Rev. Dorothy Piatt-Esguerra, Pastor and Head of Staff

Drawn by the ways Central lives out our calling to love God and neighbor in the heart of the city and by the welcoming spirit of our community, Dorothy joined Central’s ministry in 2025.

After a first career as a managing editor, Dorothy earned an M.Div. from Vanderbilt Divinity School while serving as pastoral intern at Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. She began ordained ministry as a Resident Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, MI, and continued as Associate Pastor for University and Social Justice Mission at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA, where she helped revitalize young adult ministries and expanded community partnerships while also serving as a board member for UKirk National Collegiate Ministries.

Dorothy believes that God is doing transformative ministry through inclusive communities shaped by the gospel. She finds energy in building intergenerational relationships, exploring questions of faith that inspire us to just action, and appreciating tradition while discovering creative ways for the church to embrace its mission in today’s world. Having served churches of various sizes, Dorothy seeks to tend relationships with a pastoral heart and systems with holistic vision.

Dorothy and her wife, Catalina, have three children—twin toddlers Mateo and Gabriel, as well as labradoodle Sophie. When not at work, you can probably find Dorothy hiking, touring Denver’s many coffee shops, or checking out social happenings with her family and friends. Her other loves are music (especially attending concerts and playing drums), reading, and exploring other cultures and landscapes.

Jon Dreux, Facilities Director

Jon has a life long passion for all things automotive, tire rubber related and is always up for a good mechanical challenge. A Colorado native, he grew up in Northglen and was awarded a scholarship to technical school earning his welding certification. This experience and his knowledge of structural steel came in handy when in 2021 he worked on the administration building as part of the Capital Campaign renovations He was hired Facilities Manager in 2022 working closely with staff, vendors and event participants. He is very well versed in the history of Central. Ask him for a tour of the Heritage Center!

Jon married his wife, Jennifer, in the Central sanctuary in 1987. The following year, they join the congregation, Jon through baptism. Upon joining the church, Jon immediately became an usher, switch for him, is a life long commitment to greeting anyone who enters on Sunday.

He has served as a Deacon, Elder and on the mission and property committees both of which he is still active. In his dedication to mission, he has traveled with PDA to Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, Alamosa Colorado with Habitat for Humanity and to work with LaPaunete and locally, he works with Habitat when his schedule allows.

He is most proud of his family. His daughter Kay and son in law Chris are building their lives together with the most amazing grandson ever, Lucius (Louie). Son Karl recently graduated from University of Louisville (KY) with a degree in Exercise Science while playing on their hockey team and will be returning in the fall to start grad school. And wife Jennifer, the supportive balance helping to keep it all together.

Jon has a strong faith in the love and forgiveness of Jesus and seeks daily to find ways to demonstrate God’s love to everyone he meets.

Charis Smith

Charis has attended Central since 2019 when she joined the choir, and enjoyed getting to know its wonderful members. She was promoted to soprano section leader and subsequently became a Central member with her family in 2022. That same year she was inspired to apply for the vacant positions of Music Director and Church Administrator and a unique dual position was created that allowed her to draw on her time as a professional musician and her business executive experience.

Charis has an undergraduate degree in Vocal Performance from Wheaton College and a Masters Degree, also in Vocal Performance, from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She enjoyed a decade and a half of performing worldwide with memorable solo performances at Carnegie Hall, with the Colorado Symphony and at the Vatican, among many others. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and a member of Actor’s Equity Association. She is supremely grateful for the support of her husband Ryan and daughters Ahna and Liza, who humor her by singing in her choir.

Glenn Ross, Concert Manager

Glenn joined the staff at Central in 2022 with two decades of leadership in the classical arts. With a wealth of knowledge in all areas of performance and operations, Glenn brings valuable technical and administrative experience to his role at Central Presbyterian Church.

Beyond concert management, Denver photographer Glenn Ross specializes in portraiture, live music, and events. His work has taken him around the World and his imagery has been featured in esteemed publications, magazines, books, and newspapers.

Glenn holds Bachelors degrees in Business and Philosophy and is involved in various community-based organizations. He enjoys writing, helping others, learning new skills, and traveling to new places.

