About Us
Ascension Episcopal puts old and new together in a way people like. It’s an inclusive and open-minded group of people who are willing to ask questions about the faith in our modern context. But then these same folks go off to their very traditional, mystical services. It’s a powerful combination!
Sunday morning services are at 8:00 and 10:00 am. The 8:00 is a contemplative service with spoke word only. The 10:00 service is enriched with music and singing of all ages. Both services end with a welcoming coffee and social time in our parish hall.
The community of Ascension can be characterized as Christians seeking spiritual rebirth and deeper education, and hoping to do good things in the world. That’s a part of the “brand”. Equally important is the fact that services, classes, and events are open to anyone. Come and explore the worship, classes, and services opportunities within our church. If you like what you see and who you find here, and want to belong, click on the Membership tab to get more information about becoming a member of Ascension Episcopal.
History Of Ascension
A God-Filled Space
“This is such a sacred place,” the Rev. Thomas Phillips said in his sermon of May 15, 1988, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ascension’s church building.
“God’s spirit fills this place.”
Rev. Phillips continued, “We need to remind ourselves always that the Church is not primarily a building. It is people. But, with that said, we also need to remember that we have a need for sacred places – shrines as it were, set aside from the everyday world.”
From the moment one enters Ascension’s sanctuary, one feels God’s spirit.
Three windows flanking the altar set the mood. Made by the famous Tiffany’s of New York, they were donated to Ascension in 1910 as memorials. Facing the altar, the Tiffany on the left shows The Education of Mary; in the center is The Ascension of Christ; and on the right, The Annunciation.
Tiffany’s charged $2,000 for the three, including transportation from New York. They are now priceless.
Another window of note is the Rose Window, above the entrance to the sanctuary from the narthex. This window, showing little ones gathered around Jesus, was donated by Ascension’s church-school children.
The altar, choir stalls and pulpit are cherrywood. The Dobson organ dates from 1985.
The present church building replaced an edifice destroyed by fire in 1887. Few items survived the blaze. They include the brass eagle on the lectern, the lectern Bible, four other stained glass windows and the baptismal font in the chapel.
The chapel is a haven for quiet prayer and healing services.
Ascension’s parish hall, kitchen and church school undercroft underwent major facelifts in 2001-02.
The latest addition to the Ascension “campus” is the columbarium, completed in 2009. It has 136 niches for those who choose cremation.
The columbarium faces west. At sunset, the same rays of the sun which light the Tiffany windows light the columbarium.
“God’s spirit fills this place.”
