Our Sure Foundation
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with all the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone; in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
Ephesians 2.19-21
A Word from Fr. Stu
On June 10, in the thick heat of the summer of 1886, in the humming city of Palatka along the St. John’s River, the Diocese of Florida gathered in council and asked God’s blessing on a new outpost in Winter Park, a mission planted in faith by the Rev. Canon George Charles Street and committed members including Mary Brown, William Comstock, John and Molly Stovin, and Charles and Emily Switzer.
Next year marks 140 years of this courageous parish on mission in the heart of Central Florida, still listening for the Spirit, still walking the ancient road of Christ’s disciples. As I have been thinking through our history as a Parish, two characteristics of All Saints members throughout the generations stand out.
First, we were message conscious — absolutely passionate about sharing the Gospel. Every week since, we have communicated the astonishing love of God summarized so powerfully by St. Paul in his letter to the Romans: “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This gospel message is for one and all and is the foundation of our life at All Saints Church.
Second, we were bold and resourceful. In 1886, All Saints’ first church was designed and built in 100 days on our current site for $4,840. Financial support included a collection of $160 from Seminole Hotel guests as well as a shared $1,300 gift to eliminate the remaining debt.
On June 11, 1941, the vestry resolved to proceed with the financing and construction of a new church as soon as possible, with an estimated cost of $36,000. Although leadership though the parish would only raise $25,000, God’s people raised nearly $44,000. Two days before Christmas, the cornerstone was laid, Bishop Wing presiding.
As I recall some of All Saints’ history, I am grateful to God for our discerning and prayerful parish leaders who received the Discovery and Discernment report and developed a plan for the next five years.
Part of that plan calls for the renovation and revitalization of the church designed by renowned architect Ralph Adams Cram and All Saints Memorial Garden, the restoration of the stained glass windows, and the repair of the organ. This pressing and essential work renews the sacred space at the heart of our growing congregation.
This is a sizable undertaking, but no more than building a church in less than a year in 1886 and again in 1941. Since 1886, the Holy Spirit has included All Saints Church in all the ways God’s sons and daughters are welcomed home. With the support of the Parish Wardens and Vestry, I have the privilege of inviting you to participate in the Sure Foundation Campaign. The Lord bless you as you make your commitment alongside us. So much love!
Ever yours in Christ,
The Rev. F. Stuart Shelby, Rector
I have always been inspired by America’s “Greatest Generation”. My parents both endured and learned from the great depression and my dad was a combat vet of WWII. They and their friends like them did not back down from challenges that were worthy. I believe we had a congregation at All Saints Church Winter Park in 1941 much like them and with the same resolve and determination. They started construction on a new church at a perilous time in 1941 as the world was going to war. They had the courage necessary because they believed in their faith and each other. I think it is a worthy goal for us today to repair, update, and reinvigorate our beautiful Cram-designed Church that has been so faithful to us since 1941. It is our time.
Bob Shinn
Senior Warden
Marking 140 Years Together
For nearly 140 years, All Saints Episcopal Church has proclaimed the Gospel and nurtured a faithful community in Central Florida. As we celebrate this milestone, the Our Sure Foundation Campaign will renew the sacred space at the heart of our life together. We will revitalize our church, restore our stained glass windows, establish the Memorial Garden, and repair the organ. Essential updates will preserve our church’s beauty while preparing it for future generations. We stand on the legacy of those who came before us. Join us in ensuring All Saints continues to share the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God in the power of the Holy Spirit for years to come.
Do you have questions about stewardship?
HOW WAS THE PROJECT TO RENOVATE AND REVITALIZE ALL SAINTS CHURCH DETERMINED?
This fourfold project is a direct response to parish surveys and parish-wide meetings during the Discovery and Discernment process. Our Sure Foundation campaign is based on our current and future needs to care for the sacred spaces at the heart of our life and mission as a parish. Housemann Architecture and Fostering Conant & Associates assisted us with the conceptual design. John Jennings of Jack Jennings and Sons provided building cost estimates. The project was then tested through a short feasibility study.
WHEN WILL CONSTRUCTION BEGIN?
The capital campaign will be approximately 12 months, providing sufficient time for donors to consider their pledge amount prayerfully. A pledge redemption period of 60 months will follow the capital campaign. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026.
HOW MUCH AM I EXPECTED TO GIVE?
Your pledge is a very personal decision. This campaign is a unique opportunity for the church to continue as a vibrant place to gather and worship. Ultimately, we ask that you consider your sacrificial gift in terms of your overall stewardship in our life together in Christ and what this project means to you, your family, and the future of All Saints and our community. We have been blessed by the sacrifices of those who came before us.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO MEET MY PLEDGE?
Pledging, as opposed to a one-time gift, helps one make a significant gift to this campaign over a designated period. We are asking donors to fulfill their pledges within five years.
IS MY GIFT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes. The amount contributed is deductible to the full extent provided by the law of the United States.
I ALREADY GIVE TO ALL SAINTS. WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN?
The campaign supports this very special project of revitalization and renewal. It is separate from regular giving. All Saints is grateful for all donations we receive throughout the year. Your generous ongoing contributions are needed for regular operating expenses, including lower-cost maintenance and repairs. Ideally, the church’s regular income should, at the least, equal its ongoing expenses (utilities, supplies, services, clergy stipends, employee salary and benefits, insurance, etc.). Capital projects are considered extraordinary expenses that need additional funding.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY PAYMENTS?
We have developed a five-year pledge chart to help you identify a pledge level you can reach. You will see that you can choose to fulfill your pledge in several ways. The church office will send reminders, including a balance before each payment is due.
WILL MY GIFT BE RECOGNIZED?
Naming and recognition opportunities abound and can be discussed with the Rector. Unless requested otherwise, all contributors to the campaign will be included in an alphabetical listing of donors.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO COMPLETE MY PLEDGE?
A pledge to the campaign is a faith promise; it is not legally binding. All Saints depends on the generosity and ability of its church members and community friends to complete this project. While we pray that you will not experience any financial challenges, should your situation change, we will work with you to accommodate any unforeseen personal situations.
Example Pledge Chart
Giving Plans to Consider
We ask that you consider making a five-year sacrificial pledge to this campaign. This pledge would be in addition to your annual giving. For your gift to the campaign, you may choose monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payments to fulfill your pledge. While we welcome gifts at levels not listed, let this be your guide in determining your support.
Please contact us if you have any other questions
You can reach out to the vestry; our Parish Administrator, Beth Davis, or the clergy. And always feel free to call the church or send us an email. We’re excited to talk about Stewardship!
2026 Vestry
Bob Shinn, Senior Warden
Renee Thompson, Junior Warden
Jon Baety, Healing Ministry
Bud Davis, Creation Care
John Evans, Newcomers
Dykes Everett, Long Range Planning
Steven Garnett, Liturgy & Worship
Nike Kern, Stewardship
Alice Maguire, All Saints School
Scott E. Miller, Missions & Outreach
Bob Niemi, Music & Liturgy
Suzanne Reams, Parish Life
The Rev. F. Stuart Shelby, Rector
Long Range Planning Committee
Jeffrey Blydenburgh
Beth Davis
Arthur Evans
Dykes Everett
Mary Sue Halligan
Bob Shinn
Renee Thompson
Fr. Stuart Shelby
Click the button below to view a digital version of the 2026 All Saints Our Sure Foundation Brouchure.
