Celebration echoed through the streets of Castle Rock as the First United Methodist Church marked its 150th anniversary with a vibrant homecoming service.

According to CBS Colorado, the anniversary event celebrated the church's foundational role in the community through historical displays, a potluck, and shared memories from its deep-rooted history.

The church, established in 1874, initially welcomed its congregants in a humble carpenter’s shop. This modest beginning was the precursor to a longstanding tradition of community involvement and service. Over the decades, the church relocated multiple times, finally settling at its current location on South Street in the 1970s.

The significance of these moves reflects the church’s adaptation to the growing needs of Castle Rock. As the town evolved, so did the church’s role, becoming instrumental in founding essential services like the Douglas-Elbert County Task Force and the Castle Rock Senior Center, among others.

Church Anniversary Highlights Historical Contributions

This year’s anniversary was not just a celebration but the culmination of a year-long project led by church member Laryce Nitsch since 1971. Nitsch dedicated her efforts to documenting the church’s rich history, resulting in a detailed booklet filled with anecdotes and milestones. The church displayed historical photos and memorabilia at the event, each piece telling a unique story of faith and community over the past 150 years.

Among the items, quilts stood out prominently, each narrating family legacies intertwined with the church’s history. “All the quilts tell a story from different families and what that means to them. And that bleeds into the life of the church," said Matt Franks, the senior pastor, emphasizing the personal connections that have shaped the church.

The celebration brought together a wide array of church members, both past and present. The potluck, a communal affair, saw former pastors and choir members reconnect, celebrating the church’s lasting impact on their lives. “It was a great crowd. We had former pastors come back. We had former choir members come back and sing in the choir,” shared Franks.

Community and Faith Intertwined at Castle Rock

Laryce Nitsch reminisced about the church’s beginnings, stating, “The first meeting was in August of 1874 in a carpenter's shop here in Castle Rock." This humble origin story underlines the church’s long-standing commitment to service from its very inception. “They saw a need in the community and they stepped up,” Nitsch added, highlighting the proactive spirit that continues to this day.

Today, the church's outreach programs extend beyond its immediate community. Initiatives like food drives, a backpack ministry, and blanket donations to the homeless are testaments to its active engagement in wider societal needs. “We're busy in our community as well as in our church family,” Nitsch noted, underscoring the ongoing commitment to both internal and external community service.

A Legacy of Service Looking to the Future

Reflecting on the past with an eye to the future, Pastor Franks expressed a forward-thinking sentiment: “I think it's remembering our past but not being tied down by it. Just really leaning into who we are but moving forward into who we're becoming.” This outlook is essential for nurturing the growth and adaptation of the church as it enters another century of service.

Grasping this dual focus on heritage and progress, members shared laughter and stories about the changes over the years. Grace George, a former member, noted, “All the faces and all the hair have gotten much older! Fifteen years makes a great difference,” highlighting the personal journey shared by many over the decades.

The event was not only a look back at the significant milestones but also a mutual commitment among the congregation to maintain and grow the warmth and fellowship that has characterized the church over its 150 years. “It’s a very warm and welcoming congregation and welcoming to all,” emphasized Nitsch, capturing the inclusive spirit that continues to define the church’s ethos.

First United Methodist Church of Castle Rock Forges On

The 150th anniversary of the Castle Rock First United Methodist Church stands as a beacon of community, faith, and resilience. As the church moves forward, its members carry with them the legacy of service and community engagement, poised to meet the challenges of the future while honoring the past.

This milestone event not only celebrated the years gone by but also reinvigorated the church’s mission in Castle Rock, ensuring that its historical foundations will support yet another century of meaningful community impact.