Created as a missionary district in 1907, EDEO became a diocese in 1980. But the Episcopal presence in eastern Oregon dates to the late 1800s. One circuit riding priest, the Rev. Reuben D. Nevius, especially left his mark. Nevius, also a botanist, worked in eastern Oregon from 1873 to 1879. He designed and built churches, small architectural gems that still serve congregations. Among them: Ascension Chapel, Cove; St. Stephen’s, Baker City; St. James, Milton-Freewater; St. Thomas, Canyon City; and the Diocesan Chapel in The Dalles.

The Rt. Rev. Patrick Bell, who was ordained Bishop Diocesan in April, 2016, is the diocese’s 

eighth bishop.

The Anglican Communion is the gathering of Anglican and Episcopal churches from around the world. Today, the Anglican Communion comprises more than 80 million members in 44 regional and national member churches in more than 160 countries.

The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion and is composed of 108 dioceses in 22 nations and territories.

At the head of the Anglican Communion is the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

The Episcopal Church, established shortly after the American Revolution, has its roots in the Anglican Church. The Anglican Church, known as the Church of England, had a strong following in colonial America. But when the colonies won their independence, the majority of the United States’ Anglican clergy refused to swear allegiance to the British monarch as was required. As a result, The Episcopal Church was formed.