As may be seen, that period between 1886 and 1951 saw 65 years worth of dedicated efforts to bring Episcopal-style Christianity to central Arizona and the Valley of the Sun. This document is being presented as an inspiration to the dedicated ministries (lay, diaconal, presbyterial and Episcopal) of the Cathedral to continue that spirit of evangelism and service to the Valley of the Sun that has been experienced for the past 120 years.

At the General Convention of l874, in New York, the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona, which had previously belonged to various territorial groups, were constituted together as a Missionary Jurisdiction. The Rev. William Forbes Adams, Rector of St. Paul's Church, New Orleans, was elected Missionary Bishop for this district, and was consecrated January 17, 1875. He remained in New Mexico for two years, but owing to illness, never reached Arizona.

After several years of changes, vicissitudes, and missionary adventures, the Jurisdiction received its first definitely active Chief Pastor, the Rt. Rev. George Kelly Dunlop, who had been rector of Grace Church, St. Louis, in November of 1880. It was during his very active administration that, in 1886, the first services of our Church were held, in Phoenix. This, and one or two other services, apparently were conducted by the Bishop himself, as there is no record of lay services having been held at this time when Phoenix was a small but picturesque desert town in the broad Salt River Valley. The population of Phoenix was then 3,000. By the time this history was written in 1950, the population of the metro Phoenix area was 200,000.

In the next few years no very marked progress was made in the Territory as a whole, although, decidedly lively things were happening in the notorious mining camp of Tombstone, in the southeast corner. Here it was that in a most dramatic setting our first church was erected, under the leadership of Mr. Endicott Peabody, a student in the Episcopal Theological School at Cambridge, Massachusetts. In other towns and mining camps congregations were also being organized, and services held.

In Phoenix, Lay Readers were doing good work. Eminent among them was The Rev. Dr. Robert W. Pearson, who had been a devout Baptist Minister, and had at one time been a brilliant lawyer. After much thoughtful study, he had become convinced of the importance of the historic and ecclesiastical position of the Protestant Episcopal Church, with its 'Incomparable liturgy’ and had entered our fold. He was a born missionary, and brought with him a wealth of experience, together with the evangelical zeal of a good Baptist. Bishop Dunlop set him apart as a Lay Reader, and soon admitted him as a candidate for Holy Orders. It was under his administration that a real congregation was brought together and a Sunday School developed. He also set up important organizations. A Territorial Branch of the Woman's Auxiliary had been organized, with Miss Dunlop, a daughter of the Bishop, as Secretary. There was also a Chapter of The Daughters of the King, an organization which, like the Women’s Auxiliary still prevails. There was a Guild that did great work. But of chief interest, as we look back, was a group of little girls known as The Busy Bees.

Their organizer and chief source of inspiration was a Mrs. Jerome Hollenbeck, who directed the members along many lines of interesting and effective work. Several of the original members are still alive and active in good works.

The greatest of Dr. Pearson's accomplishments was the leading of his congregation in their efforts to build a church. Two excellent lots on 2nd Avenue in the center of the town, and opposite the Court House, were secured for $750.00. According to the history of the Missionary Jurisdiction of Arizona being prepared by Riolfe B. Chase of Prescott, these 25 foot lots were purchased by Bishop Dunlap in May, 1886. The Bishop provided $200.00 and the "A.G.B.F.G." helped, but the congregation raised the larger part, and were almost ready to begin operations when a dark cloud of sadness fell upon the whole jurisdiction. That faithful servant of the Lord, the close friend and Chief Pastor of all his people. Bishop Dunlop, was taken away, after a brief illness. This was in the spring of 1888. His successor. Bishop Kendrick, in his first Convocation address six months later said of him;

"Those of us who knew the late Bishop Dunlop can testify to his worth and ability and faithfulness. I have followed his footsteps through the Jurisdiction and have met the people who knew him, and have looked on the work that he did. He has not written his record on the sand. With the means at his command, he did all that a bishop could do. The Church has lost a faithful servant. The Jurisdiction has lost a good Bishop. Many of us, here and elsewhere, have lost a dear friend."

These words of tribute were brief, and not in the least flowery, but they were sincere and complete, and quite characteristic of the one who wrote them - - the one who so worthily followed in the footsteps of his friend.

