We are the Episcopal Church in Eastern Washington & North Idaho. Our vision is to be creative and compelling witnesses to Jesus Christ in the Inland Northwest.
The Episcopal Church arrived in the Inland Northwest in the mid 1860s. In fact, our story parallels that of the settlement of the American West; with all the triumphs, tragedies and difficulties that implies.
One of the earliest missionary priests, the Rev. Lemuel H. Wells, established 23 missions in the late 19th century and became the first Bishop of Spokane in 1892.
The early part of the 20th century saw the growth of Christian education programs. This included the establishment of a summer camp for youth on Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. Named after Bishop Edward M. Cross, Camp Cross has become a camp and conference center serving the needs of young and old alike.
By the mid 20th century, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane was begun and completed. A striking example of American neo-gothic architecture, the Cathedral dominates the southern skyline of Spokane as it sits high upon a hill overlooking downtown.
The late 20th century saw the establishment of a diocesan housing corporation to bring more housing for the elderly throughout the diocese, as well as the expansion and strengthening of local ministries.
The enormous territory of the present-day Diocese of Spokane has 38 congregations and encompasses all of Washington State east of the Cascades and the northern Idaho panhandle.
In these early years of a new century, we committed to renewing and reenergizing the missionary spirit that has been our heritage.
Building dynamic, growing, sustainable communities of faith in Eastern Washington & North Idaho.
