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We, the people of St. Peter's Parish and St.
Rose of Lima Mission believe that we are a part of a local
Diocesan and Universal Church located within a unique and
fragile environment; That we are called to serve resident and
visitor alike, of every age, social grouping through our
practice of Worship, Proclamation, and Witness; That we are
becoming a unified community of Catholic Christians who live the
power of Jesus' Resurrection in harmony with our environment and
our world. |
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Located on the Western Slope of Colorado, the Gunnison
country includes high alpine valleys and parks, some the finest hunting and
fishing in the nation, 14,000 ft-high mountains, and a rich history in mining,
cattle and recreation. Today irrigated hay meadows carpet the Gunnison Valley,
which is famous for its cattle; students roam the campus of Western State
College; and sportsmen travel from all over the country and the world to ski and
hunt the region. The diversity among citizen and visitor has created a community
and a parish with a wide variety of priorities and needs.
Founded in 1874, Gunnison Colony was situated near the
Gunnison River, in an alpine valley 7,700 feet in elevation. Undoubtedly, the
few Catholics who ventured into the wild, and then little explored country, had
the occasional ministry of religion at the hand of pioneer priests who passed
through the region on their way to and from the many mining camps that sprung up
in this part of western Colorado. These men left no record behind them except
the faith that they kept alive in the hearts of these sturdy people.
It was not until the year
1881, the same year the railroad was built into the fledgling town, and just
seven years after the township was laid out and the first settlers arrived, that
the first Catholic church was built in Gunnison. At the turn of the century, two
rooms were added to the rear of the church to serve as living quarters for the
priest. The rooms were sparsely furnished and only afforded the bare
necessities, but they were a decided improvement in the parish.
In 1905, a young priest by the name of
William Kipp arrived in Gunnison. The advent of Fr. Kipp marked the beginning of
a new life for the church. He abandoned the living area adjacent to the church
and rented a house in a more desirable location. Almost at once, a movement was
started to move the church to a more respectable location. Then in 1912,
building lots were purchased on a corner opposite the Church, and a modern
rectory was built. It remains in use today.
St. Peter’s Church currently has 326 registered
families. The parish has experienced tremendous growth in the past few years,
much like the early mining years. They welcome the very young child, the
teenager, the college students from Western State, the young adults, the
elderly, and those from others cultures and countries into their parish family
to celebrate their faith in God.
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