History of the Little Log Church

Palmer Lake was founded by General William Jackson Palmer in 1871 and was incorporated in 1889.

The church was founded in 1924 as Palmer Lake Community Church. Services were held in the Town Hall until 41 charter members accepted a proposal to purchase two log homes for $2,700 in 1925. The bell from the original schoolhouse in Palmer Lake was moved to the belfry.

Pastor Bender served until 1930, when he resigned due to poor health. Evelana Macy replaced Pastor Bender in 1930. She had a Master’s degree from Columbia University and served as a missionary in Cuba from 1920-23. She moved to Colorado because she suffered from tuberculosis and was told that a drier climate would help her heal. Macy “tested her faith in a God of love and mercy” while recuperating. She served from 1930-59 and was affectionately called “Miss Macy” by those who knew her.

Miss Macy helped organize the first Yule Log Festival in Palmer Lake in 1933; the festival continues as an annual event.

The Star of Palmer Lake is lit during the month of Dec. It is 500 ft across and may be seen as far as 30 miles. The Church is an instrumental part of small-town life. Its rector and Miss Vaile started the Yule Log Festival in 1934 to bring fellowship and goodwill to the area. The bright idea of B.F. Jack, who managed the Mountain Utilities electric company.

In 1947 the basement was added to the church. Many church and outside activities are held downstairs.

JUN 9, 1954, JUL 11, 1954 Signs of progress In Palmer Lake include a $10,000 addition to the celebrated Little Log church, of which Miss Evalena Macy is pastor. Edward Walker, a Denver resident, recently gave the church a $17,000 organ in memory of his wife. Credit: Denver Post (Denver Post via Getty Images). 29 pews were installed, each bears a family name.

Wednesday, June 16, 1965, at about 2 p.m., a tornado hit Palmer Lake, letting loose a torrential rain following a day-long rain. People worked three days and nights to clear 15 inches of mud from the basement floor, and they saved it. Tom Collier sent his workmen, and in two days, the parsonage roof and porch were both new, so the preacher was out of the weather. However, the lawn was still bad. The rear of the church and parsonage are covered with two feet of rock. It took time, but little by little, order was restored.

Local contractors Central Colorado Builders and Coating Removal Services completed the renovation. Work included cleaning all the logs to bare wood inside and outside the church, replacing all chinking between them, and re-staining them. The roof got new shingles, and removing a drop ceiling was to reveal the original roof pitch, adding tongue-and-groove wood, and upgrading the electrical, lighting, sound, and HVAC systems.