Our History

Organized in 1867, Grace remains the oldest church in Georgetown. Were it not for the great windstorm of 1869 which blew over the unfinished structure, Grace would be the oldest Episcopal church building in Colorado. Beginning agin, the church was finished in 1870.

Grace was one of several mission churches established by Missionary bishop Randall in the gold and silver camps of Colorado Territory in Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties. Georgetown and Grace Church prospered. At consecration in May, 1872, the building was well fitted with pews of fine walnut, and other interior woodwork was grained to appear like walnut, some with ebony trim. To lead the program of music, the congration obtained a Hamlin cabinet organ, an earlier version of the 1885 Hamlin that stands at the left of the pulpit.

In 1877 the congregation purchased a pipe organ, an instrument constructed by Charles Anderson in Denver. Now the oldest operational organ in Colorado, this instrument brings joy to Georgetown at Sunday services and in occasional recital. In 1998 the Organ Historical Society formally accepted the nomination of the organ to the list of historic organs of America. In 2010 the State Historical Fund granted $10,000 for much-needed repairs to the sheep-skin double air reservoir.

In 1882 the church constructed the great stone wall fronting the street and enclosing the steps to the vestibule. In the same year Mrs. Anson P. Stephens of nearby Lawson painted and presented to Grace Church the three-panel reredos above the altar. The child Jesus holds the center position above a crown which caps the altar cross. St. Paul stands to the left, and St. John the Evangelist stands to the right.