3837 West Seven Mile Road
Detroit, MI 48221
(313) 341-5320
Sunday Schedule:
Adult Bible Study 9 am
Holy Eucharist 10 am
History
As the northern part of Detroit began to grow and new houses appeared in the 1920's there were no churches to serve the people. In 1925 the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan purchased three lots for the definite purpose of utilizing them for an Episcopal mission and church. Eventually, St. John's Detroit acquired the title to the lots upon repayment to the Diocese.
In 1926, several vestrymen from St. John's conducted a survey of the area to determine if there is sufficient demand for an Episcopal mission. They found that the area was predominately Roman Catholic, as Gesu Parish was considered one of the most desirable residential areas of the city. The St. John's vestrymen finally invited several of the families of the neighborhood to meet in a home at 18305 Wildemere one Sunday afternoon to discuss the project. Many other meetings were held during the winter and more and more families became interested.
By Autumn of 1927, a considerable number of subscriptions toward a building fund had been secured. It was decided that the time had arrived to undertake the opening of a church school in the neighborhood; classes were conducted in the wooden buildings of the Hampton Elementary School. On opening day 39 children were registered and that number increased to one hundred in a few weeks. The church school was conducted at Hampton School until the Fall of 1929.
The tentative plan for a church structure had been for a plain rectangular one story brick building of modest size, with the idea of replacing this building with a larger one as the parish grew. Gradually, however, it was thought it would be of greater economy and more satisfaction if whatever was built was of a permanent character, in keeping with the style of the homes in the area. On Sunday, November 25, 1928, the cornerstone of the building was laid with the appropriate ceremonies by the Rt. Rev. Herman Page, D.D., Bishop Diocese of Michigan. Late in the Summer of 1929, the first unit of All Saints was completed, furnished and equipped, and on September 22, 1929, dedication ceremonies were conducted by Bishop Page.
When thoughts turned to the calling of a Vicar, the choice fell upon the Rev. Burton S. Levering, who was the rector of St. Luke's Church, Ypsilanti. He came to All Saints Church in August 1929. Shortly after Dr. Levering assumed his duties as Vicar, he called an informal meeting of the women of the parish to consider an organization of them to assist the church. The name "All Saints League of Women" was chosen. The organization contributed greatly to the life of the parish. Today they continue as Episcopal Churchwomen of All Saints.
The original building housed a chapel and a number of rooms for classroom and office use. However, a church school of more than four hundred students led to the need to expand, and an undercroft was built in 1937. The mission reached full parish status in 1938, after much discussion between the members of St. John's and All Saints to become self supporting. Dr. Levering was then installed as the first rector. Because of the number of people in the neighborhood who were not Episcopalians, many people thought of All Saints as a community church, rather than an Episcopal Church. This was an erroneous assumption.
A new sanctuary was built over the existing undercroft in 1950 and was first used in 1952. Beautiful windows and appointments were soon added to complete the church structure. A series of stained glass windows along the north wall depicts many of the leaders and pioneers in the history of Detroit and the United States. Windows on the south side of the sanctuary trace the history of the church from the time of Christ up to the Diocese of Michigan in the 20th Century.
After nearly 30 years of service, Dr. Levering retired in October 1958 and was elected Rector Emeritus. His successor was the Rev. Ralph W. Parks, Jr. who served until retiring in November 1984. He had been Archdeacon in Charge of Church Extension. He led the parish through great changes in the city and was greatly revered by his congregation.
During the years, All Saints has assisted other missions and parishes, as they were so greatly assisted by St. John's. Gifts were give to Alfred's Lake Orion, Church of the Redeemer, Southfield; St. Mark's, Atlanta, Michigan; All Saints Chapel, Okinawa; and St. Paul's Anglican Church, Santo Paulo, Brazil. St. Mark's Old Catholic Church has held services in our chapel and has shared in the life of All Saints parish, particularly at Easter.
From 1985 to 1997 Rev. Rollins Norris served as Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church.
On November 16, 1997, Rev. T. Herbert Johnson was installed as the 4th Rector and the first African American Rector of All Saints Church. He retired in 1995and we are currenly searching for a new Rector.
In spite of economic and community changes, All Saints Church remains a critical part of the life of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and an anchor to the northwest part of Detroit. As a place of worship and fellowship, the parish supports the community through Sunday church service, Sunday School, and weekly Adult Bible Study. Other initiatives include an alliance with the Barabara Jordan School (formerly the Hampton School) and the Sunshine Nursery School, support for Crossroads and its outreach ministry, distribution of holiday Meals on Wheels, the Lenten Fish Fry, and the Good Samaritan Sunday. To emphasize education each year, All Saints sets aside a day in recognition of graduates. In addition, the Episcopal Church Women's Annual Fashion Show raises funds for scholarships and the Men's Club hosts an annualbrunch in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King featuring the youth og our neighborhood. All Saints guilds, clubs, and associations work year around in support of every aspect of our community of worship.
Notable special events include a Recognition Dinner-Dance, a Retirement Celebration for our Rector, Father T. Herbert Johnson, a Birthday Tea to honor our centenarian and odlest church member, Elnora Trulson, a Gospel Brunch and Concert in honor of mothers, and a warming program for the homeless that was conducted for two years. All Saints shares the gifts of the church and its legacy by opening its doors to the University Disrict sponsored by-annual home tour.
- Berton S. Levering - 1938 - 1958
- served as Vicar from 1929 - 1938
- Ralph W. Pars, Jr. - 1958 - 1985
- Rollin B. Norris - 1984 - 1989
- T. Herbert Johnson - 1997 - 2005