All Saints' Church began as a Sunday School on June 14, 1874 at 1220 Moorage Street (Delmar) under the leadership of Mr. James E. Thompson, who had come to Louisiana, Missouri in 1871 from Baltimore, Maryland to teach in a school for freed men. Organized as the Mission of Our Savior, worship services were held in trinity Episcopal Church for about one year with the gracious assistant of the Rev. Edwin Coan, Rector/ On June 17, 1875 the mission was moved to a building at 6th and Cerre Streets. This building was purchased by the Rt. Reverend Charles Robertson, Bishop of Missouri, with financial assistance from Mrs. A. B. Minturn of New York. The name was changed to the Mission of the Good Samaritan with St. Clair Davis. Sr. Warden; James Wilson, clerk; and William Dorsey, Treasurer, serving as the officers of the first vestry.
In 1879 Mr. Thompson resigned and Bishop Robertson appointed Mr. Cassius M.C. Mason, of Baltimore, as lay reader I charge of the mission. The following year, Mr. Mason was ordained deacon and Mr. Albert Burgess of Detroit, Michigan, became the Superintendent of the Sunday School. The Church moved again to Trinity Church in order to be nearer the African-American community. Services, which were well attended, were held in the Chapel on Sunday afternoons and on Wednesday nights. At this time the Women's Guild was organized with Mrs. Julia Hoffman, Director; Mrs. Sallie Maguire, Secretary; and Mrs. Ella Goins, Treasurer. From the very beginning and throughout it's history, this guild proved to be most helpful to the church. In July 1883 the Mission was named All Saints 's Episcopal Church with Father Mason, now an ordained priest, as rector.
On September 16, 1883 the Congregation moved to a large edifice at 22nd Street and Washington Boulevard. Shortly thereafter, the Women's Auxiliary was organized with Mrs. Mattie Patterson, President, and Mrs. Susan Vashon. Secretary-Treasurer. The church was incorporated as All Saints' on October 18, 1887. In 1901, the rectory was built on the lot in the rear of the church, fronting on 22nd Street, at a cost of $4,000.00, all of which was raised before the building was started. Contributions from members of the parish totaled &1,500.00, with the balance coming from several parishes and other churches in the city.
On May 23, 1906, an impressive building at Garrison and Locust Avenues was purchased for $35,000.00 from the Messiah Unitarian Church after the sale of the property at 23rd Street and Washington Boulevard for $50,000.00. This historic structure was remodeled at a cost of $3,000.00 and a rectory was purchased at 3309 Lucas Avenue. The balance from the original sale was used to establish the Endowment fund.
When All Saints' suffered severe storm damage in 1909, a positive expression of Christian concern was manifested by The Reverend J.L. Cohron and The Tabernacle Baptist Church. They generously permitted the use of their chapel for five months until services resumed on April 15th, 1901 at All Saints' Church.
After the death of Father Mason on March 21, 1917, the Reverend Douchette R. Clarke of Philadelphia was called rector. During this administration the membership increased significantly. Also, the Credit Union, Men's Club, St. Ann's Guild and Matron's Guild were formed.
The Reverend Joseph W. Nicholson, Ph.D., of Petersburg, Virginia, was elected rector after Father Clark expired on March 30, 1949, and on August 15th , 1949, Father Nicholson assumed his responsibilities. The effective leadership and administration of Father Nicholson resulted in an increase in membership, in Christian education, and in community involvement. In order to better accommodate its membership, the church, on October 28, 1957, moved to its present location at Kingshighway Boulevard and Terry Avenue. During the Reverend Nicholson's tenure St. Margaret, St. Mary's and St. Elizabeth's Guilds were organized. The office of Curate was activated when the Reverend Brightman was appointed to assist the Rector. This position was later filled by the Reverend Bernardo Tomas.
When Father Nicholson retired in 1973 he was succeeded by the Reverend William J. Walker of Chicago. At this time some modern innovations in the Mass were introduced and Father Walker encouraged the practice of appointing women as lay readers and having them serve on the Vestry. Father Walker was also very active in ecumenical and community affairs. By mutual agreement his resignation were accepted on October 2, 1981 by the Vestry.
While the search process was in operation, the Reverend Charles Rehkopf was appointed by the Rt. Reverend William Jones, Bishop of Missouri, to serve as Locum Tenens of All Saints'. The Reverend Rehkopf served faithfully and rendered an invaluable service in leading All Saints' through a troublesome transition.
The Reverend Emery Washington of Memphis, Tennessee was elected Rector by the vestry in June 1983 and on September 1, began his administration of the parish. Father Washington has reorganized the parish, revitalized the Sunday School, and generally encouraged participation by all members in the activities of the Church. The congregation has stabilized and is now entering a period of growth. Many members have expressed their great expectations for the future.
All Saints Episcopal Church
5010 Terry Ave
St. Louis, Mo 63115-1540
Ms Vada Parker (SLACO)
Food Pantry, Saturdays 9 - 11 a.m.
Literacy Center Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Cub Scouts Saturdays 9:30 a.m. Edna Elam (314) 261-2661
Boy Scouts - Saturdays
Brownie Girl Scouts - Thursdays 5:15 - 6:30
Girl Scouts Troop 1526 Wenesdays 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Melanie Lacy, Judy Tyler, Felicia Robinson, Eloise
Grimes Call During the Hours of meeting 314 367-2314
Girl Scout Council Sundays 3:45 - 4:40 p.m. 314 367-2314
Threths, Thomas Pitts (314) 454-1656