St. Thomas Episcopal Church
a.k.a. 5AL.260
607 Fourth St., Alamosa, COSt. Thomas Episcopal Church is eligible for listing in the National Register under criterion C for its architectural significance. The building possesses the distinctive characteristics of the Mission Revival Style with its curvilinear parapets, smooth stuccoed walls, and round-arched window openings. The building represents the work of the prolific Denver architectural firm of William E. Fisher and Arthur A. Fisher, and it is the only identified example of their work in Alamosa County. The building is one of the few religious properties designed by this partnership, which was noted more for the fine residences and commercial buildings it created for Denver's social and financial elite. The use of the Mission style was unusual for the architectural firm, which was renowned for its Mediterranean-style designs. When the firm did utilize the Mission style, it was with an infusion of classical elements that created an eclectic design.
The numerous Spanish missions constructed between 1769 and 1823 throughout California by Franciscans and native labor provided the inspiration for a new architectural style that emerged at the end of the nineteenth century. The "California Building" designed in 1893 for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago introduced the Mission Style. Popular for domestic and public architecture, the Mission Revival style is easily recognized by the curvilinear-shaped gabled wall and the semicircular arched openings used in windows, doors, and arcades. The style is characterized by simplicity with smooth walls that are usually stuccoed or plastered and devoid of any ornamentation. St. Thomas Episcopal Church is one of four examples of the Mission style identified in Alamosa County, all of which are in the town of Alamosa, and each presents its own distinctive interpretation of the style.
Two other examples of the style are located one block west on Fourth Street, and both are listed in the National Register. The 1937 Alamosa County Courthouse (the largest WPA project in the county) exemplifies the Mission Revival style. The U-shaped red brick courthouse with its tile roof is the largest expression of the style. Sacred Heart Catholic Church was constructed between 1922 and 1928 in a cruciform plan with stuccoed walls and an arcade connecting it to the rectory. The Catholic church possesses Spanish Baroque wall surface ornamentation and elaborately shaped (rosa) clerestory windows that make it more representative of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Another example of the Mission Revival style can be found on the campus of Adams State College. Rex Gymnasium, a 1939 PWA project, is a large stuccoed brick building painted white with a tile roof and numerous straight-headed windows. Despite its almost endless gently curving parapet wall, the building confines the use of the round arch to blind arches over the five doorways. St. Thomas is the smallest and simplest expression of the Mission Revival style, but it also possesses an unusual twist. The 1930 sanctuary addition (constructed several years after the Fisher-designed 1926 parish hall) incorporates the pointed-arched windows from the old 1882 church. It is not known why the addition deviated from the round-arched windows that are so prominent in the parish hall. The reuse of these Gothic windows could have been an homage to the old church or a cost-saving measure during the financially hard times brought on by the Depression. Whatever the reason, these uncharacteristic windows are not readily evident from the street and do not detract from the building's overall expression of the Mission Revival style. A large two-story building filling the adjacent lot to the west obscures the west side of the sanctuary. Vegetation, stuccoed garden walls, and the longer Parish Hall make a view of the sanctuary's east side difficult.
Local significance of the building:
The numerous Spanish missions constructed between 1769 and 1823 throughout California by Franciscans and native labor provided the inspiration for a new architectural style that emerged at the end of the nineteenth century. The "California Building" designed in 1893 for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago introduced the Mission Style. Popular for domestic and public architecture, the Mission Revival style is easily recognized by the curvilinear-shaped gabled wall and the semicircular arched openings used in windows, doors, and arcades. The style is characterized by simplicity with smooth walls that are usually stuccoed or plastered and devoid of any ornamentation. St. Thomas Episcopal Church is one of four examples of the Mission style identified in Alamosa County, all of which are in the town of Alamosa, and each presents its own distinctive interpretation of the style.