The Presiding Bishop, The Rt. Rev. John Williams, appointed Bishop Spaulding of Colorado to take temporary charge of the Jurisdiction. Meantime, the congregation of Trinity Mission, which, as has been said, had already purchased two lots and had raised a goodly sum for a church, was ready to build. On Trinity Sunday in 1888 the cornerstone was laid by the Rev. James A. M. La Tourrette, the President of the Standing Committee of the Missionary Jurisdiction of New Mexico, who had been asked by Bishop Spaulding to represent him, since he himself could not come at that time. It was a fine brick building with a small tower, and, standing directly across from the Court House, was in a commanding position in the little desert town. It had cost $5,500.00, and by the time it was completed, a $1,200.00, organ had been installed.

January, 1889 First Service held in Trinity Church, 2nd Avenue & Washington Streets

The first service was held on the first Sunday in January of l889. A very pleasing addition to the beauty of the sanctuary was soon to be presented. It was a stained glass window representing The Good Shepherd, as a memorial to the late Bishop. This gift was made possible by the devoted efforts of The Busy Bees, who had raised the money by their own efforts, under the direction of Mrs. Hollenbeck.

In about two weeks from the date of the first service, a new Bishop of New Mexico and Arizona was consecrated in Trinity Church, Columbus, Ohio, the Rev. John Mills Kendrick, of the Church of The Good Shepherd in Columbus, already mentioned above. He was a veteran of the Civil War, who had had many experiences and adventures. His selection as Bishop was a happy choice, as his coming years of service would well testify. The new Bishop went at once to the new field of activity, and promptly visited Phoenix, where he was warmly welcomed.

Almost his first Episcopal act was to ordain Dr. Pearson to the Diaconate on February 14, 1889, and he followed this up on April 29, by ordaining him Priest. With now a fully-ordained Minister, working under an exceedingly active Bishop, Trinity Church made rapid and continued progress, so that it soon became evident that a building separate from the church was needed as a Guild Hall for all kinds of activities. Minister and People worked together with splendid zeal, and the new building was put up during that year, at a cost of $1,700.00. Meantime, in conformity with its civic as well as religious position in the community, Trinity Mission became an incorporated body, according to the laws of the Territory of Arizona.

For a year and one-half Dr. Pearson served Trinity Mission with faithfulness and devotion. A preacher of unusual ability, and a great organizer, he was also prominent in the affairs of the community, and even reached out into other parts of the Jurisdiction; and was in temporary charge of Grace Mission in Tucson. As might have been expected, so much activity affected his health. In the summer of 1890 he took a vacation in California, and just on the eve of the Convocation, which was to meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a brief illness, he passed away September 29, 1890. Greatly distressed were his congregation and his Bishop, as well as his many friends within and without the Church.

A special committee of Convocation presented a memorial of Dr. Pearson in which were the following words of tribute;

"Dr. Pearson was educated to the profession of the law, and, as we are informed, was for many years a brilliant member of the bar, and an eloquent advocate. A profound conviction of duty led him after some years to forego the advantages of his first chosen profession, and to enter upon the work of a minister of the gospel. At Phoenix, Dr. Pearson became the centre of church influence, not only for that place, but for all Southern Arizona. It was as a graceful and eloquent preacher that he was most widely known, while to those who were nearest him in private and social life and in the home circle, he will be cherished in memory for the tenderness of his sympathies and the warmth of his affections."

After an interval of a few months, under the direction of another Lay Reader, Dr. C. D. Belden, Trinity Mission welcomed Sir. Alfred Illif, an English layman, a candidate for Holy Orders, whom Bishop Kendrick had appointed Lay Reader and ordained a Deacon on April 3, 1892. A survivor of those days once said of him, "He was the funniest little man I ever saw, running around all the time but he lived among the clouds!" He was not very well adapted to Western Missionary work in North America, and the next year was transferred to another field. Bishop Kendrick at once took over the charge of the Mission, with the assistance of the Rev. W. H. Fenton-Smith, Deacon, and later the Rev, W. D. N. Sherman. He surely needed their assistance for it was at about this time (1892) that the General Convention set off Arizona as a separate Missionary District, but Bishop Kendrick was to have charge of both Districts. Now for the first time the word 'District' is used in place of 'Jurisdiction'.

