"Old" St. Stephen's

Make a donation to help The St. Vrain Historical Society with the continued care, preservation, maintenance, and operational support of “Old” St. Stephen’s Church. Donations will go toward the continued preservation and maintenance projects to ensure that this 1881 church remains protected for the community’s enjoyment and education. The St. Vrain Historical Society, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation, and donationsare tax-deductible.

470 Main Street  |  Longmont, Colorado

Old St. Stephen's Church was built in 1881 as the first home for the congregation of St. Stephen's Episcopal parish. The congregation of 45 communicants held their first services in their new church on Palm Sunday in April 1882. The building was painted white in 1915, and the Main Street landmark became known as "the Little White Church." Over the years the congregation expanded, a parish hall was erected to the east of the building and later a classroom/office building was built on the south side.

By the late 1960's the congregation numbered more than 300 and the sanctuary built to serve 100 had become woefully inadequate. In 1971 the church was sold and the congregation moved to a new, more spacious home on Bross Street in Southmoor Park. A five-year, community campaign to save the historic little church led to the purchase of the property by the St. Vrain Historical Society in 1976. The church has since been restored; stained glass windows replicated and installed; and the exterior returned to its original red brick.

Designated a local historic landmark and also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old St. Stephen's continues to be owned and maintained by the Historical Society. It is presently used as the business office for the St. Vrain Historical Society, and houses a modest research library. Visitors are able to enjoy the historic ambience of the building during office hours and appointment basis.