What started as a vision to embrace all souls has shaped the inclusive spirit of All Souls Parish. Today we explore the fascinating story of the Garden of Delight Church.
The Garden of Delight Church began humbly. It started with its first service on March 5, 1911. Fifteen people gathered in a home. This home belonged to Mrs. Caroline Arledge on Garfield Street.
That summer, the present site was purchased. A portable chapel was ordered. On October 15, its doors opened wide. This symbolized a spirit big enough to embrace everyone.
In May 1913, a new parish was created. It was carved out of St. Alban’s territory. It was named All Souls Parish. The Little Memorial Church was built. It seated 230 people. In October, the church was consecrated. It was named All Souls Memorial Church. It was a memorial to the founder’s son. His name was James MacBride Sterrett Jr. He had died at age 17. The little church became a shrine. It held stained glass windows and chancel furnishings. It also had belfry chimes and an organ.
The neighborhood grew and so did the parish. In 1923, work began on the present church. It enlarged the 1914 building. The original little church became the crossing. By 1945, the mortgage was paid off. In 2015, accessibility additions were made. An elevator and ADA restrooms were added. The church became accessible to all.
All Souls has long been known for its stained glass. It is sometimes called the jewel box. Its windows are a museum of 20th-century American stained glass.
All Souls was founded on March 5, 1911. It began as a mission church of St. Alban’s. The first meeting was at 2628 Garfield Street NW.
That fall, the church bought its current lot. A portable chapel was erected. The first service was on the site on October 15, 1911.
In October 1914, the congregation consecrated a new home. It was designed in a Tudor gothic revival style. Frederick A. Kendall designed it with local fieldstone. He had worked with James G. Hill. Hill was a famous architect. Together, they designed several notable buildings.
By 1922, the Vestry raised funds for a larger structure. It would meet the needs of the growing congregation. They hired Delos H. Smith. He designed a larger sanctuary in the same gothic revival style. The new nave ran east-west. The old nave became the transept. Smith was a local architect and historian. He designed many churches.
In 1951, All Souls added its administration wing. It faces Woodley Place. Arthur P. Starr designed this building. Starr had worked for Jules H. de Sibour. De Sibour designed embassies and office buildings.
In 2015, the church completed its accessibility addition. It included an elevator and restrooms. A sunken garden was added. MTFA Architecture handled the site plan and construction. Frederick Taylor, a vestryman, designed the building’s exterior. He ensured the addition matched the original design.
Today, the Garden of Delight Church stands as a testament to its founding vision. It embraces all who seek solace and community. It offers a welcoming space. Its doors are open to all souls.