St. Thomas Episcopal Church

St. Thomas Episcopal Church is an Episcopal church building in Sioux City, Iowa, constructed in Romanesque Revival style and built from red quartzite stone. The structure features a four-story Norman tower and interior details including a hammer beam birch ceiling, wood wainscoting, and a large Gothic arch that frames the chancel area.

The Episcopal congregation started services in 1857 and built their first wooden church in 1860 before constructing the current stone building in 1892. This shift from a simple wooden structure to a substantial stone church shows how the congregation grew and established itself in the region.

The building is named after the Weare Chapel, a dedicated space that serves as a gathering place for the community's religious services and events. This chapel reflects how the congregation has created distinct areas for different kinds of worship and meetings over time.

The building remains an active place of worship, so visits are best planned outside of service times to see the architecture and interior details. Check ahead if you want to explore inside, as access may vary depending on church events and activities.

The building displays carefully crafted woodwork details including hammer-worked birch ceiling beams and wall wainscoting that reflect the craftsmanship of the late 1800s. These fine details are often overlooked by visitors but are central to the interior's beauty and character.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.50306,-96.40639

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:01