St Martha’s Episcopal Church

Can you hear the echoes of history whispering through the stained-glass windows of St. Martha’s Episcopal Church? Here at St. Martha’s, nestled in Westminster, Colorado, we’re not just standing before a building. We’re standing on the shoulders of pioneers, gold seekers, and those who yearned for a spiritual haven in the Wild West. St. Martha’s story isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s woven into the larger narrative of the Episcopal Church in Colorado. Imagine the scene back in 1860. The territory was brimming with saloons, lumber yards, and makeshift hotels. Denver City, a bustling hub at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the Platte River, was a magnet for families seeking new beginnings. Amidst this raw energy, Sheriff Jack Kehler saw a need for spiritual guidance. He invited his father, an Episcopal priest named John H. Kehler, to join him. Father Kehler arrived by stagecoach, leaving behind a congregation in Maryland. Soon, services were being held in the Union School House on McGaa Street. This small gathering became the Church of Saint John in the Wilderness. The closest Episcopal church was a staggering 700 miles away. The church’s name perfectly captured its isolated existence in this untamed land. St. Martha’s, while not directly descended from Saint John in the Wilderness, shares this pioneering spirit. The early days of the Episcopal Church in Colorado were a testament to the dedication of itinerant clergy. These circuit-riding priests held services in unconventional spaces. Think gambling halls, saloons, even the open plains under the vast Colorado sky. St. Martha’s continues this legacy of adaptability and service, offering a spiritual home to its community. The growth of the Episcopal Church in Colorado wasn’t without its trials. Bishop Charles Sanford Olmstead, who served from 1902 to 1917, faced both arson and financial crises. Yet, the church persevered, reflecting the resilience of the people it served. Today, St. Martha’s stands as a symbol of that enduring faith. As we gather here at St. Martha’s, let’s take a moment to appreciate the historical currents that have shaped this place. From the first pioneers to the present day, the story of St. Martha’s is a story of faith, perseverance, and community in the heart of Colorado.