St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Buffalo, Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Luke's Episcopal Church
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | 178 S. Main, Buffalo, Wyoming |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | Hutton, Thomas |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001953 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1976 |
St. Luke's Episcopal Church is a special old church located at 178 South Main Street in Buffalo, Wyoming. It was built a long time ago in 1889. Because of its history and unique style, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it's an important building to protect and remember.
How St. Luke's Church Began
Many churches in Buffalo, including St. Luke's, started from a Sunday School class. This class was held in the local schoolhouse way back in 1883. In 1884, a leader named Bishop John Spalding helped create an Episcopal group.
The very first church service was held in a private home in September 1884. Soon after, church leaders were chosen. Other services took place at the schoolhouse and a local hotel. A chaplain from Fort McKinney, G.W. Simpson, led services every Sunday afternoon. The first full-time minister, Reverend F.C. Elred, served the church from 1887 to 1891.
Building the Church: A Look Inside
In 1888, the church members decided it was time to build their own church on Main Street. They bought several pieces of land for this purpose. The official paperwork for the land was completed on October 31, 1888. The first stone of the church, called the cornerstone, was laid in 1889.
A local woman described the new church building:
- St. Luke's Church was built with red bricks. These bricks were made right there in Buffalo by Curran Brothers.
- The builder was Thomas Hutton, who was very skilled and also a dedicated church member.
- The church's style is Gothic. Many people think it's the best example of Gothic style in Wyoming.
- People from all over would stop to admire its design.
- The special furniture for the altar area, including the altar itself, was a gift from the famous Vanderbilt family in New York.
- This gift happened because Lieutenant Webb, an officer at Fort McKinney, was related to the Vanderbilts. He asked them for help, and they generously agreed.
- The large wooden beams in the church ceiling came from the Big Horn Mountains. They were cut at Martin Woodard's sawmill.
- These heavy beams were brought down from the mountains on tough roads by 'Yorkie' Waters, who had a big freighting business.
Important Moments in Church History
St. Luke's Church has seen many important events over the years. During a time known as the Johnson County War, several significant funerals were held here. One such funeral was for Deputy Marshall George A. Wellman in May 1892. Despite challenges, the church leaders, members, and Masons bravely ensured the service took place.
In 1897, Dr. H.U. Onderdonk began helping at St. Luke's as a lay reader. He then studied to become a minister and was ordained in 1900. Dr. Onderdonk was a very talented person. He worked as a doctor, a minister, a chemist, a mathematician, a nurse, and even an editor! The church hall, built in 1925, is named "Onderdonk Hall" to remember him.
On March 19, 1919, St. Luke's Church became a self-supporting parish. This meant it could manage its own finances and activities. The church building looks much the same today as it did when it was finished in 1889. Great care has been taken to keep its original design while making sure it stays in excellent condition. It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Today, church services are still held every Sunday.
