Our Parish History
 
Our parish history is rich and notable.
 
Episcopal services were first celebrated in Peoria in 1834, and a small parish named St. Jude's became the first parish of any denomination in Peoria. The church lasted only a short time and never had a permanent location.
 
In 1847, Philander Chase became Bishop of Illinois and moved to Peoria to establish his headquarters. St. Paul's parish was formed, and in September 1848, Bishop Chase deeded a small parcel of land to the church. The cornerstone was laid in 1849, and the $5500 building was dedicated in 1850.
 
In 1873, plans were drawn for a new building and the old church was razed. At this time a division occurred in the church, and a large number seceded from St. Paul's and formed Christ Reformed Episcopal Church. In 1874, they constructed their own church and worshipped there until 1906 when that congregation re-united with St. Paul's.
 
In 1936, the Rev. William Essex was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese.
 
During the post-war years, St. Paul's outgrew its sandstone and wooden facility, and a new facility was built in one of Peoria's growth centers. Led by the Rev. Canon Gordon Gillett, the "new" St. Paul's was completed in 1959. The church was consecrated in 1963 and later that same year was named the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Quincy by Bishop Lickfield.
 
To accommodate this additional responsibility, a new wing and extra facilities were completed in 1968. A Parish Day School was begun by Dean Gillett in 1960 and continued until 1976. That area is now occupied by the Montessori School.
 
The Cathedral has been blessed with five priests who have served as Dean and Rector: The Very Rev. Gordon Gillett from 1962 through 1969; The Very Rev. David Weden from 1969 to 1976; The Very Rev. Richard George, 1977 to 1984; and The Very Rev. John Backus from 1984 until 1991. The most recent Dean and Rector, The Very Rev. Robert L'Homme, assumed his duties in 1992 and retired June 30th 2004.