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History (continued, page 2) The Reverend Albert C. Walling II was called to the church in December 1971 and served as rector until 1973. Due to congregational membership loss Ascension was forced to revert to mission status for about two years, and was served by supply priests. In September 1974 the
Reverend George Gillespie was called to Ascension. The mission
again flourished and returned to parish status by September 1975.
The Reverend Gillespie retired in May 1981 and the Reverend Peter
C. Ensor became the new rector. |
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In the early 1980s, relocation
was again considered. In 1981 the North Central Expressway property
was sold and land upon which the present church is built was purchased.
The church was designed by architect William H. Hidell. Under
the direction of Peter Ensor the current campus was built.
It was
dedicated and consecrated by Bishop Davies on August 6th, 1983.
The Reverend Ensor took another call in July 1985, and Ascension was
served by curates, the Reverend René Somodevilla and the
Reverend
Richard S. Reynolds.
August 1st, 1986, the Reverend Michael
K. Harmuth became the new rector. Father Harmuth served for
over 12 years until his retirement in July 1998. A depth of
ministry and community outreach was nurtured during Father
Harmuth's time at Ascension. The seating capacity of the
sanctuary was restructured and increased by about 1/4. A new
Youth house was build and dedicated under his leadership too.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the parish continued in
growth and diversification. Since the mid -1980s, an ever-growing and
vibrant Nigerian community has been part of the Ascension parish
family. The Nigerian community meets for an Igbo Bible study
on Sundays at 9 a.m.
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