First Baptist Church of Denver

First Baptist Church of Denver

First Baptist Church of Denver was organized prior to Colorado’s statehood and during the American Civil War era on May 2, 1864, and is the oldest Baptist congregation in Denver and Colorado.

The present building was constructed in 1934 through 1936. Our “architecturally significant” building has been recognized as a Denver Historic Landmark.  It was constructed in the “Christopher Wren” style, found mostly on the East Coast and in England. The solid granite columns at the front of the building are so large, they were turned on a lathe in the middle of 14th Avenue during construction of the building. Elegant granite and marble stonework in the narthex of the building near the front columns are noteworthy. It contains the largest organ in Colorado.

Distinguished guest speakers and soloists include President Warren G. Harding, Mr. George Beverly Shea, The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and The Honorable Frederico Peña. First Baptist Church of Denver is an eclectic congregation. Friends and members are a cross-section of society, cultures, races, education and beliefs. Many travel to services and events from throughout the metropolitan area.

The largest of its kind in Colorado, First Baptist Church’s pipe organ is made up of over 6,100 pipes. It takes a massive fifteen horsepower electric blower, capable of creating two different wind pressures, to supply air to all the pneumatic controls and wind chests. Tradition holds that this organ has 126 ranks, including 124 wind-blown ranks of pipes, two sets of percussive pipes, tubular chimes, and a glockenspiel.