Trinity Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to faith and community. The story of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Denver starts with a vision.
In 1859, Adriance and Goode arrived in Denver City. They established the Auraria and Denver City Methodist Episcopal Mission. This mission is known today as Trinity United Methodist Church. The early days saw slow growth. Denver City and Auraria united in 1860. Colorado became a territory in 1861.
The territory prospered. The Methodist Church grew. More settlers arrived. Congregations expanded and the Rocky Mountain Conference was established in 1863. The church bought land at 14th and Lawrence Streets. They started building a substantial brick church. Denver First Methodist, or Lawrence Street Church, was completed in 1865. It quickly became a hub for social, musical, and religious life.
Denver City’s population boomed. Many church members moved to newer suburban areas. The church considered relocation. Land was purchased at 18th and Broadway. Plans were made to build a new church by 1888. Robert S. Roeschlaub was hired as the architect. The cornerstone was placed in September 1887. The first service was held on Easter Sunday in the unfinished Fellowship Hall. A capacity crowd of 2,000 filled Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church’s new sanctuary upon completion. The Rocky Mountain Christian Advocate reported on the grand event. The choir had 116 voices. The great organ pealed.
Trinity is a prime example of modern Gothic architecture. It is an auditorium clothed in a Gothic shell. The building was modern because it married Gothic detailing and a Rococo theater. Roeschlaub drew inspiration from nature. He built the exterior with locally quarried Castle Rock rhyolite. The steeple stands 183 feet tall. It was a magnificent achievement. It was one of the tallest stone towers in the United States.
Isaac Blake, Trinity’s Music Director, oversaw the organ selection and installation. He covered the full cost of $30,000. The organ was designed by the Roosevelt Organ Works of New York. Frank Roosevelt supervised the shipping and installation. The organ’s electro-pneumatic action was powered by a dynamo. The dynamo was turned by a water wheel. The water wheel gained power from an artesian well. Behind the 108 facade pipes are 4,167 more pipes. The organ has 4,275 pipes in total. Roosevelt Opus No. 380 is one of the largest Roosevelt-built organs still in operation.
Healy and Millet of Chicago designed Trinity’s stained glass artwork. They were innovators. Their artists used colored and textured opalescent glass. The rose windows have twelve spokes. These symbolize the 12 apostles and the 12 tribes of Israel. The Resurrection window at the rear balcony uses a painted glass application. The outstretched arms of the angel welcome all people. The Watkins Stained Glass Studio has maintained Trinity’s stained glass artwork since 1888.
Trinity Presbyterian Church celebrates the good reign of Jesus. It seeks the renewal of the city. The church gathers on Sundays at the Kirk of the Highlands. Whole families engage in worship together. Laughter and cries of little ones are welcome. There is food after the worship gathering. Trinity is organized around neighborhood parishes. These parishes gather to eat and pray throughout the city. Trinity Presbyterian Church continues to be a beacon of faith. It supports its community through worship, fellowship, and service.