John Fox

All Saints Episcopal Church

Founded in 1742, All Saints' is the oldest Episcopal parish in western Maryland. Parishioners of All Saints' have continually been the leaders in the community. Thomas Johnson, the first post-Colonial governor of Maryland, and Francis Scott Key, prominent attorney and author of the National Anthem, worshipped at All Saints. In 1793, All Saints' was the site of the first confirmation of an American citizen, by Bishop Thomas John Claggett, the first Episcopal Bishop consecrated on American soil. A few years after 1742, a small colonial building was constructed about four blocks from our present church, and served the parish for over sixty years. The replacement structure was built on Court Street in 1814, and is now used as parish hall and classrooms. In 1855, a handsome neo-gothic structure was designed by the noted 19th church architect Richard Upjohn. The steeple is one of the clusted spires of Frederick, cited in John Greenleaf Whittier's poem, Barbara Fritchie. The 20th century brought about a growth in membership and relative stability. Through it all we remain firmly committed to the Episcopal Church. It appears that those things which have defined us during our history have not been our differences of opinion on the latest issues. Instead, our ability to evolve enables us to continue serving God and God's people.