Presbyterians organized their church in Glenwood
Springs in July of 1886, the first church in the city newly incorporated
that same year. We are the only congregation still worshiping in
their original building, at 1016 Cooper Ave. The founding
congregation grew rapidly to more than 100 in its first year and history
was quickly served -- the funeral for "Doc" Holliday was held
from the church in 1887; President Benjamin Harrison attended services
in 1891; and President Teddy Roosevelt worshiped there in 1905.
The original church manse (now demolished), which sat in the present
church yard, was designed by Glenwood's pioneer architect, Theodore von
Rosenberg, who designed the original Hot Springs Lodge building.
Early funding of church activities came from the Walter Devereux family
of Hotel Colorado note. And the city's present Christmas tree,
standing on the Chamber Resort Association's grounds at 11th and Grand,
is dedicated to another prominent member of the early church, Mrs.
Louisa Schwarz. A booklet about Mrs. Schwarz' life was published
this past Christmas by Deb Williams, a church elder.
