Diocesan Center

The Episcopal Diocese of Idaho includes the portion of the state south of the Salmon River (The River of No Return) and a beautiful bit of Wyoming.  An Idaho pioneer, Daniel Sylvester Tuttle, who was a missionary bishop of the Episcopal Church, arrived in Boise on October 12, 1867. Bishop Tuttle served a missionary district that initially included most of Idaho, Utah and Montana. A big, straightforward but gentle man, Bishop Tuttle was well thought of by the miners and pioneers in his district, even when he shut down saloons for church on Sunday morning! Bishop Tuttle later served for a time as Bishop of Missouri and then went on to become Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

Each parish in Idaho has a rich and unique history. The churches of the Diocese were founded by people who loved and supported the Episcopal Church. From the Church of the Redeemer in Salmon (sometimes snowbound for part of the winter) to the urban St. Michael's Cathedral in downtown Boise; and from St. Luke's, Weiser (near the Oregon border) to St. Francis, Alta, at the gateway to Yellowstone and the Tetons; our Diocesan family is a vigorous presence in the great State of Idaho. 

The Diocese of Idaho founded St. Luke's Hospital and St. Margaret's School for Women in Boise. St. Luke's Regional Medical Center is now one of the largest facilities of its kind in the Northwest, and is rated as one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation. The Episcopal Bishop of Idaho retains a seat on the Board of Directors.  St. Margaret's School was the forerunner of Boise Junior College (founded in 1932). This institution has grown into Boise State University, now the largest public university in Idaho.  Boise State houses the archives of the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho. To view them, click here >

One of the treasures of the Diocese is Paradise Point Summer Camp.  Located on beautiful Payette Lake and nestled in the mountain valley of McCall, this Idaho gem is loved by all who visit. A centerpiece of the mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho, Paradise Point has recently celebrated its 75th year. On this pristine 60 acres of sandy beaches and lush forest, people enjoy spiritual reflection and time with God during a camping experience never to be forgotten.

The Episcopal Diocese of Idaho is rich in history, mission and worship. Newcomers, seekers, and cradle Episcopalians alike are welcome to visit and join in parish life across the Diocese. If you would like more information on the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho, please don't hesitate to contact us!