All Saints Episcopal Church

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All Saints Episcopal Church, built in 1872-1873, is an historic Carpenter Gothic church in Saugatuck, Michigan. On February 27, 1984, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.HistoryThe first Episcopal service in the vicinity of Saugatuck was conducted by Reverend J. Rice Taylor in 1862. The Saugatuck Episcopal congregation was officially organized in 1868. Taylor, who had been assigned to the parish in Holland, Michigan, acted as a missionary minister. The congregation immediately began planning for a church building, and in 1871 purchased the lot that this church sits on. Rev. Taylor was instrumental in raising funds for the church, both within and outside of the parish.The congregation hired Detroit architect Gordon W. Lloyd to design the new church, and local workmen George Harnes, George E. Dunn, and William Dunning to construct it. Construction began in 1872, and although the church was not yet complete, the first service was held in January 1873. The church was substantially completed by the end of 1874. However, the building was poorly outfitted, and over the next few years, funds were raised to install stained glass windows, carpets, a reed organ, lamps, and seats.Saugatuck's fortunes declined over the next few decades, as lumbering slowed and the population fell. By 1892, the church entered a period of disuse, lacking a priest and it was vandalized. However, by 1907, Saugatuck had become a popular summering spot, and the church became renewed, regaining a priest. Regular services were once again held in the church, and its infrastructure upgraded The church continues to be used by the Episcopal congregation.