OUR LADY OF GRACE (1951)

James F. Moynihan, a.k.a. "Father Jim," the "Putting Padre," and the "Father Flanagan of Denver," fathered Our Lady of Grace after persuading Archbishop Vehr to sanction the new parish on September 1, 1951.

Father Moynihan, a product of Denver's St. Patrick Grade School, North High School, Regis College, and St. Thomas Seminary, was assistant pastor at Annunciation when he saw the need for a new parish in Northeast Denver's Swansea neighborhood. This blue-collar area was named for the smelter that once dominated the triangle bounded by the South Platte River, Colorado Boulevard, and East 40th Avenue.

Father Moynihan began offering mission Masses in the Johnson Community Center, while awaiting completion of the church at East 48th Avenue and Josephine Street. He took a special interest in the children of his working-class families, learning Spanish and a smattering of other languages in order to reach them. He once told the Denver Catholic Register that "the greatest times of my life were spent helping troubled youths."

For youngsters, Father Jim pushed sports as an alternative to crime and drugs. Known for his efforts with troubled boys, he would bail youths out of jail, accompany them to court, accept them as parolees, and work with them in athletic programs he instigated.

In a novel partnership, Our Lady of Grace deeded some of its property to the City and County of Denver in April 1971, enabling the city to build a desperately needed community center. As a result, the neighborhood as a whole--as well as the parish--has benefitted from the Swansea Community Center with its spacious gym, exercise and craft rooms, and game areas.

A widely known public speaker, Father Jim was noted for his ability to motivate people, as well as his stories and jokes. He received many awards, including "Man of the Year" from the Denver Juvenile Court and the Denver Jaycees. "He got along with the big shots, from President John F. Kennedy on down, as well as the ditchdiggers," said his brother, John, of Denver.

Father Jim was not only a coach but also an avid golfer. As the late Archbishop Vehr frowned on golf for priests, he would enter tournaments under such monikers as J. Beam and I.W. Harper. Father Jim also befriended ex-priests, inviting any and all of them to his rectory for Monday night football games and sociability.

Capitalizing on their pastor's popularity and fund-raising abilities, Our Lady of Grace parish quickly retired its debt by using banquets, bingo, and bazaars. In 1966, the parish initiated a 10,000-square-foot addition that doubled the church seating to 540. The enlarged and remodeled church, including landscaping and freshly paved parking lots, was dedicated on March 9, 1967, by Archbishop Casey, in one of his first official acts.

"I told Archbishop Casey," Father Jim revealed later, "let me stay here--the people like me and I like them. If that ever changes, I'll gladly go." That arrangement lasted, as he stayed with his parish until illness forced his retirement in December 1986. Father Jim died March 31, 1988. His many fans, friends, and parishioners flocked to Our Lady of Grace for the rosary and memorial services. Among the many eulogizing Father Moynihan was his friend, Reverend Tom Kelly of Holy Ghost Church: "Jim was a friend to all those no one else would touch. He was open, absolutely himself, and always available. He was always cheerful. I only saw him sore a couple of times, and then for good reason."