200 East Bleeker Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
970.925.1571

History: Honoring the Past

Fourth-generation Aspen resident, Tony Vagneur was baptised at the Aspen Community Church as was his father. Mary and Jim Hayes were married here 58 years ago. Recognizing the outstanding acoustics of the sanctuary, John Denver and the Dickens Carolers recorded their Christmas album here. For so many Aspen families, the Community Church has been a special place to worship, celebrate and grow in faith.

The distinctive "ancient castle," designed in Richardsonian Romanesque style, was built in 1890. With its peachblow sandstone exterior, round tower and beautiful stained glass windows, it is a tribute to Aspen's glory days as the "Silver Queen." Originally dedicated as a Presbyterian church, now cared for by Methodists since 1934, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The church is one of Aspen's most distinctive buildings, a massive structure built of Frying Pan Valley sandstone, with a large round tower and buttresses in the style of an ancient castle. Located on the corner of Aspen and Bleeker streets, the originally Presbyterian church was built in 1890 at a cost of $20,000. As imposing as the exterior may be, the sanctuary has an unexpected poetic beauty with its oaken pews and colorful stained-glass windows.

The church's cornerstone is a great white block that strongly contrasts with the red walls. It encases a vault containing a Bible, a copy of the official Presbyterian newspaper, some city papers, and the names of all the church officers and workmen who completed the building.

During 1986 and '87, the venerable building underwent a major restoration. It had never been modernized, which was lucky because almost everything in the church was original. A treasure trove of woodwork, stained glass, and oak furniture existed inside. Built by 19th century carpenters, the building had survived its first hundred years in good shape. Because the church has always been a community hub, the renovation was designed to make it even more accessible. The basement was gutted and renovated so it could host wedding receptions and other social occasions. A new basement entryway provided easy access to the meeting rooms, church offices, and kitchen. Now people only have to enter through the main door to go to the sanctuary to attend services and most weddings.

At different times in its history, the church has extended hospitality for services of many faiths and cultures, as all spiritual traditions that work for justice and peace are respected.

An enduring Aspen landmark, it has stood the test of time, from the mining days, through the quiet years to Aspen's prominent rise as a world-class resort. Its magnificent vaulted sanctuary has embraced thousands of locals and visitors who have attended Sunday services, celebrated baptisms and weddings and mourned the passing of loved ones.