To A Parish
In 1953, a candlelight service was held at Trinity Cathedral and All Saints’ advanced from a mission to a parish. The Vicar became Rector and the Planning Committee became the Vestry. This was the beginning of being independent.
As far as the parishioners were concerned, things didn’t change when we became a parish. There were still things to accomplish. Some of the women attended a church convention at St. Phillip’s in the Hills, Tucson. They were served tea in a lovely garden adjacent to the church. This was very impressive, and the idea of the Memorial Garden was conceived. The garden would not only enhance the beauty of the overall plan, but would provide a sanctuary of peace and quiet that would add to the spiritual growth of the church. It was to be a garden where memorials could be given in memory of loved ones. It was soon discovered that people were sneaking into the garden and burying the ashes of their loved ones. Thus, the All Saint’s Close was born.
All Saint’s Church has been an inspiration in Episcopal circles for the growth it enjoys. Some of the growth was due to the population increase in the Valley. All churches grew, but All Saints’ had ten acres. Room enough for the church, parish hall, other buildings, gardens and the school.
We have become a large church which stands as a mighty fortress on Central Avenue. All Saints’ will stand as a memorial to Dean Carman, Bishop Kinsolving and the congregation of Trinity Cathedral who gave unselfish love to the first congregation who enjoyed to adventure of a lifetime. To Paul Urbano, who was there when we became a parish; when the church was built; when the school was started; when our largest growth occurred, due partly to his magnificent preaching and teaching. Father Paul died on February 16, 1979.
The Reverend Dr. Carl G. Carlozzi became the second rector in June 1980. Under Father Carl’s expert tutelage many changes have been made to the church and grounds. We have grown to a large, active parish and have a magnificent campus.
This is the place where we worship, learn, make friends and say goodbye to loved ones. We should stop and look back at our heritage.
