Florence in Fremont County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

First Presbyterian Church

201 West 2nd Street

— Constructed in 1896 —

First Presbyterian Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 5, 2023

1. First Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. Construction funds were raised among the townspeople and soon there were 42 charter members. The cornerstone was laid on February 11, 1896. This house of worship was completed for just under $6000. The pews are the seats secured from the Old Opera House. The church was dedicated January 17, 1897. The windows were donated and made throughout the history of the church as memorials to active pastors and members. Pastor C.C. Warner presented the Church with a bell in 1898, which hangs in the belfry. The congregation increased rapidly having 203 members and 260 in Sunday School by 1901.

In the fall of 1916, a manse immediately to the south of the church (113 N. Santa Fe Avenue) was purchased. In 1919 a $3600.00 Kimball Pipe Organ was acquired utilizing a donation from Kate Stock. It was it the first pipe organ in Florence.

In 1950, the McCormack Apts. (Rock Island Hotel) across the street to the east and south were acquired by the Ladies Aid Society for a fellowship hall, Sunday School classrooms, a dining hall and church pastors. The church closed on Easter, 2003, the fellowship hall became the

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Gathering Place for community activities.

Erected by the City of Florence.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is January 17, 1897.

Location. 38° 23.469′ N, 105° 7.158′ W. Marker is in Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County. It is at the intersection of West 2nd Street and North Santa Fe Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 N Santa Fe Ave, Florence CO 81226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley

and in Pikes Peak Region.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comanchería

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Santa Fe Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Lovell Block (about 300 feet away, measured

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 5, 2023

2. First Presbyterian Church Marker

in a direct line); Andrews Block (about 300 feet away); Julius McCandless Hardware (about 400 feet away); Carmondy Block (about 400 feet away); Wilson Block & Wilson Annex (about 400 feet away); The Mezzanine Antiques and Collectibles, LLC (about 400 feet away); 120 W. Main Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Regarding First Presbyterian Church. In 2003, the church closed because of the lack of members. Another congregation used it a short time before it was converted into a private residence in 1914.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 327 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.