In the years following the Civil War, Kansas City grew into a major rail and river center on the route of westward expansion. By 1870, on the western edge of the city was a thriving residential community known as "Quality Hill," where a group of Episcopalians established the parish later known as Grace Church.

By 1890, the congregation had begun construction of the present church building and had completed its parish hall. During an ensuing depression, construction went slowly because the congregation had determined to proceed only when sufficient money was available. Finally, on December 16, 1894 the first service was held in the completed church.

The transitional Norman church building was designed by a local architect, based on ideas gained during a tour of English parish churches by the Rector, the Rev. Cameron Mann. Embellished through the years by a variety of stained glass windows, a Tiffany Rood Screen and many other magnificent memorial additions, the building is an architectural and historic gem.

A second founding parish known as Trinity was established in 1883. Its building, modeled after Trinity Church, Boston, was located on the eastern side of the city. Although the parish enjoyed long-standing leadership under the Rev. Robert Talbot, the congregation was never able to retire the mortgage on the building.

In 1930, the Rev. Mr. Spencer became the third Bishop of West Missouri and five years later Grace and Holy Trinity was designated as the Cathedral Church of the Diocese, with the Very Rev. Claude Willard Sprouse as the first Dean.