OLDEST CHURCH IN CO: Antonito

Built in 1863, Our Lady of Guadalupe is the oldest and first permanent church in Colorado.

Heading south on I-285, this site is a quick one to see.  Look to the west at 8th street in Antonito and you can’t miss it. Turn west and you’ll find ample parking.

Ms. Guadalupe (read her story HERE) became the patron saint of this church first built by John B. Lamy, the first bishop of Santa Fe. The first building was dedicated on Dec 12, 1863, and was under the Jesuit Fathers from 1871-1920. Since 1920, it has been under the Theatine Fathers.

The church was destroyed by fire on Ash Wednesday in 1926, leading to a rebuild. The current church was dedicated Dec 12, 1927.  The towers that you see (and a section in the back) were added in 1948.

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is dedicated to the Catholic Faith and to the dead.  There are signs for you to read on the grounds.  This Parish is still being used today.

To use the “20 min in Colorado” Category, read HERE

For the Homepage of this Website, Click HERE, & remember to subscribe and leave a comment.  I’d love to hear from you!

HOW TO NAVIGATE THIS WEBSITE CLICK HERE