Frozen in Time: The 28-Acre Colorado Cult Compound That Everyone Just Walked Away From

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Twelve Tribes, the group tied to The Yellow Deli and a whole pile of controversy, from the Marshall Fire to allegations of abuse and some seriously questionable beliefs.

But here’s the thing, Colorado’s had more than one group like that over the years.

There’s another one that doesn’t get talked about as much anymore, even though it left behind a massive footprint that’s still sitting there today, empty.

The Living Word Fellowship’s Colorado Chapter Didn’t End Quietly

The Living Word Fellowship started back in 1951 and, like a lot of groups that raise eyebrows, it carried years of allegations, child abuse, forced labor, and a long list of behavior that pushed it firmly into cult territory for many people.

By the 1980s, they had set up shop just outside Colorado Springs, taking over an old Salvation Army camp near Palmer Lake. And they didn’t go small.

We’re talking a 28-acre compound that housed hundreds of members, with services happening constantly, up to 17 a week. That place was busy.

Then, out of nowhere, things shifted.

A 40-Year Presence Gone Just Like That

In 2020, the group essentially handed the property over to local government agencies. No long, drawn-out exit. No slow fade.

They just left.

After decades of activity, the entire compound was abandoned, buildings and all. Since then, there’s been talk about what to do with the land, but nothing’s really stuck.

So now it just sits there.

Empty buildings. Quiet grounds. A place that used to be packed with people, now frozen in time.

Scroll through the gallery below and take a look. It’s one of those spots that feels like it shouldn’t be real, but here it is, right in Colorado.