Two other examples of the style are located one block west on Fourth Street, and both are listed in the National Register. The 1937 Alamosa County Courthouse (the largest WPA project in the county) exemplifies the Mission Revival style. The U-shaped red brick courthouse with its tile roof is the largest expression of the style. Sacred Heart Catholic Church was constructed between 1922 and 1928 in a cruciform plan with stuccoed walls and an arcade connecting it to the rectory. The Catholic church possesses Spanish Baroque wall surface ornamentation and elaborately shaped (rosa) clerestory windows that make it more representative of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Another example of the Mission Revival style can be found on the campus of Adams State College. Rex Gymnasium, a 1939 PWA project, is a large stuccoed brick building painted white with a tile roof and numerous straight-headed windows. Despite its almost endless gently curving parapet wall, the building confines the use of the round arch to blind arches over the five doorways. St. Thomas is the smallest and simplest expression of the Mission Revival style, but it also possesses an unusual twist. The 1930 sanctuary addition (constructed several years after the Fisher-designed 1926 parish hall) incorporates the pointed-arched windows from the old 1882 church. It is not known why the addition deviated from the round-arched windows that are so prominent in the parish hall. The reuse of these Gothic windows could have been an homage to the old church or a cost-saving measure during the financially hard times brought on by the Depression. Whatever the reason, these uncharacteristic windows are not readily evident from the street and do not detract from the building's overall expression of the Mission Revival style. A large two-story building filling the adjacent lot to the west obscures the west side of the sanctuary. Vegetation, stuccoed garden walls, and the longer Parish Hall make a view of the sanctuary's east side difficult.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About Alamosa County
Alamosa County Timeline
Alamosa County, Colorado, was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute and Jicarilla Apache. These tribes were semi-nomadic and relied on hunting and gathering for sustenance. Spanish explorers arrived in the region in the 16th century, with Juan de Oñate being one of the first known Europeans to visit the area. The Spanish established settlements and missions, but their presence was disrupted by conflicts with Native American tribes and eventually faded away.
In the mid-19th century, the Colorado Gold Rush brought European-American settlers into the area. Ranching and mining industries started to develop, transforming Alamosa County into an agricultural and commercial center. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad established a route through the county in 1878, further boosting its growth and connecting it to larger markets.
Alamosa County experienced a significant population increase during the early 20th century due to agricultural expansion, primarily in potato farming and cattle ranching. The town of Alamosa was incorporated in 1878 and became the county seat. Water management projects, such as the establishment of reservoirs and irrigation canals, played a crucial role in supporting the region's agricultural growth.
The county also faced various challenges throughout its history. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s severely impacted the local economy, causing many residents to migrate in search of better opportunities. However, the community worked hard to recover, with the construction of the Alamosa National Fish Hatchery bringing much-needed jobs during the Great Depression. Today, Alamosa County continues to be a prominent agricultural center, while also attracting tourists who come to explore nearby natural attractions such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
In the mid-19th century, the Colorado Gold Rush brought European-American settlers into the area. Ranching and mining industries started to develop, transforming Alamosa County into an agricultural and commercial center. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad established a route through the county in 1878, further boosting its growth and connecting it to larger markets.
Alamosa County experienced a significant population increase during the early 20th century due to agricultural expansion, primarily in potato farming and cattle ranching. The town of Alamosa was incorporated in 1878 and became the county seat. Water management projects, such as the establishment of reservoirs and irrigation canals, played a crucial role in supporting the region's agricultural growth.
The county also faced various challenges throughout its history. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s severely impacted the local economy, causing many residents to migrate in search of better opportunities. However, the community worked hard to recover, with the construction of the Alamosa National Fish Hatchery bringing much-needed jobs during the Great Depression. Today, Alamosa County continues to be a prominent agricultural center, while also attracting tourists who come to explore nearby natural attractions such as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
Alamosa County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Alamosa County, Colorado.
- 1873 - Alamosa County was established on March 8th.
- 1878 - The first permanent settlement, known as "Old Fort," was established.
- 1881 - The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad reached Alamosa, fueling economic growth.
- 1886 - The town of Alamosa was incorporated on April 22nd.
- 1905 - The Alamosa National Bank, the first bank in the county, was established.
- 1912 - The State Normal School, now Adams State University, was founded.
- 1922 - The Carnegie Public Library opened its doors to the public.
- 1951 - The Great Sand Dunes National Monument was established.
- 2003 - The Alamosa County Museum opened, showcasing the county's history.