On May 5 1867 a pivotal moment unfolded in Salt Lake City. The Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah held its first service. This wasn’t just any gathering. It marked the beginning of the first Protestant church in Utah. The Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah’s story is one of perseverance faith and community building.
The arrival of Bishop Daniel Sylvester Tuttle in 1867 was highly anticipated. He’d been elected missionary bishop. His jurisdiction covered Montana Idaho and Utah. But before his consecration Tuttle sent two clergymen ahead. George W Foote and T W Haskins arrived in May 1867. They found a receptive community. A banker Warren Hussey offered support. He assured Tuttle of Brigham Young’s acceptance. There were no other non-Mormon churches. The first would gain significant support.
Foote and Haskins initially used Independence Hall. This was a general hall for non-Mormons. They held the first services there. They also started a church association. Its purpose was to raise funds for a school. Bishop Tuttle followed on July 4 1867. He immediately called on Brigham Young showing respect for the Mormon community. The Episcopalians aimed for a positive relationship. They avoided direct attacks on Mormon beliefs. Their strategy was to win respect through their faith and actions.
Tuttle found a small congregation. Only three confirmed Episcopalians existed. All were women. A mission committee already existed. It included a Roman Catholic a Methodist and an apostate Mormon. The Congregationalist chaplain at Camp Douglas had a growing Sunday school. Tuttle left Foote and Haskins in charge. He went to Montana returning in 1869. He stayed in Utah until 1886.
The Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah wasn’t the first non-Mormon building in Utah. That honor goes to the Church of the Good Samaritan in Corinne. But the Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah’s cathedral St Mark’s was significant. Its cornerstone was laid on July 30 1870. The parish officially organized on November 15 1870. Bishop Tuttle served as rector. Reverend Kirby later became his assistant.
The Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah also played a vital role in education. St Mark’s School opened on July 1 1867. It was the first non-Mormon school in Utah. The school’s success highlights the Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah’s commitment to education. It met a critical need in the community. The Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah’s impact extended to healthcare as well. They founded St Mark’s Hospital in 1872. It served injured miners and railroad workers. The hospital moved several times reflecting its growth and the community’s changing needs. It was sold in 1987.
The Corporation Episcopal Church in Utah’s legacy continues today. Its history demonstrates a powerful combination of faith community building and service. The church persevered. It served the community’s evolving spiritual and practical needs. This remarkable church stands as a testament to its enduring influence on Salt Lake City.