St. John's History
In late 1869 an English layman,
John Price Hilton, arrived in Wichita with an appointment
from Bishop Vail to start a church. The first services were held in
the Munger house in December of 1869, and by March of 1870 there was
a primitive little log church at the confluence of the two rivers.
In September of 1870 eighteen persons signed the Articles of Association, choosing the name St. John. A small frame church was built and consecrated in June, 1879. In March, 1887, the Vestry accepted plans for a new church and rectory at the corner of Third & Topeka Streets. The cornerstone was laid and dedicated by Bishop Vail at impressive ceremonies on September 18, 1887. One year later Wichita’s real estate boom was over, and work on the new church stopped abruptly. The church was finally completed and first used in July of 1893. It was consecrated in 1906.
Throughout the decades, extensive restoration and refurbishing have been achieved; and while the historic building has been preserved, additional property and improvements have been added. St. John’s continues today to play a vital role in the Christian community and in the life of our cherished city. We are a growing parish, dedicated to loving one another in Christ, and serving the world in His Name.
For more interesting stories about our past, Katie Pott has published two wonderful books The First Ten Years is a history covering St. John's Episcopal Church's history from 1869 to 1879. The 1880s continues St. John's history from 1880 through 1889. For more information on these books, please contact the parish office at 262-0897.