Molly Dowling Brown, Director of Mission & Faith Formation

Molly has been a member at Central since 2004 and joined the staff team in 2018. From 2013-2015, Molly served as the Director of Central Presbyterian Church’s Health Assistance Site.

Molly worked for over a decade on behalf of Federally Qualified Health Centers here in Colorado. Prior to that, she taught middle school social studies in North Carolina. Molly holds a BA in History from Davidson College. As the Director of Mission and Faith Formation, Molly believes faith is built via serving others in need in one’s community.

Molly and her husband, Adam, have 3 daughters: Caroline, Morgan, and Francee; two canines: Murray and Sylvester; and one feline, Stark.

Molly enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, Pilates, swimming, dark chocolate, and coffee.

Concert performance music venue rental space at Central Presbyterian

Event Venue Rental in Denver

A Historic Venue With Heart

Central Presbyterian Church is a Richardsonian Romanesque historic landmark designed by architect Frank E. Edbrooke in 1892. Located in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood just north of the State Capitol, it’s just a short walk from downtown.

Our sanctuary features modern infrastructure, including performance lighting, updated restrooms, a concession area, and an accessible layout, making it one of Denver’s most unique event spaces for rent, whether you’re producing a full concert, hosting a private event, or a corporate summit.

The Antonia Brico Stage

The hall comfortably accommodates approximately 800 guests in fixed seating. Every rental includes a dedicated concert manager and custodian as part of the facility fee, so you get experienced on-site support to manage the building while you focus on your event.

A Denver Event Venue for Every Occasion

Our stage and sanctuary have hosted a wide range of performances and gatherings, including:

Concerts and recitals
Ballet and dance performances
Choral group performances
Orchestra and symphonic performances
Corporate summits and conferences
TED-style talks and keynote events
Graduation ceremonies and graduation parties
Private receptions

Colorado Public Radio Event at Denver Venue space at Central Presbyterian

What’s Included in Your Venue Rental

Stage & Seating

Stage platform measuring 53′ wide (including a 6′ ramp) by 30′ deep
60 musician chairs
Wenger Tourmaster standing choral risers
Ticketing tables

On-Site Support & Amenities

Concert manager and custodian included with every rental
Multiple green rooms
Concession and merchandise area
Coffee and catering available

Instruments & Equipment Available to Rent

New Kawai Concert Grand Piano
50-rank pipe organ
1-manual harpsichord
5 octaves of handbells
House audio system

The piano and organ are tuned regularly, though there’s an additional fee to have any instrument tuned specifically for your concert. Due to seasonal conditions, the pipe organ generally sits slightly under A440. Use of the house PA system for verbal announcements is included; additional amplification may require hiring a sound engineer.

Location & Parking in Denver’s Capitol Hill

Central Presbyterian Church sits at 1660 N Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203 in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, minutes from downtown Denver. If you’re searching for a concert hall rental near me from downtown or the Golden Triangle, this puts you in an easy, walkable location for guests coming from nearby offices or hotels.

Let’s Talk About Your Event!

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FAQs About Our Denver Event Venue

How many people does Central Presbyterian Church's Denver venue hold?

The Antonia Brico Stage seats approximately 800 guests in fixed seating.

What's included when I rent the venue?

Every event rental includes a concert manager, a custodian, use of the stage platform, choral risers, ticketing tables, and multiple green rooms. A house audio system is included for verbal announcements.

Can I rent instruments for my music performance?

Yes, our Kawai Concert Grand Piano, a 50-rank pipe organ, a 1-manual harpsichord, and 5 octaves of handbells are all available to rent, with an additional fee for specialized tuning.

Where is the event venue located, and is parking available?

The church is located at 1660 N Sherman St in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, near downtown. Paid surface lot parking is available within 1–2 blocks, and metered street parking is free after 6 pm on weekdays and all weekend.

What do I need to book the space?

You’ll need a certificate of liability from your insurance provider to confirm your date.

What types of events can be hosted at your event venue in Denver?

Past rentals include concerts, ballet, choral performances, orchestra and symphonic performances, corporate summits, TED-style talks, graduations, and more.