In an uncertain world, it can be comforting to know about something that still lasts. The state of Colorado has been around for one hundred and forty-seven years, yet some of the places and landmarks date back even further.

Colorado's oldest church has been here since before the territory became a state, and would you believe this church is still in use today despite its location in one of Colorado's tiniest towns? Keep going for a closer look at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church in Antonito, Colorado.

Google Street
Google Street
loading...
Kool 107.9 logo
Get our free mobile app

Where is Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church?

Antonito, Colorado, is home to about 640 people as of the 2021 census. It's located just down the road from the Colorado/ New Mexico state line in Conejos County.

The community of San Luis (founded in 1851) is recognized as the oldest in Colorado. The community of Antonito sits just 38 miles west of San Luis and is home to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, which completed construction in 1863.

Google Street
Google Street
loading...

The Original Church Was Completed in 1858

The original house of worship built at the site in Antonito was an Adobe structure completed under the supervision of a French missionary named Joseph Machebeuf. The Our Lady of Guadeloupe Parish replaced the Adobe site in 1863. The church was dedicated in December of that year.

The entire church was almost lost to fire on Ash Wednesday of 1926. All that remained after the fire was the front of the church with the two towers. A decision was reached to rebuild the church on the original site using what was left of the original frame and marble altar. This allowed Our Lady of Guadeloupe Parish to keep its distinction as the oldest church in Colorado.

attachment-Historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church in Conejos County
loading...

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church in 2023

Talk about stuff that lasts, Sunday mass is still held weekly at 7:30 am and 11 am in the church. If you are traveling down Highway 285 through Antonito the church is visible from the road and is worth a chance to see some Colorado history for yourself.

MORE: 10 Things You May Not Have Known About Colorado's Oldest Town

The oldest town in Colorado has been around since the year 1851. The community of San Luis in the San Luis Valley is a small town with a big story. The area around San Luis is home to several Colorado attractions that make exploring the area a fun way to enjoy the summer with friends. Keep going to learn 10 facts you may not have known about Colorado's oldest town.

LOOK: Exploring the History of Grand Junction, Colorado: From Frontier Town to Small City

If you came to western Colorado in 1880, you probably never would have guessed how the valley would look in 2023. Check out a timeline of significant events that brought Grand Junction from the frontier to a small city from 1880 to 1900.

LOOK: One of Colorado's Oldest & Most Giant Trees is Near Grand Junction

Sitting right next to the Colorado River in Palisade is one of the oldest and largest Fremont Cottonwood trees in the state of Colorado. This special tree was another reason the site was included as part of the Colorado River State Park when it opened in 1994.

More From Kool 107.9