Community Presbyterian Church of Aguilar 100 years old in 2006

In 1906 the American Methodist Church organization built the present edifice. It was initiated into the family of Presbyterian Churches in 1944. This historic church located on South Romero Street in Aguilar has persevered in spite of a diminishing membership. A small group of members faithfully gather for Sunday worship (9:30 AM) with the Rev. Sam Madrid as pastor. Originally the resident pastor lived in an adjacent parsonage house. Today the Reverend travels from Trinidad to officiate.

The church was used for many community functions in the height of the towns’ growth when coal mines operated in the nearby hills and Las Animas County. With the closing of the mines, families were forced to leave and membership declined. The town and new residents to the area from surrounding valleys still support three churches in Aguilar.

The Town of Aguilar Board of Trustees has recently appointed a 7 member Preservation Advisory Board who will be working with the local Apishapa Valley Historical Society to identify and designate historic properties such as this beautiful 100 year old church. A cultural resource survey being funded by the Colorado Historical Society is in progress within the original incorporation boundaries and the coming year promises to be a “turn a round” point for this town which has already lost its historic school buildings.

Submitted by P. L. Romero