A postcard announcing a new parish in the Highland and Oak Park area arrived in parishioners' mailboxes in October of 1914. As the newly appointed pastor, Fr. Henry Pouget, had rented a store front building at 2914 6th Avenue as the first worship center.
When Fr. Pouget was transferred in the Fall of 1915, Fr. John O'Neill became the new pastor. Fr. O'Neill's home at 3620 45th Street now became the location to celebrate mass.
Fr. John Galligan was appointed in March of 1916 to be the first resident pastor. In July he was authorized to purchase three lots at the northeast corner of 3rd and Ovid for $2,600. This would become the parish's first real church. In September of 1918, the residence that would become the parish rectory was purchased for $3,500.
In 1919, Fr. James Manning was appointed pastor following Fr. Galligan's untimely death from the flu. In September of 1919, plans and specs for the new church were approved, and authorization was given to seek bids, not to exceed $16,000. The church, with its cupola, would have the air of an old Spanish mission church. The new church building was dedicated on June 13, 1920.
In 1963, the pastor, Fr. John Reynolds, was instrumental in purchasing 10 acres of land on NE 52nd Avenue for a new church. The All Saints location on 3rd Street was crowded and overflow room was needed. All Saints' new church satellite, known as St. Mel's Chapel, was dedicated on September 4,1966 with a building cost of $305,000 plus furnishings.
Fr. Anthony Aiello held the last mass in the 3rd and Ovid location on Christmas Day 1996. On January 1, 1997, all parish functions were moved to the NE 52nd Avenue location and St. Mel's officially became All Saints. In November of 1997 an addition to the building was dedicated. The areas we know as the Parish Hall, Parish Office, two large restrooms, Religious Education rooms and library were all part of this addition.
Growth continued under the guidance of Fr. Bob Schoemann from 2003-2008. Although there was room for parishioners inside the church, the parking lot was now overflowing. In 2007, 108 parking spots were added as a huge expansion was undertaken. In 2008 a superb sound system was installed so parishioners could easily hear as they celebrated mass. A large well lit sign was also installed in 2008 so people could easily identify All Saints Catholic Church. Fr. Bob Harris has led All Saints since 2007 and we continue to grow in parishioners and number of parish activities held in our church.
From its very simple beginning, All Saints parish has grown considerably. In 2006, there were more than 575 families; today we have over 730 families. Although we have grown to be a medium sized parish, new parishioners say All Saints parish has the feel of a smaller parish and we like it that way!
