Churches have always been a big part of Meeker, as Meeker was founded by Christians trying to convert Native American people. Today Meeker has almost 20 churches, meaning there is a church for every 100 people living here. Religion has always been a huge aspect in the town, and below you can see some of the first churches as well as learn the history behind them!
Episcopal Church
The earliest church to be recorded in Meeker is the St. James Episcopal Church. The church was built and founded in 1889-1890, making it one of the earliest episcopal churches in Colorado. This building still continues to serve the people of Meeker, with the main building still standing and another building attached to the back side of it. This building was dedicated to the National Register of Historic places in 1978. This church has played a major role in Meeker's religious life and continues to do this more than 130 years after it's founding!
Above is a picture of people standing outside the episcopal church dated in November of 1897.
Methodist Church
The Meeker Methodist Church was founded not long after the episcopal church in 1892. The building was put up in 1893 at 809 Park Avenue in Meeker. The church is still held at this location in a new building that was rebuilt in 2011. This makes it the 2nd oldest church in Meeker. The church is still going 127 years later and is a great community gathering place for all!
Above is a picture of the Meeker Methodist Church from the rear end dated in the 1960's.
Catholic Church
The Holy Family Catholic Church in Meeker was started even before the town of Meeker was founded. The first Catholic Mass was offered in 1884 on a local ranch near Meeker. The church that stands now was built in 1914 and has been attended ever since, having small renovations done. The church holds many services throughout the week, including some in Spanish for the many Hispanic Catholic residents living around the area!
Above is a picture of the Meeker Catholic Church, date unkown.
As you can see churches have played a major role in helping Meeker become the town it is. Many of the original church buildings still stand and have been providing services to patrons for more than 100 years. Without these churches, Meeker would be a very different place than what it is now! You can see some of the churches compared to what they look like now here, and see a slideshow and more information about the first churches here!
