National and State Register

Rockland Community Church and Cemetery

Jefferson County

Rockland Community Church and Cemetery is architecturally significant as a type, period or method of construction.  The church has architectural significance as an outstanding, well-preserved example of the type of building that was constructed by early settlers for the purpose of worship.  Its simplicity of form and structure illustrates the need for prudent use of materials to reduce cost.  There is minimal ornate expression other than simple wood molding.

A view of the church with white slated walls and gable roof.

Rockland Community Church and Cemetery

Although this Late Victorian era influenced building does not overtly express an inspiration by any particular architecture style, the modest pilaster corner boards and slightly pedimented window molding provides a hint of Greek Revival influence.  Since it has had little alteration, it stands the way it was built.  It is a rare and pristine representation of Colorado’s early rural design and its vernacular construction methods of 1880.  Similarly, the associated 1880 cemetery met another basic need of the pioneers without extravagance.  The church’s simplistic design carries over to that of the cemetery with a basic plot plan (in place from 1880), native grasses and trees, and prevailing wooden cross grave markers.