Like many, after the Emancipation Proclamation granted her freedom from slavery, Julia Greeley headed West. By 1879 she had landed in Denver, and began working for Julia Platte Dickerson, a widow, who would eventually marry WIlliam Gilpin, the first territorial governor, appointed by Lincoln.
Julia Greeley joined the Catholic church in 1880, at Sacred Heart on Larimer Street. She was concerned about Denver’s lower class. At this time in history, there were few if any social programs to help those who were struggling. Once Julia completed her domestic duties for any of her given jobs, she would spend her evenings asking for donations to give struggling Denverites. Using a small wagon she would collect and distribute donations she received throughout the Five Points neighborhood. She recognized that some white citizens might be reluctant to receive coal, food, clothing and more from an African American woman, so she did much of her distribution in the dark. She was also very concerned about Denver’s firefighters, as she was aware of how dangerous their work was, and she delivered leaflets, and visited the stations to say special prayers for their safety.
Her contributions impacted so many in Denver. When she died in 1918, her body lay in state, she is still the only layperson in Denver to have this honor within a Catholic Church. For five hours, Denver mourners filed by to pay their respects.
Almost a century after her death, the Catholic Church has opened a case for Julia Greeley, referred to as a cause for a saint. Her case has been reviewed by the church authorities in Rome, and she could well become Denver’s first saint.
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Author Bio
Alison Salutz is the Director of Community Programs for Historic Denver. Her favorite part of the role is managing their walking tours, which allows her to research, visit and explore all aspects of Denver history, and incorporate findings into her work with the public. She previously served as the Visitor Experience Coordinator at the History Colorado Center, and the Director of Education and Programs at the Molly Brown House Museum, where she helped develop a self-guided city tour called Denver Story Trek. Although not originally from Denver, she received her 20 year chip, which she’s quite proud of.