St. Mary Episcopal Church, Kansas City

Saint Mary's Episcopal Church, located on Holmes Street in downtown Kansas City, is a historic parish within the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, known for its Anglo-Catholic tradition. Established in 1857 as the first Episcopal church in Kansas City, it was originally named Saint Luke’s and later renamed in the 1870s, following a donation from Mary Troost with the condition of dedicating the church to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The church’s current building, completed in 1887, is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, cementing its status as a historic landmark in Kansas City. Throughout its history, Saint Mary’s has played a vital role in the community, operating schools, establishing hospitals, and providing hunger relief, making it a pillar of support for the city's underserved populations.

In the 1950s, the church faced significant challenges due to urban renewal and neighborhood deterioration, narrowly avoiding demolition with the help of a grant from the David Woods Kemper Foundation. This rescue effort earned it the affectionate nickname "Our Lady of the Freeway." The church’s legacy of resilience continued with the merger of Saint George’s Episcopal Church in 1989, further consolidating its community outreach efforts.

Saint Mary’s remains an active and vibrant part of Kansas City, engaging in outreach programs such as Downtown Outreach and serving as a venue for concerts and the arts. Committed to its Anglo-Catholic heritage, Saint Mary’s continues to provide a welcoming and safe space, upholding its mission as a beacon of hope and healing for all.