Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 9, 2000
Book details colorful history of pioneer parish
A 2000 Jubilee book, "St. Joseph's Red Brick Church," has recently been published. It records the early history of one of Colorado's oldest Catholic churches and also the early history of Golden. Most of the information comes from the Colorado Transcript files dating back to 1866.
The illustrated book traces the history of the church from its founding in 1859 by a young Father Joseph Machebeuf, who later became the first Bishop of Denver. In 1867 two Catholic families representing four different nationalities erected a small wooden church, and these pioneers laid the foundation of a parish of over 1,200 families today.
In 1873 the struggling parishioners purchased a plot of land (where the present St. Joseph's complex is located) from a homesteader for a Catholic cemetery. This cemetery was used until 1900 when subsequent burials were at Mount Olivet cemetery. Years later the bodies of the deceased pioneers were moved to Mount Olivet.
1899 was a year of favor when the cornerstone was laid, and St. Joseph's red brick church ushered in the 20th century. The church was dedicated on May 19, 1901. The cornerstone and the bell, which called the faithful to worship for over 50 years, are now preserved at the entrance of the new St. Joseph's church.
The book honors the first three resident priests, Fathers Robert Servant, John P. Moran, and Barry J. Wogan, who served during two world wars, the Depression and the changing postwar years. Pioneer families are remembered.
The activities of the powerful Ku Klux Klan, who weekly burned a gigantic cross on Castle Rock above the church, are narrated. The era of Prohibition, when manufacturing whiskey (bootlegging) became a local risky but profitable cottage industry, adds interest.
"St. Joseph's Red Brick Church," written by Lorraine Wagenbach, is the story of a pioneer Catholic church during the last century of the passing millennium. It is available at St. Joseph's Church at 969 Ulysses Street in Golden. A $10 donation will help send the young people of the parish to World Youth Day in Rome this month. The book can also be ordered by writing: 2007 East Street, Golden, CO 80401.
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