Like many of the Episcopal dioceses in the Midwest, the history of the Diocese of Indianapolis begins with the consecration of Jackson Kemper as Missionary Bishop of the Northwest in 1835.

At the time, Indiana was a wilderness and the first Anglican meetings were often held in remote Methodist and Presbyterian churches, as well as courthouses, stores, schoolhouses and private homes.

The first cathedral was Saint John's Church in Lafayette, Indiana, because it was the only parish with a parsonage at the time.

Christ Church was consecrated as the pro-cathedral for the diocese on October 10, 1954.

[1][2] In 1898 the Episcopal Diocese of Indiana was divided to create the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, covering the southern two-thirds of the state, and the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, covering the northern one-third.