Impact of All Saints Episcopal Church on Snyder County
All Saints Episcopal Church reflects the rich history of Selinsgrove. Built over 100 years ago, this building represents more than just a room in which church members have worshipped; it stands for years of relationships and established bonds that have influenced the culture of the town. Over the last century, All Saints Episcopal Church has been a beacon of light for residents. In 2024 the congregation celebrates 125 years of faith and unity.
Establishment of All Saints Episcopal Church
Opened in 1900, All Saints Episcopal Church was officially consecrated on November 3, 1908. To announce the beginning of a church service, “The Governor” sounded. The Governor is the church’s bell, which has been ringing before every service for nearly 125 years. All Saints was an organized mission from 1908 until 1937, when it was admitted to the diocese as an incorporated mission. They had their fiftieth anniversary celebration in 1951. At the time, Donald Moore Whitesel was reverend. In 1987 the church became officially incorporated into the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
Connection of All Saints Church and Susquehanna University
In the early days, Bishop Ethelbert Talbot wanted to establish a relationship between the church and Susquehanna University. To do this, Talbot attended church services on campus and spoke to the students each year. Church services were held in Gustavus Adolphus Hall, a residence hall built in 1895 and destroyed by fire in 1964. In return for the chaplain’s services on campus, SU’s president was always invited to services at All Saints.
Rev. Baker, 1906
Leroy Baker was reverend at All Saints for over thirteen years, starting in 1906. He inaugurated one of its most valued traditions, the Christmas Eve service. He also established a boy’s hiking club. This was an opportunity for the young boys of the community to work together to hone their skills of manhood. This group was similar to what is now considered the Boy Scouts.
On top of his pastoral duties, Baker was a member of the local Board of Health. During the height of typhoid fever in 1906, he presented a few measures, newly written into law, for the community to adopt to prevent sickness. Anyone with an unusual rash, sore throat, whooping cough, or an eye infection would be quarantined by the health officer. It specifically noted places to quarantine from including. Baker noted that this was basically a temporary ban from all public streets, shops, factories, and schools. Reverend Baker was a town leader, running church service on Sunday while trying to keep residents safe from the quick spread of infection.
World Day of Prayer: February 20, 1931
As the organist finished his accompaniment, Mrs. Herbert Connop called the women in attendance to worship on February 20, 1931, in observance of the World Day of Prayer. The event was hosted by All Saints, while many other congregations of the town joined them. This special day of worship was organized by fourteen women from local congregations. The women in attendance represented their churches by saying a prayer that was connected to their denomination. The World Day of Prayer continues today and reflects the All Saints spirit by bringing people together to celebrate faith as one.
In the early twentieth century, All Saints was one of a half-dozen churches in Selinsgrove:
Fashion show: December 1933
For just 25¢, community members attended the All Saints Fashion Show hosted in the Dauntless Hook & Ladder firehall. The audience watched as community members and church leaders strutted the runway, presenting their finest attire of historical gowns, sports uniforms, and much more. The fashion show depicted women’s most stylish riding habits and a skiing ensemble that was to die for. Women also showed off the beauty of different cultures, representing Chinese apparel and a traditional Spanish dance. To accompany these looks, participants displayed modern everyday attire and popular wedding dresses. The fashion show was a good example of All Saints’ connections with the community.
Sunday School in Selinsgrove
Reverend Reginald Shield Radcliffe was the first reverend of the church in 1902. His wife established the church’s first Sunday School., attended by children of all denominations. The All Saints Sunday School became involved in the community through their annual picnic at Rolling Green Park. The amusement park, now displaced by a housing development, was a pillar in the Central Susquehanna Valley. The Sunday School ventured to the park annually. The students and their families enjoyed the thrilling roller coaster or the more relaxing carousel.
