History
Catholic worship was first held in Fairplay in the early 1860s by Father Joseph Machebeuf, a French missionary, who had been sent to Colorado from New Mexico. In the early years, Father Machebeuf traveled by wagon train from Denver to South Park to say mass and for pastoral visits to the mining camps that were located throughout the area.
In the years that followed, Father Machebeuf continued to serve Colorado and became the first Bishop of Denver. One of his first acts was to appoint a young, energetic priest, Father Henry Robinson, to serve the local community in and around Fariplay, which included Alma and Como. Father Robinson established St. Joseph’s Catholic Mission in 1874.
Now, 135 years later, our small, wood frame church is still standing and continues to be the focal point for a growing Catholic community that includes visitors and all of the communities west of Kenosha Pass in northern Park County.
On June 25, 2010, we entered a new era for St. Joseph Church with the dedication of our brand new church adjacent to the historic one. Now we have enough room to welcome both locals and visitors alike into our growing community.
We plan on restoring the old church as funds become available, and using it as a parish hall and community center.
In the years that followed, Father Machebeuf continued to serve Colorado and became the first Bishop of Denver. One of his first acts was to appoint a young, energetic priest, Father Henry Robinson, to serve the local community in and around Fariplay, which included Alma and Como. Father Robinson established St. Joseph’s Catholic Mission in 1874.
Now, 135 years later, our small, wood frame church is still standing and continues to be the focal point for a growing Catholic community that includes visitors and all of the communities west of Kenosha Pass in northern Park County.
On June 25, 2010, we entered a new era for St. Joseph Church with the dedication of our brand new church adjacent to the historic one. Now we have enough room to welcome both locals and visitors alike into our growing community.
We plan on restoring the old church as funds become available, and using it as a parish hall and community center.
Copyright 2012-2021, St. Joseph Catholic Church
455 Castello, P.O. Box 308, Fairplay, CO 80440
Phone: 719-836-2042
[email protected]
455 Castello, P.O. Box 308, Fairplay, CO 80440
Phone: 719-836-2042
[email protected]