Memorial Library & Heritage Center

The earliest building in the present Montview Church complex was constructed in 1908-1909; its dedication and consecration as a place of worship occurred on Easter Sunday 1910. Prominent in the worship space were the majestic stained glass windows. Called the East Wing, three areas now exist: the Robinson Room, the Memorial Library, and the Heritage Center. These areas comprise the room in which you are standing.

In the 1960s a decision was made to cover the extraordinary windows on the east wall of this space. Classrooms for Sunday school were created, which later evolved into staff offices. However, in 1991, the windows were again revealed for our viewing of their rich, brilliant colors and exquisite detail.

DAHLIA STREET MONTVIEW BLVD

EUDORA STREET

CHRIST AS THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Given by Mrs. Joseph W. Phillips in memory of her daughter, Nora.

JESUS AS A CHILD TALKING WITH THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE

Window given by John A. Beeler in memory of his wife. The upper part of this window is backlit; the Education Wing, built 1926-1928, has a wall that backs up to this window, obscuring the light. People who take time to savor and enjoy these magnificent Heritage Center (East Wing) windows will note the way the hair styles of the young children depicted in the windows reflect the early Twentieth Century styles rather than those of First Century Palestine.

VIEW OF THE SEA OF GALILEE WITH CHRIST AND THE CHILDREN

Window given by Mrs. Friz-Brind in memory of her mother; dedicated on behalf of the children at the Denver Orphans‘ Home at Colfax and Albion Note the uppermost part of this window, including the symbols at the very top. The tracery soars, making this the tallest single window among Montview’s stained glass windows.

ROBINSON ROOM WINDOW

The Robinson Room is a part of the original building and its window is entitled: “Christ and the Little Children.” The window contains three large panels in which Jesus is surrounded by children. Note the “bunker windows,” located at the bottom of the large window. These small windows are hinged and, prior to the days of air conditioning, were opened to admit fresh air. Note also the bouquet of flowers held by one of the little girls, and the blooming orange poppies along the lower level of the window. John Gallup served as president of the Denver Park Board for four years at the beginning of the 20th Century and was largely responsible for the large lake, pavilion, and museum in City Park. The Robinson Room window was given in memory of his son. Along with the three large windows located in the Heritage Center, the Robinson Room window was designed and fabricated by Paul Halleck, a native Coloradan. Mr. Halleck later became a medical doctor and used his artistic talents to illustrate procedures for medical journals. Worship services, originally held in the East Wing until 1918, were moved to the Auditorium (Miller Chapel) and Tower Building at its completion.

ANTECHAMBER WINDOWS

A number of additional stained glass windows are visible in this area. Return from the Robinson Room to the Library and Heritage Center, and look back high on the north wall of the room you have just left; identify a circular window on that wall. Then move over to the door to the stairwell that leads directly out to Montview Boulevard. Above that door is a beautiful fan-shaped window. Immediately adjacent to the Robinson Room, toward the Montview Boulevard entrance, is an antechamber containing three stained glass windows. They are among the church’s earliest windows (1910), and their symbolism reflects the beginning of the church, including a cross penetrating the crown with the IHC symbolizing the crucifixion, resurrection, and everlasting life: Christ the King is the head of the church. The antechamber windows were dedicated to Montview’s founders (31 charter members), including Colonel John L. Handley. At Col. And Mrs. Handley’s home, 2031 Forest Street, the charter of the church was signed on November 2, 1902. Col. Handley also served as a long-time teacher in Montview’s Sunday School. These windows were made possible through the various fund-raising activities supported by the children of the Sunday School – nickels, dimes, and pennies (1910 money), including entertainment on the lawn of the church and a cup of ice cream for an extra nickel. These three windows are the only double-hung stained glass windows in the entire church complex, and all three are unique in size, shape, and design. Small brass commemorative plaques are attached to each window sill. The plaques indicate to whom the window is dedicated or whose Sunday School class raised the money to buy that window.