St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 1905

The Episcopal community of St. Andrew is the oldest church community in continuous operation in the Manitou Springs area, and one of the oldest Episcopal churches in the state. The church began services in 1874 in a tent. In 1877, Dr. William Bell donated this lot. Originally, Soda Springs Park extended the entire length of Manitou Avenue, and Dr. Bell's donation of this property cut the park short and allowed for commercial development on Canon Avenue.

In 1880, shortly after Manitou was formerly platted, the Episcopal community was only able to raise $1,000 for their church--not enough to build a proper church on this prominent spot. Instead a temporary wooden building was built. In 1884, it was moved to the northside of Canon Avenue near the creek after it was badly damaged by a flood. The community went to church there on Canon for several years before they built this existing church.

The Mineral Water Company built the greenstone wall around the church property before the church was built. Not until 1904 was the idea revived of building that "proper" church, when the church raised $12,000.

The building style is English Gothic. The exterior is the famous Ute Pass green sandstone know as greenstone. the slate for the rood was imported from England. The original slate was replaced with a simulated slate. One of the most intriguing aspects about the building is the stained glass windows imported from London. The three memorial windows just above the altar are designed in the likenesses of Mrs. W.A. Bell as St. Mary, Mrs. E.E. Nichols as St. Anne, and Bishop John Franklin Spaulding as St. Simeon. Inside houses a beautiful Vermont marble altar and baptismal font, and an ornate hand carved bishop's throne imported from England. Note the finely cut greenstone and convex masonry joints, characteristic features of Manitou Springs' fine stonework.

With the exception of some remodeling of the Chancel and a general redecorating, St. Andrew's is much as it was nearly 95 years ago.

Historic Manitou Springs, Inc., is an educational non-profit based in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pikes Peak which operates the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and was formed in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Our mission is to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the history and culture of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

The intent of the organization is to educate citizens and visitors in order to increase appreciation and understanding of this unique community. Before opening the Center Historic Manitou was operated by a board of three persons–Jean Garrity, Deborah Harrison, and Michelle Anthony. During the initial 10 years, we developed a track record of participating in and supporting community projects and events, such as restoration of the Eastern Gateway Arch, rehabilitation of Mansions Park, installation of over 30 Historic Interpretive Plaques throughout town, and placement of the memorial in Crystal Valley Cemetery for Emma Crawford. We have presented the “Ghost Stories of Old Manitou” haunted walking tours as part of the Annual Emma Crawford Festival (i.e., the events surrounding the Coffin Races) since its inception.

Pearring, John. Pearring, Joanne. The Walking Tour - A Guide To Historic Manitou Springs. Volume Revised Printing. Manitou Springs, CO. TextPros, 1998.