bishop of Nebraska. Stained glass windows were donated to Saint Stephen’s after his death.
Reverend William Worthington served Saint Stephen’s twice. His first term was from 1888 to 1891. His second term was from 1921 to 1922. During his first term, Longmont faced a diphtheria outbreak. Worthington visited New York seeking donations. This helped pay off church debts. It allowed Saint Stephen’s to be consecrated as a parish church. Worthington’s portable silver chalice remains at Saint Stephen’s. His great-grandson Marc Genty was a deacon until his recent retirement.
Reverend Elliot Williams Boone served from 1929 to 1939. His grandfather and father were missionaries and bishops in China. When Elliot’s father died, he and his mother returned to the U.S.. They barely escaped China’s Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Elliot became a priest. He came to Saint Stephen’s. He remained until his death. The main gathering halls were named Boone Hall in his memory.
In 1945, Saint Stephen’s hired Reverend Richard Sonne. He was a former Presbyterian minister. He introduced low-church concepts. Women were appointed to the vestry. Any Christian could participate in Eucharist. Terms such as priest were discouraged.
Reverend Edgar Thompson experimented with contemporary music. He explored eastern spiritualism. He wanted to attract the hippie generation. The congregation voted to end that experiment. He helped Saint Stephen’s find a new home in 1971. The membership had outgrown the old building. The Kanemoto family donated land. It was close to the old Burlington School site. A campaign was launched. The goal was to preserve the old church. It was Longmont’s oldest remaining church building.
Reverend Raymond Zips introduced high-church reforms. These reforms were influenced by the Charismatic Renewal movement. Women covered their hair. Clergy wore formal vestments. A literal interpretation of the Bible was encouraged. The Charismatic movement promoted speaking in tongues. It also promoted emotional displays during prayer. Conflicts led to his resignation.
Reverend Ralph Evans stepped in from 1983 to 1990. He was a compassionate man. He helped heal the church community. He suggested that Reverend Max Bailey apply.
Father Max managed Saint Stephen’s for over 27 years. This was longer than any other priest. Saint Stephen’s witnessed building improvements. A columbarium was added. They experimented with a church school. They opened the Eucharist to anyone. They allowed the blessing of same-sex marriages. Member participation increased. The outdoor labyrinth was named in Father Max’s honor.
Today, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows community spirit and resilience. Its story continues. It evolves with each passing year. Its doors are open to all who seek solace inspiration and a connection to something larger than themselves.