Eagle River Presbyterian Church’s (ERPC) roots traced back over 100 years to the Red Cliff Church, the first church to be chartered in Eagle County. As the railroad industry gained momentum in the high country, the Town of Minturn sprang up down river from Red Cliff and in 1914; a new church was chartered in Minturn. By the 1940’s, Minturn’s church became the center of Presbyterian worship. By the
1980’s, as the population and the ski industry grew along the I-70 corridor, PC (USA ) worship services were occurring in four Vail Valley pulpits—Red Cliff, Minturn, the Vail Chapel and the Beaver Creek Chapel. Over the next decade, it became impractical to maintain four preaching points. In addition, the worshippers, in what then were the Presbyterian Parish of Minturn and Red Cliff, also realized they were outgrowing their available facilities. This small but faithful group made the decision to move to ERPC’s current location on Nottingham Road, opening its doors to members in December 2002. Over the next decade ERPC continued to grow as the popularity of the Vail Valley as a resort community expanded. In 2011, church leaders began to explore the need to expand the current facilities. In April 2012, the Session approved “The Journey Continues Growth & Capital Campaign” to expand the facilities and programs to better serve the congregation and the community. The expansion started in April 2013, which included increased seating in the sanctuary, expansion of the kitchen, expansion of Christian education, and the addition of the fellowship hall. This $1.7 million project was completed and dedicated in November 2013. Like those pioneers who settled Eagle County, ERPC continues to embody the pioneering spirit as it continues to grow and serve the needs of the community.