DAVIDSON (Qu’A) — On Feb. 1, the final worship service was held at All Saints Anglican Church in Davidson. The service of thanksgiving was led by Bishop Helen Kennedy, assisted by Rev. Tracey Taylor.
News of another church building being closed and put up for sale inevitably carries a sense of sadness, but the story of All Saints is also one of new life and joy.
Because, while the building that has been home to the Anglican church in Davidson since 1991 is up for sale, the Anglican Church that has been a part of the fabric of Davidson since 1905 is still very much alive and thriving!
All Saints Anglican Church has been on a journey. In 2021, like many congregations, we were struggling and fearful as to what the future would hold.
But even in our fear, we could sense that God wasn’t finished with this little flock yet. On the feast of All Saints 2021, we began a stewardship campaign, but instead of money, we asked for prayer. The prayer was a simple one — asking for God’s plan to be revealed, and for the courage to follow where he was leading.
In 2022, some exciting things started to happen.
There has long been a strong ecumenical community in Davidson, but that fall we took advantage of the Anglican Church of Canada’s full communion agreement with the Lutheran Church (ELCIC) and began working together more intentionally. In 2023, we jointly celebrated Christmas Eve, Easter week, and other special services, as well as the joint confirmation of 10 young people.
When the Lutheran pastor retired at the end of 2023, we talked about what it might look like to share ministry in an official capacity. In the spring of 2024, we made the bold move and began worshipping together as one congregation.
denominations are worshipping together in one building.
For a year, we worshipped together, alternating between buildings, using Anglican and Lutheran liturgies. In March 2025, we decided that the Lutheran building was more suited to the needs of our congregation, and we let go of our fear and moved in. On April 13 of this year, the “All Saints Anglican Church” sign was taken down and a “for sale” sign was put up.
There is a new sign at the Redeemer Lutheran and All Saints Anglican Church building.
It seems like a simple thing, but it represents a lot of prayer answered and the courage of a group of people to come together; to keep moving and learning new things. It also represents the real grief of letting go of what we know, to allow for something new to grow and thrive.
We worship together every Sunday. We have a leadership team of a combined council and myself as their priest/pastor, assisted by retired Lutheran pastor Rev. Doug Schmirler. We have been blessed with an amazing team of musicians and a combined history of some of the most beautiful liturgy ever written.
A new group of 12 young people will be confirmed this year; we continue to minister to our community; we rejoice in the gospel; and we continue to pray.
It has been a long road, one that we continue to walk by faith and borrowed courage. There are still so many steps to take. We are moving slowly and intentionally with the understanding that we need to build a solid foundation so that what is built will last. I am often asked what plans we have for the future.
We never really had a plan; we just discerned a path and trusted the One who is leading us along it.
Prayer for the Redeemer and All Saints Church, Davidson
Heavenly Father, through the power of your Spirit the body of your
church is bound together; receive the prayers we offer for Redeemer
Lutheran and All Saints Anglican Church. Hold this community in your
grace and guide us in your will. Give us courage to follow where you
lead; compassion for ourselves and others in our fears; and energy
as we follow the path forward. Keep us ever mindful that where you
send, you will be there to greet and empower. May all we do be to your
glory, we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
