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history
founded in 1890
St. Barnabas Parish was founded in 1890 as Christ Church Mission
at Colfax and York Streets. After meeting in a storefront for
about a year, a cornerstone was laid at 13th and Vine on June
13, 1891.
In 1896, the Reverend Charles Marshall became our first rector.
He created quite a stir when he became the only clergyman in
Colorado who would give a suicide victim a Christian burial.
In 1920, Father Charles Brady came to St. Barnabas. Shortly
after arriving, he founded Boy Scout Troop 13, which is the
oldest continuous troop in Denver.
Father Alexander Lukens came to St. Barnabas in 1946. During his
time, the St. Barnabas men's organization formed the impetus for
the creation of Spalding Rehabilitation Center. Also, Mrs.
Herbert Ellis became the first woman ever elected to the Vestry
of a Colorado parish.
the ministry of women
The ministry of women has been particularly characteristic of
St. Barnabas. This parish sent the first woman delegate to the
Diocesan Convention. She was refused a seat and led away,
followed by the entire delegation from St. Barnabas.
The parish also actively advocated the ordination of women to
the priesthood. After the General Convention of the Episcopal
Church approved the ordination of women, the parish sponsored
and actively encouraged our bishop to ordain Kathleen (Kay)
Ryan. She became the first woman priest in the Diocese of
Colorado, our Assistant Rector, and Interim Rector in the 1980s.
Women in this parish have been instrumental in other areas of
the women's movement. The founding of Planned Parenthood in
Colorado is, in large measure, due to the hard work of the women
of St. Barnabas.
Today, women continue in this tradition, serving in many areas,
including the Vestry, the liturgy, the choir, the Altar Guild
and the priesthood.
reaching out
In the late 1960s, a shortage of low and middle-income housing
prompted St. Barnabas people to form the 1280 Corporation, a
subsidiary enterprise designed to assist low-income families in
finding and purchasing homes within their means. With the aid of
the Federal Hosing Authority, five homes completely
reconditioned for occupancy by needy families.
After the war in Viet Nam, there was a chronic need to resettle
families from war-torn Southeast Asia. In 1979 and 1980, this
parish undertook a project to bring a Cambodian family to
Denver. Parishioners acclimated the family to hospitals and
schools. Clothing, housing and furnishings were provided.
Prudence Bostwick, a member of the parish, taught the family
English and other parishioners took turns going to the family
home to deliver needed food and medications. The parish worked
closely with the family until they became self-sufficient.
Father Ostertag became Rector in 1984 and led the parish in
providing a home for the Living Waters Native American
Congregation. This was a warm and meaningful association.
welcoming all
The St. Barnabas is enriched by welcoming all to be a part of
its life together, including gay men and lesbian women. As we
are in the midst of the Capitol Hill community, it is
appropriate for us to be the spiritual home for all who live in
the neighborhood. The parish's motto is, "A welcoming
congregation, prizing diversity, and valuing inclusivity,"
St. Barnabas continues to open its doors to those suffering from
addiction of any kind. About a dozen programs currently meet
under our roof.
The Reverend Albert Halverstadt became rector of St. Barnabas in
October of 1990. In the last few years of his ministry,
parishioners joyfully shared his contagious enthusiasm and
energy. The church reached beyond its walls, continuing to make
a difference. For example, Project Angel Heart began here in
1991 and continues to deliver freshly prepared meals to those
suffering from AIDS.
An endowment now guarantees funds for outreach and capital
improvements. The Virginia B. Ervin Matching Grants Trust
enables diocesan ministries and programs to reach their
objectives.
new interim rector
In 1996, the Reverend Georgia Humphrey joined our staff as
Associate Rector and was named Rector in 2000. With similar
energy and enthusiasm, her presence enabled the congregation to
further develop ministries to young and old. She retired in June
of 2006.
To assist in the congregation's ministries, additional staff are
in place, including a Parish Nurse, a Family Minister, an Adult
Education Director, several musicians, and two part-time
assisting priests. Together, we look forward to enriching our
old traditions and discovering new ones.
we rejoice in our
diversity
St. Barnabas has a long and proud history of faithful service to
our community. We rejoice in our diversity; it is one of our
greatest strengths. We are blessed by a loving sense of
acceptance. Perhaps, this is the most precious gift we can offer
to each other and to our world. |
