The University of Denver started out a Methodist school, and recently the relationship has again strengthened.

“The last eight years we’ve really been trying to re-join and become friendly again,” said Rev. Paul Kottke, pastor of University Park UMC.

The DU project, an effort by the United Methodist Church to encourage more activity between DU and the church, supports DU programs, students and special events.

Colorado Seminary, the official name of DU, often works with three other entities.

“We call it the four corners of Methodism,” said Rev. Kottke. It is made up of the chancellor of DU, the president of the Iliff School of Theology, the pastor of the University Park UMC, and the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the UMC. “A great deal of effort has been put into restoring the relationship,” he said.

The Methodist church also stresses the importance of recognition and affirmation of other faiths.

“As a Christian church in the 21st century, we can provide a leadership that benefits all religions,” he said.

The church is currently a key part in three major activities. First, it is an active part of planning for Bridges to the Future.

Second, the UMC is the host and co-sponsor of “Empowering the United Nations for the 21st Century,” a four-part discussion during the month of October that features speakers on the origin and operations of the UN. The event, beginning Thursday, hosts four speakers on four different days and takes place in the University Park UMC.

Finally, the University Park UMC is introducing its Wednesday night worship service and Bible study on campus. The Wednesday service, “Evensong,” is designed for young adults over the age of 18. It is through the Wesley Foundation, an outreach program to college campuses.

“It is a place to keep in connection with the church, and even other Christians,” said Michelle Johnson, campus minister for the Wesley Foundation.

There are currently 15 students who help regularly with the youth organizations, but many students participate in and attend the programs.

“We actually have more undergraduates this year,” said Johnson. “Mostly it has been older students.”

Johnson said she recognizes it is difficult sometimes for young people to keep up with their faith while in college, and the Wednesday services help to remind young people of the importance of belonging to a faith.

“I understand it’s easy for students to get away from it, but we want all students to feel welcome,” she said. “It is important to keep a foothold within the church, even if you can’t do everything expected.”

The Wednesday services are open to everyone, even those of a different faith, to examine their role in society as Christians.

“It was John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, who said ‘Think and let think,'” said Johnson. “People must think about what their gifts are, and how they connect and work with the community and the larger world. This helps to remind students of life’s journey.”

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DU’s Methodist History

1864 Colorado Seminary is opened by John Evans, second territorial governor of Colorado, on 14th and Arapahoe downtown. It closes after three years.

1880 The Seminary is restarted as Denver University. David Hastings Moore is the first Chancellor.

1889 DU incorporates the undeveloped University Park site. Enrollment is 665.

1890s Iliff family, cattleranchers, begins religious studies program. All staff in DU at this time are Methodist clergy. The wives of the clergy begin the church and Sunday school, using Old Main (admissions building) as a chapel and meeting place.

1900 DU is in debt, Iliff School closes. Henry Buchtel, (Chancellor, 1900-1920) brings the school out of debt.

1910 Iliff reopens as a separate religious school.

1928 Warren Chapel for United Methodist Church opens; church rituals move out of Old Main.

1940s, 50s DU becomes more culturally, religiously sensitive to other faiths and nationalities.

1960s, 70s Cultural changes, feelings of “against the institution” lead to DU, Iliff, and the Methodist Church becoming very separate. Churches and schools become more independent and worked on their own programs.