History of the Congregation

Our congregation was established on All Saints Day in 1883.  For the first 80 years or so, our life was intertwined with the history of “establishment” Winnipeg.  Politics, business and religion at the centre of the City were dominated by people of English and Scottish backgrounds, many brought up in the Anglican church.  Click on The All Saints’ Story button for a detailed account of this period at All Saints by A.M.C. Waterman.

Dr. Waterman’s history currently ends in 1965.  As our City has changed since then, so has All Saints.  The congregation is now richly diverse with many people of non-Anglican background and we have a fine mixed-voice choir.  With our housing development next door and outreach activities in the West Broadway neighbourhood, we look forward to a new future of growth, caring and community.  Stay tuned for the final instalment of Waterman’s All Saint’s Story coming out in 2021.

Waterman, a distinguished senior member of our parish, has also written a booklet called What is the Anglican Church?  In a light, question-and-answer format, it provides background on the history and theological development of Anglicanism.  This is an interesting read, especially for those who did not grow up in this tradition.

A Self-Guided Tour and Catalogue of Significant and Memorial Items was developed for visitors to All Saints during Doors Open Winnipeg. It also includes a brief history of the church and floor plans.

History of the Building

All Saints Church, located at 521 Broadway, was constructed in 1926 and designed by Northwood and Chivers. The church was constructed as a replacement of its predecessor, which was constructed in 1883 and originally had been located slightly to the east of where the new church stands. The church had to be re-built when the city called for the extension of Osborne, which would have gone through the existing church.

The new church was once again designed in the English Gothic style, but this time built of stone. Some of the treasures from the previous church were saved and re-installed in the new church, including stained glass windows, pews, and the altar rail. Noteworthy are the beautiful stained glass windows, which were designed and executed in England by a company founded by the famous William Morris.