A tragic event. A generous donation. A church’s birth. That’s the story of South Broadway Christian Church. Right here before you stands a testament to faith and community. This magnificent building. It’s not just bricks and mortar. It’s a living history.
South Broadway Christian Church isn’t just any Denver landmark. It’s one of the city’s first. Designated in 1969 as landmark number 15. This beautiful Richardson Romanesque style building. It’s stood proudly on the corner of Lincoln and Ellsworth for over 130 years.
The church’s founding is a story of profound loss and extraordinary generosity. In 1888 Henrietta Sutton died tragically. Her death inspired her husband John. He wanted to honor his wife’s memory. John Sutton made an incredible offer. He would donate $12000 to start a new church. That’s a huge sum in 1889. This was on the condition that Reverend Bayard Craig would lead it. Reverend Craig accepted. He abandoned his plans to move to California. He believed it was God’s calling.
Construction began in 1891. The cornerstone was laid with Colorado Governor John L Routt presiding. The cornerstone held Henrietta Sutton’s Bible. The completed church. It boasts nearly 50 stained-glass windows. It also has a magnificent 70-foot bell tower. The church quickly became a vital part of the community. Services were initially held in a tent. Attendance grew to 500-600 people. Pot-bellied stoves provided winter warmth. Worshippers brought umbrellas when it rained. The roof leaked.
John Sutton’s generosity didn’t stop with his initial donation. He gave nearly $30000 more. This covered almost half the total construction cost. He only asked for two rooms in the tower. He wanted to live there. He is known affectionately as “Uncle John”. He is considered the Father of South Broadway Christian Church. He died in 1901. He’s buried in Riverside Cemetery.
Today South Broadway Christian Church continues to thrive. It’s a hub for worship. It’s also a place for community events and concerts. Pastor Dustin Adkins leads the congregation. He loves the church’s history and its architecture. This building is a stunning example of Denver’s rich past. It also shows the enduring power of faith and community spirit. It’s a place where the past comes alive. It’s a place for present-day community. It is a place of enduring legacy. Take a moment. Appreciate the story. Appreciate this place. Appreciate South Broadway Christian Church.