Situated on what was called 100 years ago "Gospel Hill," St. Cornelius' Church is suggestive of the chapels in rural England with its brown stone walls, stained glass windows, and square bell tower. Several of the people who were instrumental in starting the church were families from England and they wanted a bit of their heritage to be visible here in Dodge City.

In 1888, a group of citizens met to form the church in Dodge City. A mission was organized and named "St. Cornelius" after the centurion mentioned in the gospels, possibly because of the early association of the city with nearby Fort Dodge. St. Cornelius' Episcopal Church in Dodge City is the only one so named in the United States.

In 1896, land for the church was purchased for $50. The stone for the church was donated and the lumber, windows, and hardware were given to the church as wholesale prices. The groundbreaking was February 7, 1898, and the church was consecrated in September, 1898. The total cost for the church was $1,200.

In 1915, a beautiful stained glass window purchased by the Women's Guild replaced the plain cathedral glass window at the east end of the church. Also in 1915, a 20' by 40' wing was added to be used as a parish house. This provided a meeting room, space for Sunday School, and a tiny kitchen.

When a much-needed parish house was completed in 1962, the old parish house became the north transept of the church. The parish house addition was made possible by gifts, especially a generous endowment by Sallie Hardesty, whose father, Jack Hardesty, was an early-day cattle baron who made his fortune in mining before coming to Dodge City.

The Sunday School, with their Easter offerings, bought the stained glass window on the west wall. The beautiful "Te Deum" stained glass window in the parish hall is in memory of Geneva Crawford Treder. The remaining 17 windows, installed since 1962, depict events in Jesus' life, parables, and liturgical symbols.

In 1998, the area on the east side of the church was remodeled and landscaped. This was completed for the celebration of the Centennial of the church.

St. Cornelius' Episcopal Church was only a mission until December 3, 1946, when it gained Parish status. Since that time, there have been four rectors: The Rev. Rudolph W. Treder, The Rev. John Seavet, The Rev. James Johnson, and The Rev. Dennis Zimmerman.

St. Cornelius' Church is the oldest church building in continuous use in Dodge City. The public is encouraged to visit this beautiful church and enjoy the serenity it offers.