Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. . Manitou Springs' first Catholic Parish was established in 1882. Master builders Archie and Angus Gillis completed this Gothic-influenced, shingle-style church in June of 1889. The Gillises were also responsible for the construction of Miramont Castle and other notable buildings in Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, and Denver., On August 3, 1903, fire destroyed the building just after stained glass windows were installed. Father Andreas B. Casey held services in a tent and determined to rebuild immediately. With the help of the Gillis brothers, and donations from Colorado Springs founder General Palmer and anonymous benefactors, the Church was rebuilt and rededicated October 1903. In February 1905, a replica of the grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes was erected in memory of Father M.F.Callanan's mother., The hardwood floors and stained glass windows donated since the fire were restored over three months in the fall of 1986. The exterior was rehabilitated in 1989 for the Church's 100th Anniversary., Our Lady of Perpetual Help is listed as contributing to Manitou Springs 1983 National Register and 1980 Local Historic Preservation Districts., (photo captions) , Top right: The Lourdes Grotto replica can be seen to the left of the church in this circa 1910 photo Courtesy of Denver Public Library. , Bottom right: Our Lady of Perpetual Help and its Rectory are being inspected by unknown Church officials Courtesy of Colorado Historical Society