“Quiet dignity of a well-seasoned cathedral” is how some describe All Saints Episcopal Church. Its story began in 1900. All Saints started as a mission of St. Stephens parish. Early services took place in a small building on Oak Street.
The church moved a couple of times. It was on Haight Street near Central Avenue. Then it was at Haight and Masonic. In 1905, All Saints found its permanent home on Waller Street.
Additions enhanced the church structure over time. The 1906 earthquake and fire caused some damage. Yet, All Saints served as a refuge for many who lost their homes.
Rev. Edward Hayes was All Saints’ first rector. He served for five years. Rev. Harvey S. Hanson and Rev. Schuyler Pratt followed him. Then came Rev. Arthur W. Farlander. Rev. Arthur J. Child became rector on March 18, 1930.
All Saints celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1930. A church publication at the time noted its open doors. People could come in any time for meditation, rest, and prayer. A San Francisco newspaper described All Saints as ministering to the needs of the people nearby.
All Saints offered many activities. There was a church. There was also a Sunday School. Adult and junior choirs enriched the services. The Women’s Guild played an important role. So did the Woman’s Auxiliary. Young People’s Fellowship and the Altar Guild thrived. Bible Class, Prayer Group, and Little Helpers all contributed.
All Saints had dedicated lay readers. William J. Langstaff, James A. Sanders, and Dr. Ed J. Stevens served in this role.
The vestry managed the church’s affairs. William J. Langstaff was the senior warden. Richard P. Hobbs served as junior warden. Willard C. Henderson was the treasurer. Edmond L. Merwin was the vestry clerk. Colonel James B. Brown, Albert Lea, Captain Arthur D. Layne, Lloyd V. Newton, and Dr. Ed J. Stevens were also members.
An outstanding event marked the 25th anniversary. All Saints burned its mortgage at a parish dinner. The church was finally free of debt. Members looked forward to doing greater things for God.
In the 1960s, All Saints found itself in the heart of Hippieland. The Haight-Ashbury district became known worldwide as the Hippie Capital. Rev. Leon Preston Harris led All Saints during this time. He believed the church should serve all people.
All Saints opened its doors to the hippie community. The church provided facilities for meetings and events. These included forums and lectures. There were also art exhibits and concerts. Classes covered mental health, nutrition, and child care.
A group called the Diggers used the parish kitchen. They prepared free meals for Golden Gate Park. All Saints also operated a free bakery. It gave away bread to anyone who wanted it.
An office for community service opened in one of the church buildings. Volunteers from the hippie community staffed it. They ran a free store and an employment bureau. They also offered a recreation center and a missing persons bureau. An emergency housing program and counseling were available.
All Saints embraced the Anglo-Catholic tradition. It welcomed racial and social minorities. The church engaged with the community. It experienced significant growth in membership. All Saints continues to be a welcoming church. It offers daily services and embraces its neighborhood.