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Show Churches Serve All People Of 5 Monticello, Are Well Attended The first bulwark of all American communities is its churches, Monticello citizens are proud of their churches. The newest and by far the largest church here belongs to members "of the faith that started and first settled this area in 1880, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, better known as the Mormon Church. The new Chapel was finished In 1952 at a cost of approximately $145,000.00. The brick structure consists of a large chapel, a recreation hall with a full sized stage and cyclorama at one end, 12 classrooms, 2 rest rooms, a cloak room, a tiled Baptismal font, large foyer. Bishop's office, store room, lockers, and a spacious Relief Society room. The entire building is equipped with a loud speaker system. The church also maintains a seminary and a welfare supply louse here. The L.D.S Church has the facilities, and has planned its organizations so that its members are furn-1 ished with a rounded social program, as well as with complete religious training for people of all ages, from toddlers on up. The first Protestant Missionary to stay in this area for any length of time, was sent here by the Northern Baptist Convention in 1923. For many years the Protestant people met about once a month for their services in the country school houses near Monticello. The present San Juan Community Church had its inception in 1940 at the 4M Guest Ranch, when 27 people signed pledges to support the organization to be known as the San Juan Community Church. Actual construction was not begun until 1948. Before the church was finished in 1949, fire from an overheated stove destroyed the east half of the new building. After this blow the struggling Community church received assistance from many outlying communities, as well as from the generous L.D.S. members in Monticello. Finally the new church was completed and dedicated in 1950. It consists of a large Sanctuary, 3 classrooms, a social hall, and a large modern kitchen. Many of Monticello's civic organizations and clubs, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and the 411 Clubs, now hold their ban quets in the Community Church social hall. As near as can be learned the first Catholic Mass was held in a private home about 1916. Shortly before this the Catholic settlers had begun to gather funds to build a church. However, they were not able to begin building until 1934, at which time they erected church of stucco construction. Sev. eral years later a modern four room log rectory was attached to the rear of the church. In 1948 a church recreation hall was built at the rear of the church property. The interior of the original church was completely remodeled and redecorated during the spring and summer of 1954. The Catholic population of Monti cello has recently increased so much that plans are being made , to greatly enlarge the present church, or to build a new one la i the near future. |
