History

Founded along the banks of the Platte River in 1873, The Central Christian Church of Denver is one of Colorado’s oldest congregations. Since that time, our church has been housed in more than four different buildings at different locations. At the peak of our membership in the 1950′s, Central was one of the largest congregations west of the Mississippi River. We are thankful for our legacy of ministry in the city of Denver, and we continue to serve this city in grateful witness to the One who calls us to into service.
 
Some of the significant milestones in Central’s history are:
 
THE CHURCH AT DENVER (1871 – 1882)
  • 1861: Colorado Territory created
  • 1871: First Disciples of Christ meeting
  • 1873: The Church at Denver incorporates with 35 members
  • 1874: Church leases Unity Church on Arapahoe
  • 1882: Church calls first long-term pastor, Dr. William Bayard Craig
  • 1882: Church reorganizes as Central Christian Church of Denver, Colorado
CENTRAL’S FIRST SANCTUARY (1883 – 1902)
  • 1883: New church dedicated at 16th and Broadway
  • 1889: Founded South Broadway and Highland as mission churches
  • 1891: Established East Side Mission
  • 1900: Building sold and new site purchased on 16th and Lincoln
 
16TH AND LINCOLN LOCATION (1902 – 1970)
  • 1902: New building dedicated
  • 1904: Non-immersed baptisms accepted
  • 1930: Central begins Easter Sunrise Services at Red Rocks (sponsored today by the Denver Council of Churches)
  • 1959: International convention of Christian Churches held in Denver
  • 1969: Building at 16th and Lincoln sold, land purchased on Cherry Creek Drive
 
CURRENT LOCATION ON CHERRY CREEK (1971 – TODAY)
  • 1971: Moved to new building on Cherry Creek
  • 1973: Centennial anniversary celebration
  • 1976: Central elected Marion Beach as the first woman elder of the church
  • 1998: Building expansion adds west wing
 
“A Brief History” written by Pastor Canaan Harris describes the history of Central in detail