Our History
The Chapel
Construction of the Ralston Presbyterian Church began late in 1910. The property was 3/4 of a mile north of the town of Ralston’s Crossing, and about 6 miles from Arvada. The Ralston Presbyterian Church was dedicated on May 21, 1911. Construction of the brick building cost about $4,000.
The Presbyterians used this facility until at least 1960, when a 50th anniversary commemoration ceremony was held. The building became Ralston Valley Chapel Community Church in 1963, when the belfry was transformed into a steeple. Various other congregations were housed in the facility for the next 33 years.
Randy and Cheryl Miller purchased the building and grounds in 1996 as the site for their business, Randall’s Photography. In 2011, to mark the 100-year anniversary of the building, the Millers restored and renovated the grounds and structure, which still houses Randall’s Photography. The Millers named the new venture after the town that once surrounded the property: Ralston’s Crossing Event Center.
The Community
The Community of Ralston’s Crossing was founded around 1858 as a stagecoach route stopping point on its way to Wyoming. At its height, Ralston’s Crossing was home to 800-900 people.
Ralston’s Crossing had its town center near the present-day intersection at 64th and Indiana. Within the town center of Ralston’s Crossing was a grocery store, a hotel, a blacksmith shop, a post office, and four school buildings. It had its own cemetery, supported two mines, the Tindale and Glencoe, and was home to 3 different railroads during its tenure.
The Ralston’s Crossing community officially ended in the early 1920’s, but the church building carries on. It has held countless weddings, funerals and church services in its nearly 110 years. The chapel has come full circle – in 2019, an area church, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, began holding its Sunday morning services at Ralston’s Crossing Event Center.
Open House Tours Every Wednesday from 4 to 6.
Tour our Wedding Chapel, Reception Facilities, and Event Center every Wednesday from 4 to 6 – no appointment necessary! You can also schedule a private tour.