This change, however, did not lessen the duties of the Bishop, and he must have found it increasingly difficult to administer the affairs of the Phoenix church. He was greatly relieved when on October 1, 1897, the Rev, Edwin A Penick, of Camden, New Jersey, was appointed Minister-in-Charge, Mr. Penick was quite the opposite of his predecessor, Mr. Illif, and the same survivor of those days mentioned above said of him, "He was so human, and we all loved him. He used to scold us from the pulpit, but we deserved it!”

Mr. Penick served most acceptably for nine years. His own son was destined to become the Bishop of North Carolina, The Rt. Rev. Edwin A. Penick, D.D.

During Mr. Penick’s administration, the work of the church made steady progress in growth, and influence in the community; so that it became evident that a larger plant was necessary and in a more desirable situation. Lots were soon donated on one of the principal streets of the fast-developing town, North Central Avenue, and a fund was started for a new group of buildings. Meantime, the guild hall was enlarged.

On May 1, 1906, Mr. Penick left Arizona for a parish which he had accepted in Alabama, greatly to the regret of the members of Trinity Mission, and of his many friends outside. His splendid work was well reflected in the fine spirit of his congregation, which kept on undismayed for the six months which were to pass before the coming of his successor.

(Died Washington, DC April, 1945)

The story of the coming of this successor is decidedly interesting; but let us go back a year or two. Almost in the last hours of the year 1904 there arrived in Tucson, the Rev. Julius Walter Atwood, who for ten years had been the Rector of Trinity Church, Columbus, Ohio. With him came his wife, who was very ill with tuberculosis, and their two little girls. They had left Ohio, first for Colorado, and soon after for Arizona, in the hope of benefiting the health of Mrs. Atwood. After a brief stay in Tucson, they came to Phoenix and found quarters at Clayson’s Ranch, a few miles out on the desert. They were welcomed by Bishop Kendrick, who had known them in Columbus, and who tried to be of service to them in Arizona. There were other sick people in the neighborhood, and it was quite natural for Mr. Atwood to become interested in them; so, with the consent of the Bishop, he held services on the ranch, out of doors. This was in the spring following a winter of almost continual rains and floods which had destroyed bridges and had cut off the ranches from connection with the outside world.

How long these services continued is uncertain, but meantime, Bishop Kendrick, realizing the value of so active and efficient a clergyman as Mr. Atwood, called him to a more definite work, by inviting him to take charge of Trinity Mission. This invitation Mr. Atwood was glad to accept, and he became Minister-in-Charge on November 1, 1906. But as the following summer approached, Mrs. Atwood could only with difficulty stand the heat, so she was taken with her family to Colorado Springs. She lived only a short time, and Mr. Atwood with his two little girls returned sadly to Phoenix, where he soon became absorbed in his new activities. There was, indeed, plenty of work for him to do, ministering to the spiritual needs of his people and helping them raise the money needed for the new projects. He lent his efficient aid in the erection of Trinity Mission into an organized Parish, which was finally accomplished during the year 1907. [1908?] He organized a Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, in happy recollection of a splendid chapter he had had in Columbus; and under his leadership the Guild took on new life with increasing attendance.

Mr. Atwood at once took a prominent place not only in the affairs of his congregation, but also in those of the community and the District. Appreciating his special qualities, Bishop Kendrick appointed him Archdeacon, a newly created office for the Church in Arizona. In his address at the convocation of that year (1907) the Bishop said:

“The object of this appointment is to give the missionary district a claim on the Rev. Mr. Atwood for such services as he can render outside of Phoenix, and to make him an accredited representative of the district when he is abroad.”

On April 25, 1908 Trinity Mission became a parish and Mr. Atwood was elected Rector.

The long and fatal illness of Mrs. Atwood, and the many sufferers all about, had brought home to Mr. Atwood the great need there was of a Church Sanatorium, especially for those of slender means. With tremendous faith and courage, he succeeded in purchasing several lots on the edge of the desert just outside the city, and in securing a number of used tent-houses. [18th Street north of Van Buren Street, St. Luke's Hospital's permanent location] With these he was ready to make a beginning of his project. But a regular Superintendent was absolutely necessary to organize and conduct the work. So it was that the Bishop, who heartily approved of the new undertaking, secured the services of a young student from the comparatively new Divinity School of the Pacific, then situated at San Mateo, in California. This was Mr. Bertrand Richard Cocks, who, with his wife Mary, had had considerable experience with tuberculosis. Thus was started an institution which was destined to grow marvelously and to acquire a national renown. Mr. Cocks was made a Deacon by Bishop Kendrick on June 7, 1908 and was ordained to the Priesthood May l6, 1909. Mr. Cocks became not only Superintendent of the Sanatorium, known as St. Luke’s, but also was appointed Curate of Trinity Church and assistant to Mr. Atwood in the Salt River Valley.

