Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

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At 18th and Capitol Streets is Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Trinity Cathedral was completed in 1883. The parish for which this church building was organized relocated to this site 1867. The cathedral, constructed of blue limestone from Illinois, is Nebraska's oldest church building still in use. Along with religious icons and symbols, the stained glass windows of the cathedral, which were installed when the cathedral was consecrated, depict area churches and institutions that were in place at the time of the construction of this cathedral. Early parishioners of Trinity Cathedral were Thomas Cuming, first Nebraska Territorial Governor, and J. Sterling Morton, Nebraskan and founder of Arbor Day.

Trinity Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Omaha. Trinity Episcopal Church was organized in Nebraska on July 13, 1856, by the Right Reverend David Jackson Kemper. Several earlier structures were built before Trinity Cathedral was begun on May 15, 1880. The Right Reverend Robert Harper Clarkson broke ground for the new cathedral on the southeast corner of 18th & Capitol Avenue. The cornerstone was dedicated on May 25, 1880, by Bishop Clarkson. Omaha architect, A.T. Large designed the building. Consecration ceremonies were held November 15, 1883, for the new Trinity Cathedral. The entire building, including furnishings, cost nearly $100,000 dollars. The “Old Rectory” to the immediate right of the Cathedral in this photo was built in 1887 for $9,000 dollars. It was designed Messrs. Hodgson & Sons and constructed by James Griffith. The rectory was destroyed in 1956 and replaced with the present Parish House.

Text written by Lynn Sullivan, November 2003