1st German Congregational Church - What's the Plan?

"If these walls could talk..." the building at 4400 Lincoln in Globeville has been witness to years of celebrations, marriages, baptisms, confirmations and funerals. Once home to German-speaking immigrants from the village of Norka, Russia, the building was the home of the 1st German Congregational Church, and a monument to faith and hard work. Newcomers first met in neighbor's homes for services, and then built a structure known as "the Shanty" at 44th and Lincoln as their first place of worship in 1894. A larger brick structure replaced "the Shanty" in 1896 or '97. Membership increased steadily and, in 1927, a larger church was built.

 

Laying of the cornerstone, April 24, 2017 

Photo used by permission of Larry Summers, 2004

 

Rose window, a gift of Caspar Hofmann

Photo ® Mary Lou Egan

As in the old country, life revolved around the church with Sunday services, Sunday school, choirs, prayer meetings, Bible studies, a social group for young people and frequent revivals. The services were held in German, and children attended "German school" after regular school during the week. Throughout the years, attendance and contributions remained high, even as the neighborhood came under attack. The construction of I-25 and I-70 took the homes and businesses of many church members and led to discussions about relocating away from the neighborhood. A search committee purchased land at 5615 West 64th Avenue in Arvada and, in 1974, the new church, Heritage Community Bible Church was built. The former building in Globeville was purchased by the city of Denver in 1976 and served as a Senior Center for many years, where Globeville's seniors could share a meal, learn crafts, take a class and socialize. 

In the last several years, the building has been unoccupied and seems uncared for. The circular frame that once held the stained glass window is deteriorating, mortar is seeping out from between the bricks and a misspelled message on a crumbling step warns "no lortering."

 Photo of 1st German Congregational Church in 2016

Photo ® Mary Lou Egan

 

"No lortering" and crumbling steps

Photo ® Mary Lou Egan

A community forum was held June 25, 2016 to solicit ideas from the community for the best use of the building. Suggestions included:
A small library for Globeville
A satellite office for the North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative 
Office space for a non-profit organization.

According to Seneca Holmes, (from the city's Office of Economic Development and chair of the 2016 meeting) the building needs numerous improvements, updates and extensive repairs. Holmes is no longer with the the OED but was hopeful about the future of the project and suggested I keep in touch with Councilwoman at Large, Debbie Ortega. 

Ortega's Aide, Susan Aldretti, was less optimistic. In an email from April 24, Aldretti said: "Unfortunately, there has not been a lot of progress. Denver is preparing a list of projects to take to the voters, and the rehabilitation of this building is included in the initial list. The process for the bonds is lengthy. The requests are being considered by sub-committees, who then make recommendations to a steering committee. The steering committee will make recommendations to the Mayor and then the Mayor will recommend to City Council. It is not possible to predict if this project will be included in the final package at this point."

If these walls could talk, this former church building would share the memories of the active, vibrant community of immigrants who created and cared for it. Will there be new stories? Or will this crumbling structure be a reminder of a past that seems brighter than the present?

 

Badges, Ribbons and Banners

Your logo here! Today's promotional materials include mugs, pens, T-shirts, key chains, stress balls, rain jackets, umbrellas and drink coasters  Globeville's earlier residents also liked to remember important events, such as the dedication of Holy Rosary Church, with souvenirs.
Slovenes and Croats had saved a long time to build a church of their own and planned a gala celebration for April 18, 1920 with Mass, choirs, speeches by visiting dignitaries, and processions by fraternal groups. Those in attendance may have come away with a commemorative badge
produced by the Colorado Badge and Novelty Company located on 1752 Champa Street in Denver.
The front of the badge features a photo of the newly completed church, while the reverse side provides information about the company itself. Noteworthy is the union label number 30 - probably significant to the Mill and Smeltermen, or Western Federation of Miners - whose badges were also manufactured by the company.

 

Lodge ribbons would also be important souvenirs, with one side being displayed during conventions and the reverse side worn at funerals.

 

Ribbons for St. Joseph's Polish Lodge 

And, of course, there were the banners with embroidered type, images and fringe - proudly displayed at meetings, parades, and conventions. These century-old commemorative mementos were meant to be substantial - I wonder if any logo-bearing T-shirts will survive a hundred years.

  Banner for St Joseph's Lodge, American Fraternal Union