Did you know that Shorter Community AME Church is more than just a building? It’s a living testament to resilience faith and the unwavering spirit of a community. Right here before us stands a sacred space a beacon of hope that has witnessed the ebb and flow of Denver’s history. Established in July 1868 by Bishop Thomas M D Ward Shorter Community AME Church holds the distinction of being Colorado’s first African-American church. Its journey began humbly in a log cabin on the corner of 19th and Holladay Streets now Market Street. Eighteen members including six trustees formed this foundational congregation. Imagine the dedication it took to build this church from the ground up.
The early years saw the church move several times facing considerable opposition from neighbors resistant to the idea of a Black church in their community. This struggle highlights the persistent challenges faced by African Americans in their fight for equality and religious freedom. The initial log cabin served from 1864 to 1878. A larger brick structure was then built for $2000. In 1880 the church was renamed Shorter Chapel honoring Bishop James A Shorter. After a move and another period of facing opposition the church was tragically destroyed by fire in 1925 allegedly set by the Ku Klux Klan. A devastating setback but the congregation’s spirit was unbroken. They rebuilt on the same site at 23rd and Cleveland Place opening their new church on Easter Sunday 1926.
Shorter Community AME Church continued to thrive. However the growing congregation eventually outgrew its space. In the 1970s under Reverend Carter’s leadership the church embarked on a bold move to its current location Freedom Crossroads the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Richard Allen Court. This new sanctuary was completed in 1990 symbolizing a new chapter in the church’s history. The church’s growth is a testament to the power of faith community and perseverance.
Shorter Community AME Church is more than just a place of worship. It’s a community hub and a symbol of the African American experience in Denver. It stands as a powerful reminder of the struggles overcome and the triumphs celebrated. The church’s commitment to serving the community is evident in its support of various initiatives. It operates the Bishop Richard Allen Corporation and the Richard Allen Gardens-Senior Housing Facilities demonstrating its dedication to uplifting its members and the broader Denver community. This commitment to faith service and community makes Shorter Community AME Church a truly remarkable institution. As you stand here today remember the stories of strength and faith that have been woven into the very fabric of this building.