All Saints Anglican Cathedral

All Saints Anglican Cathedral, located in Long Beach, California, is a prominent center for Anglican worship and a significant institution within the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Originally founded in 1923 as All Saints Episcopal Church, its history is marked by growth, theological evolution, and a significant realignment within the broader Anglican Communion.

History and Development

The church's origins trace back to the growing population of Long Beach in the early 20th century. Initially established as a mission of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, its first services were held in a local elementary school. By 1925, a permanent site was secured in the Belmont Heights neighborhood, where fundraising for construction began. Lay readers conducted services at the site while funds were being raised.

The first rector, the Rev. F. Augustus Martyr, served for a substantial period from 1928 to 1952. During his tenure, the first services in the newly constructed Tudor Revival church commenced in September 1929. The building sustained damage in the 1933 Long Beach earthquake but was subsequently renovated to improve its seismic resilience. Martyr's leadership also saw the installation of the main altar and reredos.

The mid-20th century brought further development. Following Martyr's long service, the church saw several rectors before the Rev. Donald Behm led from 1966 to 1975. This period witnessed significant architectural changes, including the expansion of the nave to incorporate north and south transepts and the relocation of the altar to a central crossing. During these years, All Saints became a spiritual home for many influential citizens of Long Beach, including future California Governor George Deukmejian.

In 1966, a young member named Bill Thompson was recommended for ordained ministry. After seminary, Thompson returned to All Saints in 1973 and, in 1975, was elected as the church's sixth rector at the age of 28. He served until 2012, overseeing a period of membership growth to 400 individuals and the addition of a columbarium and new preschool facilities. Under his guidance, All Saints became a notable contributor to the Diocese of Los Angeles' Mission Share Fund.

Anglican Realignment

All Saints was recognized as a theologically conservative congregation within the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Tensions escalated in 2003 with the election of an openly partnered gay bishop within the Episcopal Church. In response, in June 2004, then-rector Bill Thompson led a conference of Anglican Communion Network members seeking alternative episcopal oversight. In August 2004, All Saints voted to disaffiliate from the Episcopal Church and sought oversight from the Church of Uganda's Diocese of Luwero, renaming itself All Saints Anglican Church.

This departure led to legal disputes over church property, with the Diocese of Los Angeles filing a lawsuit. While an initial trial court ruled in favor of All Saints, the California Supreme Court ultimately found for the diocese in 2009, establishing precedent for similar cases.

Following the litigation, an agreement was reached for All Saints to purchase the church property. Thompson and All Saints were instrumental in the formation of the Anglican Church in North America, with the western convocation becoming the Diocese of Western Anglicans. In 2009, Bill Thompson was elected the first bishop of this new diocese and was consecrated later that year. He stepped down as rector in 2012 to focus on his diocesan responsibilities, succeeded by the Rev. Scott Pedersen.

On October 27, 2017, All Saints was officially designated as the cathedral for the Diocese of Western Anglicans.

Churchmanship and Programs

All Saints is characterized by its unique combination of high church liturgical practices, evangelical theology, and charismatic spirituality. As is customary for Anglican cathedrals, it offers daily prayer services and observes the Eucharist on designated feast days.

A particularly distinctive program is the annual "immersive theatre" presentation during Lent and Holy Week, titled “Good Friday At 5:15 PM.” This event recreates scenes and locations from Jerusalem on Good Friday, allowing attendees to experience the events through improvisation and interactive vignettes.