The beautiful Christ Cathedral was built in 1906 as the home of salina's Episcopal faithful. Now it serves as the Cathedral Parish for the entire Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas.
Christ Episocopal Cathedral was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. We have not been able to find the nomination form on-line because the pdf has not been digitized yet. :(
The Blasterz picture of the Cathedral only captured one side, so we approached the parish and asked for permission to use one of theirs. They happily agreed. Their photo is used in the gallery with permission and a photo credit.
From the Cathedral's website: (
visit link)
"Welcome to Christ Episcopal Cathedral
We strive to be a Christian community characterized by hospitality, healing, and hope. We are committed to multi-generational worship, service, liturgy, and prayer. If you are seeking a deeper relationship with God or are just checking the spiritual life out, we would love to get to know you and your family and help you along the spiritual journey.
Christ Episcopal Cathedral is the cathedral parish of the Diocese of Western Kansas. A member of the Episcopal Church, USA, we reside in Province VII and are a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
. . .
History of Christ Episcopal Cathedral
In 1872, Christ Church became the first Episcopal Church in Salina, a small frame structure that included a bell tower, at 127 S. 8th St., and has been a cornerstone of the community ever since.
Before this time, Episcopalians in Salina had met in many make-shift locations including a general store and buildings of other churches. It was not until May 29, 1906 that the cornerstone for Christ Cathedral was laid at 138 S. 8th St.
The Cathedral was first envisioned by the Right Rev. Sheldon M. Griswold, the first Bishop of the Missionary District of Salina, and made possible by a very generous donation from Mrs. Sarah E. Batterson, a wealthy widow of an Episcopal priest, who was looking for a way to memorialize her late husband, the Rev. Herman Batterson.
On January 8, 1908, Christ Cathedral opened for the first service. "Christ Cathedral became an expression-in stone, wood and glass-of the glory of God and the dignity and creativity of man. The building of the Cathedral is a marvelous testimony to the faith and determination of the early Episcopalians in Salina and our Diocese," wrote the Very Rev. M. Richard Hatfield, former dean of Christ Cathedral.
The Cathedral features many beautiful, one-of- a kind stained glass windows, a full carillon of 23 bells that toll every day and electronpneumatic pipe organ. From the first general store meetings to the ethereal mystery of the historic Cathedral, Christ Cathedral has continued the mission with which it was established, striving to welcome and love all and bring glory to God, while providing a place for families to worship and become involved with a relationship with God.
A complete history can be found in the books All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: The History of Christ Cathedral and Christ Cathedral: A Priceless Heritage. For purchase information, contact the Cathedral office at 785-827-4440."