Spokane Cathedral Opened Regional History Exhibit

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is hosting a display exploring the history of Christianity in the Inland Northwest.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Christianity

Spokane Cathedral Opened Regional History Exhibit

Live Poll

Should local institutions publicly acknowledge and examine painful aspects of their historical past?

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist opened its exhibit on September 17, 2026, to examine the history of Christianity in the Inland Northwest. This project highlights the complex legacy of the church and its influence on local Indigenous communities.

Why it matters

Organizers created the exhibit to address the impact of Christian mission efforts on Indigenous cultures ahead of the cathedral's upcoming centennial. The display provides an opportunity for the community to engage with historical materials that reflect regional religious narratives.

The exhibit features historical furnishings, photography, and artwork, including Protestant and Catholic ladders translated with the Nez Perce tribe. The display is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until its closing date.

The players

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

This landmark Spokane cathedral serves as the site of the exhibit and is approaching its centennial anniversary.

Nez Perce tribe

This Indigenous nation collaborated with the Episcopal Church to translate historical materials and provide context for the exhibit.

Spokane Garry

A notable Indigenous leader whose Bibles will be featured in the exhibit for specific viewing dates.

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

This local institution acted as a lender for historical materials included in the cathedral's display.

The details

Visitors can view the exhibit throughout the cathedral nave, which uses stained glass windows to frame the historical narratives on display. The collection includes posters detailing the stories of Indigenous children who attended boarding schools, alongside materials curated with the help of the Nez Perce tribe.

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist originally opened in 1929.
The exhibit opened to the public on September 17, 2026.
Spokane Garry's Bibles will be displayed on October 10, 2026.
Spokane Garry's Bibles will be displayed on November 7, 2026.
The exhibit is scheduled to close on November 15, 2026.

Culture Shift

The exhibit mirrors the effort of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's boarding school documentation by surfacing suppressed narratives regarding religious-led educational institutions. It reflects a broader shift toward institutional transparency concerning the historical treatment of Indigenous populations.

Residents can visit the cathedral between 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to view the collection before it closes in mid-November. The display offers a unique opportunity to see artifacts like Spokane Garry's Bibles, which will only be available for public viewing on two specific days.

The takeaway

Understanding the complex regional legacy of the Great Commission helps provide a more complete picture of Inland Northwest history. Visitors should plan their trips carefully to ensure they can view specific items like the Bibles on the designated display dates.