Colorado Road Trips: Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church (the oldest church in Colorado)

Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church

Antonito Colorado

Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church is located in the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado near the New Mexico border. If you are heading from Alamosa towards New Mexico on Hwy 285 you will be able to see the church from the highway, there will also be signs directing you to the church if you want to visit.

If you are interested in Colorado historic locations or architecture, this is a great little, slightly 'off the beaten path' location to visit. I happen to like Colorado history and historic buildings, particularly old churches. When I was in college I did a photography project with photography of historic churches in Denver, so this location was right up my alley.

"This tract was selected by Bishop Machebeuf for the first permanent church in Colorado. Here was built a Jacal (Picket) church, later replaced by a larger church. The first parish of Colorado was erected 100 years ago with Our Lady of Guadalupe as patron by John B. Lamy, first bishop of Sante Fe. Father Montano was the first pastor.

The finished church dedicated by bishop Lamy on December 12th 1863, was under the Jesuit Fathers 1871-1920. Since 1920. Since 1920 it has been under the Theatine Fathers. Fire destroyed the on Ash Wednesday, 1926

John Henry Tihen, third bishop of Denver, dedicated a new church on December 12, 1927.

In 1948 the church was enlarged and embellished with its towers by Rev. Michael Pasual C.R., Pastor. The most Rev. Joseph C. Willging, first Bishop of Pueblo, dedicated and addition to the church on Aug 7th, 1948." - http://www.guadalupecatholicchurchconejoscolorado.org/

Although the Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church, has been renovated over the years and is very well preserved, looking around the area you can see how much of the area is abandoned and falling apart.