[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 118 (Friday, July 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 2009

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker. I would like to recognize the remarkable 
history and invaluable contributions of an extraordinary church and 
congregation in the 1st Congressional District of Colorado. It is 
fitting that we recognize this outstanding institution for its 
inspiring history as the City of Denver's ``First Church'' and for its 
enduring service to the people of our community and our nation. It is 
to commend this distinguished organization that I rise to honor the 
Trinity United Methodist Church on the occasion of its 150th 
Anniversary.
  In the spring of 1859, only months after the mining camps of Auraria 
and Denver City were precariously settled along the banks of Cherry 
Creek, the Kansas-Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church 
sent out members to set up churches in the already rowdy mining camps 
of the newly established Pikes Peak region. On August 2, 1859, frontier 
minister William H. Goode and 23-year-old Jacob Adriance established 
the Auraria and Denver City Methodist Episcopal Mission, known today as 
Trinity United Methodist Church. In 1864, a new Trinity United 
Methodist Church was built at 14th and Lawrence Streets to serve a 
burgeoning congregation.
  The ``Lawrence Street Church'' served the community well. However, 
after arrival of the railroads to Denver, the City expanded greatly 
spreading the church's congregation further out into the growing city. 
By 1888 a new church rose at 18th and Broadway in Denver to accommodate 
the congregation's growing members. For over a century Trinity United 
Methodist Church has remained at this location. The church was regarded 
by its architect, Robert S. Roeschlaub, as the crowning achievement of 
his extensive career. Built of local sandstone and materials the 
sanctuaries ornate and carefully considered carvings and architecture 
are a testament to the commitment of the church to its members and 
community. Its 184 foot spire was one of the tallest stone towers in 
1888 and remains a distinctive feature. Inside reside soaring stain 
glass windows and solid brass pulpit along with a custom crafted 4,202 
pipe organ which brings parishioners to prayer.
  Today under the banner of ``We're Here for Good!'' over 50,000 church 
members share in weekly worship. In honor of its 150th Anniversary and 
in continuation of the church's service to our community and fellow 
humankind, the congregation has laid out four ambitious missions; 
planting a new church for those on the margins of society; completing 
construction of the John Wesley School in Guatemala; partnering to 
reduce infant, child, and maternal mortality in Liberia; upgrading the 
interior to be greener, safer, and more welcoming.
  Please join me in commending Trinity United Methodist Church for its 
150 years of invaluable service to our community and our nation. It is 
the commitment and dedication that Trinity United Methodist Church and 
members of its congregation exhibit on a daily basis which continually 
enhances our lives and builds a better future for all of our people.

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