The Episcopalian religion has played a part in Siouxland life for 140 years. In 1857, a missionary from Council Bluff, Iowa conducted the first Episcopalian service. St. Thomas was incorporated two years later, and a frame church was built on the corner of Nebraska and 7th street in 1860. The church we attend today was built in 1892.

In 1881, the church was enlarged, and the rectory was built. An organ was purchased for $1,550, the same amount it cost to build the original church!

In 1891, the cornerstone of our church was laid at the corner of 12th and Douglas. The church was completed in 1892. This time, the church cost about $80,000 -- quite a change -- and, at a 3% rate of inflation, the equivalent of $2,148,383.74 million today.

In 1909, we celebrated our 50th anniversary by purchasing an organ. Weare Chapel was built in a former "robing room" thanks to a legacy.

In 1915, the church mortgage was burned. In 1922, a fire from an overheated furnace caused extensive damage. The Church was extensively rebuilt and a new organ was purchased. The church was not remodeled again until 1951, when a new heating plant was installed and the Chancel and Narthex were redecorated.

In the early sixties, the Parish House was built and a new Rectory purchased. However, the Parish House mortgage burned in 1963. In 1968, the "Yellow House" directly behind the church was purchased.

In 1980, Weare Chapel is restored under the direction of Mr. Howard Tervillian, the Architect in Residence for the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. In 1982, renovation of the main church building is completed and St.Thomas celebrates 125 years of Episcopal presence in Sioux City.

The eighties were a period of maintenance, with new roofing for the church as well as the purchase of two houses that were then torn down to make more parking available to members.