Parish Profile: our history

Where we’ve been

Holy Comforter’s journey is one of courageous dreams, hard work, joy, heartbreak, healing, forgiveness and resilience. By the grace of God and through making a commitment to actively live the Gospel of Jesus, our dreams have become reality. We are thankful for the sacrifices and dedication of the faithful and courageous dreamers who shaped Holy Comforter into the community pillar that it is today.

In the spring of 1958, meeting in the home of one of the faithful, twelve families gathered and began to make plans to organize an Episcopal mission in the new community of Broomfield, Colorado. They could not have possibly known that they were laying the foundation for the faith community which we now know as Holy Comforter. Beyond just the buildings we would erect through the years, this was something special, something stronger – a community that would withstand the test of time, grow in strength and numbers, experience deeply painful struggles and heartbreak, and then experience resurrection. It became the place we now call our spiritual home.  

On September 26,1958, The Rt. Rev. Joseph A. Minnis approved the formal organization of the Chapel of the Holy Comforter as a mission. We are fortunate to have a handful of our original founders with us still. On November 9, 1958, The Rev. Austin DuPlan, newly appointed vicar, celebrated the first Holy Communion of the Chapel of the Holy Comforter in that same home basement. 

As a demonstration of commitment and good faith, Bishop Minnis requested that each member family contribute $1,000 toward the purchase of a house to be used as a worship space. This seemed a daunting task, as the average household income was $5,000 to $10,000.  Yet, the small congregation’s members achieved this remarkable feat. Additionally, the Diocese of Colorado provided a $16,000 loan so that Holy Comforter was able to acquire a house at 155 Hemlock Street to serve as a chapel, Sunday school classrooms, and office.