Presbyterian Church and Manse

Presbyterian Church and Manse. , Lake City was just beginning to boom when the Rev. Alexander Darley arrived from Del Norte, Colorado Territory, in June of 1876. Within a few weeks, Darley gathered the signatures necessary to charter a congregation, making Lake City's Presbyterian Church the first church organized on the Western Slope of Colorado. Later that month four lots were purchased on the corner of Fifth Street and Gunnison Avenue for $225. , Darley's brother, George Darley, a carpenter by trade, began construction on the building in August of 1876. With assistance from volunteers, the building was completed and dedicated on November 12, 1876, at a total cost of $1,200. Funds for the building included $500 from the national Presbyterian Church, and $700 was raised locally. , At first, the church had no steeple, for the frame structure was intended to be temporary, until a larger stone structure could be built facing Gunnison Avenue on the corner. A bell cupola stood west of the church until the steeple was added in 1882 by carpenter Antone J. Fjelle at a cost of $387. The new narthex, on which the steeple was built, had doors on the sides and large decorative glass windows on the front. Unfortunately, church members soon discovered that coffins could not be turned into the church from the side facing doors, so the window was removed and new front doors added. Note that the original side doors are still in place. , Original furnishings still used in the building include the pews which were probably built from construction scaffolding. On some of the pews, marks made from the studs of the carpenters' shoes can be seen. The pump organ, brought to Lake City by ox cart, is still used in worship. The original church lectern is now in the Hinsdale County Museum. Also original to the building are the electric chandeliers which were first lit in January, 1892. , In 1981 the church building was restored under the leadership of Dr. Harold M. Parker, Jr., supply pastor for 20 years. The foundation was checked and the church repainted in the original paint scheme. In the process of remodeling workers discovered adobe bricks within the walls, providing both insulation and strength for the building. The pews were stripped, wiring updated, and metal roofing installed. The stained glass windows were installed as memorials in 1981. , Darley Hall, which includes a kitchen, fellowship hall, classrooms, and office space, was added in four stages between 1954 and 1991. , After completing the church building, George Darley continued to live in Lake City as the first pastor of this congregation. His journal, PIONEERING IN THE SAN JUAN, tells the story of his many travels through the San Juan region on foot and on horseback, to preach in mining camps and to plant new churches and new Sunday Schools in Ouray, Animas City (Durango), and Delta. , The book also tells of many historic and interesting occasions in the life of the church, including the arrival of the church bell, early Christmas celebrations, deer in church, the fight against the influence of liquor and gambling, and funerals for mayors and madams alike. , Also of note is the church manse, next door to the church, also built by George Darley. The manse is significant because Darley recognized that a pastor could not be kept on the frontier without housing for his family. Just as the town of Lake City served as a hub for much of the mining activity in the region, so this church was the center for missionary work throughout the Western Slope, with famous missionary Sheldon Jackson staying overnight in Lake City on a number of occasions as he planted new churches across the west. The Lake City manse is one of the few homes for a minister on the National Register of Presbyterian Historic Sites. Both buildings are listed on the National Historic Register as part of Lake City's National Historic District. , Construction on the manse was started in the winter of 1878. An open house and housewarming were held in May of 1879 attended by 75 citizens who enjoyed a variety of games, vocal music and refreshments. The first picket fence surrounding the property was built at that time. In 1988 an extensive remodeling project for the manse was completed, with a wing added to the south, providing space for a year-round minister in Lake City. , Since 1876, the Community Presbyterian Church has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and love in Lake City. , Funding for this historical plaque was provided by Frank and Jean Hafeman, Brad and Herta Darley, Ruth Nagel, and Carol Perry., [photo caption] Presbyterian Church and Manse , c.1879