Westminster Presbyterian Church served the westside of Colorado Springs from 1929 – 1956, but was dissolved when funds were not available for expansion. The Pueblo Presbytery would grant money for a new church at a new site. Then, former members of Westminster met informally at the Shrine Club on Pikes Peak Ave. They were led by Rev. Charles Farah, a Presbyterian minister serving with the Navigators. In early 1957, the Presbytery selected Rev. Louis F. Meek from First Presbyterian Church in Alamosa, to be the new pastor for the congregation. The Westminster property was sold for $20,000 and the money was used to purchase property between Castle Road and Fontenero.
Ground was broken for a manse at 723 Castle Road on July 28, 1957. The manse was known as “Gateway House” and was used for worship, Sunday school and the pastor’s home. The name Gateway was suggested by the 12 year old daughter of the Jackson family because the location was near the “gateway” of the Garden of the Gods.
On Sunday, January 26, 1958, the 102 member congregation was formally chartered as Gateway United Presbyterian Church by the Presbytery of Pueblo. “United” was later dropped from the name. Ground was broken on August 2, 1959 for building the church. The cornerstone was laid on March 27, 1960 and dedication services were held on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1960.
Rev. Meek left later in 1960 and Rev. Dr. Herman Heuser was Interim Pastor (1961 – 1964), followed by Rev. Richard “Dick” Baker, until 1969. Rev. David Clark became the longest-serving pastor (1970 – 1987) in Gateway’s history and received the title of Pastor Emeritus upon his retirement. He is remembered for developing the strong connection with Westside CARES. The congregation was then served by Rev. James E. Patterson (1988 – 1991) followed by Rev. Doug Counsell (1991 – 1999), during which the addition of the offices, nursery, library, narthex, and classrooms were completed. Following his retirement, the church was led by Interim Pastor George Holland (2000), Rev. Matthew Paul (2001 – 2007), Interim Pastor Victoria Isaacs (2007 – 2008) and Rev. David Markwalder (2008 – 2015), who led the joyous two-day 50th Anniversary in September 2008. Next, the congregation welcomed Interim Pastor Robert Leivers (2015 – 2018) who experienced the replacement of the boiler, renovation of the kitchen, updating several classrooms, the installation of a new sound system board, and a year long quarterly celebration of Gateway’s 60th Anniversary. In 2019, Rev. Dr. Victoria Isaacs returned as our Pastor. In 2024, Rev. Dr. Victoria Issacs left Gateway to serve at a church out of state. Currently, Gateway is interviewing for a new Interim Pastor.
For the first time in its history, Gateway had the opportunity to ordain new leadership. Rev. Collin Downing was ordained in June 2013 and served as Associate Pastor at Gateway until 2020. Rev. Brian Biven was ordained as a Chaplain in July 2015 and also served briefly as an Assistant Pastor at Gateway until 2018. Rev. Rochelle Bruhn was ordained as a Chaplain in December 2016. In addition to the status of reverend, this congregation has had the honor of having two members prepare for and serve as commissioned pastors. Terry Buckman in 2010 went on to serve in several small churches in Southern Colorado and Beth Lebsock in March 2017 was commissioned to serve as Gateway’s Congregational Care Pastor through 2020.
Today, Gateway remains well located to serve Christ in the 21st century. The faces have changed with members coming and going, but our vision remains to “Be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ in our community and our world.” We strive to fulfill the goals set by those who have come before us to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and especially minister to people on the west side of Colorado Springs.
Gateway Presbyterian Church 