15 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Kansas

Did you know that the oldest church in Kansas is the St. Fidelis Catholic Church, built in 1908? Kansas is known for its wheat and cattle production, great plains, and the setting of the beloved story Wizard of Oz. However, it has some of Kansas’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring churches and cathedrals.

The state has an estimated 1,199 churches, many of which you won’t want to miss! So, we’ll introduce you to the 15 Churches and Cathedrals in Kansas that will catch any visitor’s eye.

#1 St. Joseph Catholic Church 

Paired with beautiful stained glass, large pillars, and a wooden interior, the St. Joseph Catholic Church is a sight. It was first built in 1912 and incorporated Romanesque revival architecture. Today, the church has undergone many renovations but still holds to its original design. In 2005, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

#2 Pratt Presbyterian Church

The Pratt Presbyterian Church is one of the Churches and Cathedrals in Kansas that looks like something out of a fairytale and was constructed in 1857. The architecture outside is amazing, but renovations have added some modern twists. For example, the dome is now covered in 23-carat gold leaves. The interior includes Renaissance architecture, sculptures, and paintings. Stain glass replicates the Pieta in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

#3 Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral

While from the exterior, the church looks more on the plain side, the interior is where it shines. The cathedral is darkly lit with beautiful Tiffany windows and wrought-iron roof screens. The church was recently renovated, complementing the ornate interior and European cathedral aesthetic. The decor includes unique architecture, historical artifacts, and a pipe organ.

#4 Basilica of St. Fidelis

Known as the Cathedral of the Plains, the St. Fidelis Church is a sight. From the stunning exterior, the church was declared a minor basilica in 2014. Why was this a major milestone? Mainly because it was the first in Kansas and only the 7th in the United States. 

However, that’s not all. Multiple historic tours show off the cathedral’s timeless limestone exterior daily. The architecture is German Catholic, which is iconic in Kansas.

#5 United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

One of the last places you don’t want to pass up is visiting the Church of Resurrection in Leawood, KS. The church was founded in 1990 and features one of the largest stained-glass windows worldwide. The stained glass spans around 100 feet wide and 35 feet tall with a depiction of stories from the bible. The piece is titled The Resurrection Window. What’s unique about the glass is that it uses a fused glass technique, which allows colors to become more vibrant and colorful compared to traditional stained glass. 

#6 Stafford First United Methodist Church

Built in 1927, the Stafford First United Methodist Church was designed by Don Schuler, who was known for his work on the Allen House. His work was transformed from his previous mentor, Frank Lloyd Wright, and he developed an English Collegiate Gothic aesthetic. So, it’s much different from any other church in Kansas.

This includes the dark demeanor of the walnut woodwork inside the sanctuary. Indoors, there are 36 boxes of stained glass alongside the ceiling. Other amazing aspects include its exquisite woodwork and unusual architecture.

#7 Beecher Bible and Rifle Church

Beecher Bible and Rifle Church is a small, quaint limestone church with significant historical value. In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed, allowing the state to become free. The New Haven Colony established the church as settlers and created the current church. 

In fact, the name “Beecher” refers to the funds they earned to purchase Sharp rifles; hence, the church is nicknamed “Beecher’s Bibles.” When the church purchased shipments of guns, they were shipped to them inside wooden crates that were supposed to be carrying bibles. This church was one of the first smuggling churches, but of course, it’s mainly a legend.

#8 St. Mark’s Church

St. Mark’s Church was built in St. Marks, KS, in 1906. The church features a Romanesque revival using limestone blocks and copper roofing alongside a three-story bell tower. The tower stands nearly 121 feet tall, including a school and cemetery.

#9 St. Mary’s Catholic Church

While looking plain from the exterior, St. Mary’s Catholic Church is also a stunning place you won’t want to miss. The true treasure is inside the church, with grand ornamentations such as statues and murals. In 1980, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

#10 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Kansas also has unique cathedrals, mainly constructed of limestone imported from Indiana. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a massive church that spans nearly 170 feet long and 100 feet wide. 

#11 Cawker City United Methodist Church

One of the main attractions of the Cawker City United Methodist Church is its pipe organ, the oldest in the state. Originally, the pipe organ was built in Kinsley in 1889 by the Pilcher’s Sons of Louisville. However, in 1976, the church was torn down, and thus, it was moved and restored. It was a big milestone, as it was the only organ in Kansas west of Emporia for many years. After that, in 1931, the Cawker City United Methodist Church bought the organ, and it has remained here since.

#12 First Presbyterian Church

At the First Presbyterian Church, you’ll find the most amazing Tiffany Windows crafted by Louis Tiffany and Tiffany Studios. Amazingly, these windows were first installed in 1911! The windows are amazing, especially when the sunlight hits directly over them as the pictures become illuminated. Despite the extraordinary interior, the church’s exterior is also pleasant, with a more medieval style lined with bricks. 

#13 Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church

We’ve had a lot of historically designed churches on this list, but not modern! The Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church is a hyperbolic paraboloid architecture, which is modern and contemporary. The outside of the building includes a triple-roofed and lattice-typed shape.

The outside looks more like a contemporary art piece than a building. However, the exterior of the building isn’t the only stunning piece of art. Indoors, a glass window is built to absorb sunlight and reflect it in a kaleidoscope pattern.

#14 St. Martin Catholic Church Piqua

If you’ve ever wanted to view a bell tower, there is no better place in Kansas than St. Martin Catholic Church Piqua. The bell tower is attached to the church and is maintained by the community. Originally, the bell tower also boasted a cross, but it was knocked down by high winds in 2021.

#15 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church

If you’re looking for a castle-like church, then look no further. The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church is a sturdy church crafted using post and Cloud County shell rock. While the church was first designed and built in 1879, it has undergone many changes. It was a cathedral for the Diocese of Concordia until 1945.

Summary of the 15 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Kansas

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