Built in 1888, St. Francis of Assisi was the first church building in Castle Rock. The Castle Rock Journal reported that the estimated price would be $1000.00. Donations from early residents started the building effort.

Before the need for the church was realized, priests from St. Mary’s in Colorado Springs and Littleton journeyed around the counties for a term of one month providing mass for the local communities. During these times it was reported that the priests said mass with a pistol hidden nearby. Prior to 1923 the church had irregular services and no assigned priest. Father Walter Steidle was the first priest ordained to the church. He was a fine stone mason and personally built the rock vestibule on the front of the church.

The rhyolite stone used to construct the building came from local quarries. The stained glass windows were donated by local families in the 1920’s. Records show there once was a rectory on the grounds but was destroyed by fire, date unknown.

In 1966, the congregation left the church for a larger one located east of town. This new church holds the original altar and cornerstone. The building was vacant until 1975 when it underwent remodeling to become a restaurant. The original choir loft was expanded and the confessional became a table for two.