Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Hailey, Blaine County
- Grants: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2024 – Various repairs to belltower and chord
Location: 101 Second Avenue South, Hailey, Idaho 83333
Built in 1885 in the gothic revival style typifying the tradition of the ‘little red brick church’ that spread across the West. It has been in continuous use since its construction, marking it among both the oldest and longest tenured houses of worship in Idaho. The Church features 16 amazing stained-glass windows and is further distinguished by its bell tower which terminates with a wooden Celtic cross. Both of these distinguishing factors are relatively unique within the little red brick ouvre and led to the church’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
The dusty town streets of Hailey (incorporated in 1881) were filled with miners and merchants, and the population of the Wood River Valley was only 3,500 people. The church provided spiritual worship and community outreach to parishioners throughout the Valley and still does today. Now 139 years later, the church is the oldest operating Episcopal Church in Idaho. In 2004, an accessible annex was added on the west side of the church providing a Sunday school, meeting room, office and restroom. In 2024, a small accessible addition and ramp will be added on the south side of the church providing access to the church sanctuary. The population of the Wood River Valley has grown to 23,000 people.
In 2023, the rope to the belltower broke, rendering the bell silent on Sundays and for major events for the first time in its history. Taking the opportunity provided, the parish decided to make needed repairs to the belltower structure to address rust, repair the brickwork on the tower and chimney, replace the shingle roof, and reinstall a sturdier bell rope.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church has historic and architectural interest due to its age and unique design.
