State Capitol
The state capitol is a sacred place because of the significant opportunity to love our neighbor through the work done inside its walls. It serves not only as a government building where hundreds of citizens work each day, but a historic landmark with over 300,000 visitors each year. It is a place that holds the historical heritage of our past and cultural convergence that shapes our future.
The state capitol was built on ten acres of land donated by Henry Brown that he had purchased for $200 through the Homestead Act. The construction of the capitol building took over 15 years. The exterior structure is gray granite quarried near Gunnison. The interior structure is what is believed to be the entire known supply of Colorado Rose Onyx, a rare rose stone from a quarry near Beulah, Colorado and White Yule Marble from Marble, Colorado is used for the floors. The original exterior of the dome was copper and quickly tarnished green. It was replaced with gold leaf in 1908 that was donated by Colorado gold miners commemorating the Colorado Gold Rush. The construction materials display the natural beauty of Colorado and ground the capitol with a deep sense of place.
The state capitol is unique as it is a building owned by the people. The state capitol belongs to the citizens of Colorado. “Ownership can be viewed as either an option or responsibility,” said Chelsea Nunnenkamp, who worked at the Colorado State Capitol as the Senate Majority Leader Legislative Aide. Her conviction is that the state capitol is “the people’s house” and should be seen as a place of invitation and participation. “Because it belongs to everyone, the diversity of our state should regularly be represented in its halls,” Chelsea shared. The public invitation is to come and see the legislature in session. While working at the capitol, Chelsea witnessed individuals who came regularly to sit in the gallery, to watch and pray.
The capitol is a place where the public is not only welcome to observe but also to participate. Chelsea shares an often-overlooked fact, “Every Coloradan has the right not only to observe, but participate in the legislative process. You have the right to testify for or against any bill that goes before a committee.” Members of the public may choose to submit a written testimony, but from Chelsea’s perspective there is a weight to an individual’s testimony when their voice is embodied in person. It is in the beautiful and historical chambers of the state capitol people come to voice their support or opposition for bills. It is a place where people can participate in the political process to care for their neighbors and neighborhoods. While kingdoms and capitols of this earth will all pass away, the work of loving our neighbor is part of the Kingdom with no end. Everyday politicians and citizens arrive at the state capitol to care for the people of Colorado, making the state capitol a sacred place.
A special thank you to Chelsea Nunnenkamp for her interview and contributions to this article. Chelsea serves on Englewood City Council and takes the stairs each Monday to the council chamber. She is following the example of the Senate Majority Leader she worked with, who took the stairs at the Colorado State Capitol every day to remember what the building is for and why he did this work.
