All Saints Episcopal Church, Stoneham, MA

All Saints Episcopal Church, Stoneham, MA

Pillars & Foundations documents a journey through my surrounding communities, as seen through the experience of its religious institutions. My intent is to share exploration, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often impactful groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.

 This post is unique because I unfortunately did not have the pleasure of attending All Saints before their final service on January 7, 2018. Perhaps poignantly, I dropped by this week following work, and took these photographs at dusk in the autumn. I'm certain All Saints left an unforgettable mark on the community. Memories will last for years, and impact, both known and unknown will last longer.


Building & History

Here we see newer structure attached to an older church with a covered walkway. Pictures on All Saint's Facebook page, highly active only a year ago so the warm light shining through the wall of windows at one end of the sanctuary. The sign, now empty, says in a photograph "November 7, 1907 - January 7, 2018," speaking to a century, or generations of impact that this little church had on the surrounding area. The FB page discusses Kelly's Garden, a place to seek some solitude in the back of the church. I would have liked to take a peek, however I did not as to avoid trespassing. 

The church grew out of the Parish of the Epiphany from Winchester, MA and first located in a house at its location on Central St. The house had been modified several times before the new church was constructed in 1964. 

The Congregation

The FB page is still populated with pictures of loved congregants participating in the community, and memories to some who recently passed. Some inspirational quotes which range from those religious, to commentary from none other than Alice Cooper (Yes that Alice Cooper) paint a picture of a down to earth group of people. And yes, there was even a meme featuring Yoda, suggesting that the Force indeed was with congregants of All Saints.


This is a very unique feature on the building which must have served to bring in a lot of light

Outreach

The Facebook page captures the recent history demonstrating yet another community that delivered benefits to the surrounding neighborhoods that made its home. Blood drives and a benefit for a charity called Bikes Not Bombs which reconditions bikes, creating jobs for teens, while providing bikes as well as other benefits for developing nations. Another example was a fundraiser for Eyes on Refugees an organization that helps those being displaced by unrest across the globe.


All Saint's Facebook page noted that their services often ended on the following benediction:

Life is short,
and we do not have much time
to gladden the hearts of those who
travel the way with us.
So, be swift to love,
and make haste to be kind.
And the blessing of God,
who made us,
who loves us,
and who travels with us
be with you now and forever.
AMEN

This reflection on the passage of time, constant change, and beginnings and ends, makes me pause. There's beauty around us that we take for granted. There's time that we take for granted. We need to value our lives, those around us, the moments, and the experiences that are offered to us. We need to take time to make the world better, be it through simple understanding, or efforts of charity and generosity. Don't let the opportunity slip away. 

Of interest if interested in hearing the sounds of the past, the Stoneham Public Library has made a 250th anniversary service for Stoneham which was held at All Saints, available in 4 wave files. Hearing the organ and the congregants sing accompanied by brass, is very heart warming. Listen through the first hymn and you'll recognize the church transition into "My Country Tis of Thee."

Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links

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