All Saints' Episcopal Church

History

Monday, September 30th, 1907 - Consecration of All Saint's

All Saint's Episcopal Church has often been referred to as "the church on the hill".  Through the generosity of Mary Packer Cummings, daughter of Asa Packer, founder of St. Marks, Lehigh Valley Railroad and Lehigh University, All Saint's became a reality in 1907.

From 1868 services were held along First Street in Kemmerer Hall before a mission was established in the Graver building.  Rev. Davies was sent from England to be the spiritual advisor.

Construction of All Saint's (front of Church)

In 1905, Mary announced she would build a stone church and rectory.  She went to England to employ an architect who would build "a church on the hill."  She built the church and rectory for $50,000.  It is constructed of gray stone, quarried in nearby Bowmanstown and the trimmings are Wyoming blue stone.

The cornerstone was laid October, 1906, and All Saint's was consecrated September, 1907.  Rev. Bresee was the first rector.  Now the dream of "the church on the hill" came true.  Although the Packer's fortune made construction a reality, it was the determination of those early devout Episcopalians who made it possible.

Construction of Rectory

The Coal Street hill is the highest in Lehighton and the church is an impressive borough landmark.  If you ever stand across the street from the church as the sun is rising in the east on a clear day, you will know the Holy Spirit will always be present in beautiful All Saint's Church.