| The main room of the Marble church was built in Aspen
in 1886 and was known as St John's Episcopal Chapel. Meanwhile in Marble by 1900
there was an active Sunday School for the Children through there was not a building.
The bothers John and Ambrose Williams served as Superintendents for many years.
In 1908 the little chapel was no longer needed in Aspen and the Diocese made it
available for moving to Marble. With $2500 donated by the Episcopal Womens' Guild,
two lots were purchased from William W. Woods. The building was dismantled and
moved to Marble on a railroad car and reassembled on its present site, and the
two side rooms were added. It was renamed St. Paul's Church. The bell tower and
its 500 pound bell were added in 1911. The bell was donated by Mrs Procter, of
Procter and Gambel.
St Paul's Church provided a sanctuary
for many congregations (Episcopal, Union Congregational, and Catholic) and a meeting
place for other groups. It was the center of religious and social activities until
late 1941 when the imminence of World War II caused the closing of the Marble
Company and the demise of the town. The building was left in the care of the Williams
brothers and was not used for many years.
In
the early 1950's, teenagers from the Vandenbosch and Loudermilk families received
permission from the brothers to clean the church and use it for prayer meetings
and hymn singing services. Interest in these services grew, and by 1950 a congregation
had formed and adopted the name Marble Community Church. During the summers of
1960 and 1961 George Drake served the congregation. George went on to become president
of Grinnel College. An unfortunate misunderstanding led the Diocese to disallow
the community congregation's use of the building. For the next twelve summers
the group held worship services in the old high school building. During this period
the practice of inviting guest ministers from many denominations to conduct Sunday
services was initiated and proved to be very successful.
The Episcopal Diocese, using donated
materials and labor, completed some major repairs, including a new foundation,
sheet metal roof and painting, in the mid sixties. For a few summers it also held
Sunday afternoon services here.
In 1974 the community congregation
was again allowed to use the church in exchange for maintenance help. In 1980
the recently retired Rev. Dr Frederick E. Udlock moved to the area making it possible
to hold worship services on a year round basis. In 1983 the Marble Community Church
became incorporated under the laws of Colorado, and had a roll of forty regular
or associate members. After much negotiation, on July 7, 1985 the Rev. Fr. Cyril
Coverly of the Episcopal Diocese presented the deed to the building and land to
the officers and members of the Marble Community Church. In 1987 Dr Udlock retired
as Pastor and the Rev Miss Doris Brumbaugh was called to serve the church. Unfortunately,
various circumstances caused the membership to decline and in 1991 financial conditions
forced the congregation to return to its summer guest program.
Many repairs are necessary to maintain the church. Complete
renovation of both the west classroom and east parlor room, a new brown metal
roof, new wiring and breaker box, new stove and ceiling fans, strengthening of
a saggin beam, bringing water to the building and adding indoor plumbing, restoration
of the pews, much patching and application of gallons of paint are some of the
improvements made in the last few years through the generous gift of time, talen
and money from members and friends.
2002 - The church has grown and created the need for
a plan to preserve the original building and expand to a fellowship all! Through
the continued effort of loyal members, friends and visitors, this church is determined
to continue its ministry in God's beautiful valley. If you would like to help,
please visit our donations page for more information.
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