Ruth Memorial Chapel

Photo by Dave Aldridge

History
In the Parker area, Protestant services were first held in the schoolhouse James Parker had provided in the 1870's, across the road from his 20-Mile House.

After several years of planning, he building originally known as Ruth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church was constructed immediately east of today's Town of Parker Mainstreet Center. According to generally accepted accounts, Dr. Walter Heath, county superintendent of schools, donated the land and contributed $1,000 toward the cost of construction. In fact, George Parker sold the land to the church for one dollar. The deed was dated 11 November, 1911.

Dr. Heath passed away before the structure was completed. The church was named for his daughter, Ruth, who had died at an early age. The building was dedicated 25 May, 1913 by Bishop Francis J. McConnell. The building served the congregation's needs until 1970, when the church bought the old Parker school next door and moved most of its activities there.

In 1988 the building was restored and was thereafter used for Sunday School classes, small weddings, funerals and social events. In 1989 the chapel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1996 the building was purchased by the Town of Parker, along with the old Parker school and the parsonage.

How To Find It
From the intersection of Parker's Mainstreet and Parker Road (Colorado 83) drive east on Mainstreet for 0.21 miles. The chapel is on the right (south side of the street).

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