Long-desired addition to rustic mountain parish dedicated

By Dorothy Lehmkuhl

For more than five years, Father Grzegorz Cioch and parishioners of Our Lady of the Mountains Church were involved in planning, fundraising and expanding their beloved edifice. Their work was brought to completion on Nov. 16 when Auxiliary Bishop James Conley dedicated the long-desired addition to the rustic stone and log church, following the midmorning Mass.

The history of the Catholic church in Estes Park spans nearly a century. Visiting priests began saying Masses in Estes Valley homes as early as 1910. Then in 1915, a site on the southwest corner of MacGregor and Wonderview streets was purchased for $150. A small chapel, named St. Walter’s, was erected and in 1932 a rectory was also added on the site. (These two buildings remain today, remodeled into multiple living units.)  At first, services were held only when visiting priests were available, and then as the years progressed, priests from Loveland began serving St. Walter’s more regularly. The local parish continued to be a “missionary church” until 1956, when it’s first permanent pastor was named.

By the late 1930s, attendance was overwhelming little St. Walter’s and the present site at 920 Big Thompson Ave. was purchased. Blueprints were drawn up and the project was ready to commence in 1941, but World War II interrupted those plans. After the war, the McGraw family allowed parishioners to collect from the historic McGraw Ranch all the rock needed to construct the new church. Finally, the current church was completed in 1949 and named Our Lady of the Mountains. A two-story expansion was added onto the south side of the church in 1977.

By 2003 the needs of parishioners and visitors had once again exceeded the church’s capacities. Over the next five years, hundreds of hours of planning time evolved as project participants worked to expand the church’s capacity while retaining its serene rustic ambiance. Parishioners were filled with gratitude to Ruth McGraw, and Jay and Fran McGraw Grooter when they were again allowed to collect matching moss rock from their properties for the new addition.

Highly successful initial fundraising by the parishioners allowed ground to be broken in February and the expansion was fully completed in September. Contractor for the $1.5 million, two-story addition was Kerry Prochaska, owner of Cornerstone Construction, and drawings were created by Steve Lane of Basis Architecture.

Remodeling increased seating capacity by opening walls to the upper portion of the 1977 addition and using rock and beams to match the original nave. Larger offices were added to the southwest corner, and the narthex was opened to connect to them. Much-needed religious education classrooms were added, along with a cry room and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) necessities such as an elevator, ramps and restrooms; fire suppression and utility systems were added or updated. Reaction to the finished product has been overwhelmingly positive, parishioners said.

At the festive dedication ceremony, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard and children of the parish welcomed Bishop Conley with a colorful banner. A reception took place in the newly expanded lower level, following the prayers of thanksgiving and formal dedication.

“The parishioners of Our Lady of the Mountains are particularly grateful to Father Gregory who provided outstanding leadership in accomplishing this daunting task,” said Don Saucier, building committee chair. “He brought the congregation together in unity during a difficult project and, with the fundraising committee, won the financial participation of over 60 percent of our parish community.”

In appreciation, a large engraved paving stone was presented to the young pastor at the reception. The stone is to be installed at the front of the church.

To cover the remaining project debt, the parish is selling engraved pavers, which can be purchased in memory of loved ones or to commemorate baptisms, weddings or other religious events. Call the parish at 970-586-8111.