United Methodist Church of La Junta Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Celebration Set for Oct. 26, 2025

Description: The United Methodist Church of La Junta is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Join the celebration on Oct. 26 at 601 San Juan Ave.

United Methodist Church of La Junta Listed on National Register of Historic Places, Celebration Set for Oct. 26, 2025

The current United Methodist Church of La Junta began its Gothic Revival style construction in 1913 and is located in a residential neighborhood at the intersection of San Juan Avenue and 6th Street. At the time of construction, the church was known as the First Methodist Episcopal Church.

The building sits with its main entrance facing west, toward San Juan Ave with the cornerstone, laid in 1913, on the northwest corner of the building. Designed by architect W.F. Schrage, of Kansas City, Missouri, construction of the church began in 1913, under the guidance of C.H. and N.E. Blankinship, of the Blankinship Brothers and was dedicated on October 18, 1914. The Education Building was constructed in 1959 and designed by the architectural firm of Nixon and Jones. This building followed the Mid-century style trend of church construction which led to a modern feel making the building unique to La Junta.

The United Methodist Church of La Junta Historical Committee:

Betty Lopez, Donna DeVries-Hestand, and Kelly Jo Smith began their efforts in the fall of 2023, consulting with local experts in historic preservation, Cynthia Nieb and Becky Goodwin, as well as with Damion Pechota, National and State Register Historian. Guided by a vision of maintaining a place of worship and ministry that welcomes all people, the committee pursued historic designation to help secure funds for restoring and maintaining the buildings. Throughout the process, progress was shared with the Trustees, Administrative Council, and the congregation.

The La Junta City Council and Mayor Joe Ayala were the first to recognize and name The United Methodist Church of La Junta and Education Building as a La Junta Historic Landmark in April of 2024.

On May 16, 2025 Dawn DiPrince, State Historic Preservation Officer for History Colorado informed the church in a letter of the new status, “It is my pleasure to announce the listing of the United Methodist Church of La Junta in the National Register of Historic Places and the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. The official designation took place on May 12, 2025 in recognition of this property’s contribution to the heritage of the State of Colorado.”

A celebration is scheduled for Oct 26th at 1:00 PM.

Join members at the church, located at 601 San Juan Ave. in La Junta on Oct. 26th for A Place Called Home: Celebrating Our Legacy at 1:00 PM as they celebrate God’s gifts and the spirit of those who serve and all the many people that have passed through and been a part of the United Methodist Church of La Junta. They will welcome the Incredi-bells that will be joined by the Chancel Choir, A Barber Shop Ensemble and Dean Reese on organ in a musical celebration. The recognition of valuable partners and the dedication plaque will be presented. A good will offering will be taken in support of the church. After the concert, an ice cream social will be held downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

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