Not only did the Church people of Phoenix realize the need of a new Church plant, as has been said, but the Bishop also shared this feeling; and in his Convocation addresses for several years, he stressed this pressing need. So it was that in 1910 he reported that blueprints for a new Church plant had been secured from the well-known firm of architects, Shepley, Ruten, and Coolidge, of Boston. These plans called for a group of buildings which would include a parish House and a rectory. The completion of the project would depend upon the sale of the present property, plus a definite building fund, which had already been started in a modest way.

Meantime, events of a larger order, having to do with the district as a whole, and of the entire Church, were transpiring. The General Convention of 1910 decided that New Mexico and Arizona, which were separate districts under one Bishop, should henceforth have separate Bishops. Bishop Kendrick was given the right to choose which district he would preside over and he selected New Mexico. This he did quite unselfishly, for he had in mind that his archdeacon would make a most worthy and fitting Bishop of Arizona. He therefore nominated Archdeacon Atwood for the position, and the House of Bishops forthwith elected him. He was consecrated in Trinity Church, Boston, on January 18, 1911, and proceeded at once to Arizona.

In his first address to Convention on April 26, the new Bishop said:

"A Cathedral would be a centre of missionary work and energy in this district; would provide the Bishop with a church of his own; and, while serving still as a parish church for the people of Phoenix, would really belong to all the church people, and, I might add, all the citizens of Arizona who desire its administrations or its help in any way. A number of clergymen ought later to be associated with it, who would minister to un-organized missions, to churches temporarily without clergymen, and to churchman widely scattered over the whole District of Arizona."

Trinity Church, Phoenix, was offered to the Bishop by its vestry as a Pro-Cathedral, and he was asked to nominate to the vestry a vice-rector, while he still continued in charge of the church. In the meantime the church has had the acceptable services of the Rev. Arthur W. Moulton, of the Diocese of Massachusetts, during the winter and spring of 1911. Plans have been made for a Cathedral, church house, and Bishop's residence, which it is hoped some day will be built on the three lots belonging to the church on North Central Avenue.

written in early 1950's)

Here we see a truly comprehensive and catholic idea of a cathedral; one that has been largely followed in all those years, not only in Arizona but in many fields. The suggestions of having "A number of clergymen" for special ministrations was carried out in effect by the appointment in 1914 of a full-time Archdeacon. This was the Rev. J. Rockwood Jenkins of Prescott, who had been associated with the Bishop in Ohio.

At this Convocation it was voted that a Committee of five, consisting of two laymen from Trinity Parish and two from the District outside, with the Bishop as chairman, be appointed to formulate a Cathedral Constitution, with a view to establishing a Cathedral organization in Phoenix, which should also be the parish church. The Bishop appointed on this committee Dr. Charles A. Van der Veer and Mr. Nathan A. Morford, the Wardens of Trinity Pro-Cathedral; the Rev. Wm. M. Dixon of Grace Church, Tucson, and the Hon. E. W. Lewis, of Globe, who had been a member of the Territorial Supreme Court. We may thus observe that the term 'Pro-Cathedral' was already being employed before any formal action was taken to make it the official title of the church. Meantime, the Rev. Arthur W. Moulton, (mentioned by the Bishop)., had been secured as Locum tenens for six months, and during this time he endeared himself heartily to the people.

(Elected Bishop of Diocese of Missiouri, 1921)

This appointment, however, was only temporary, and Bishop Atwood intended soon to appoint a permanent rector. Early in the fall he sent in to the vestry the name of the Rev. William J. Scarlett, the senior assistant at St. George's Church, New York, to be Vice-Rector of the Pro-Cathedral. The vestry gladly accepted the nomination, and in October Mr. Scarlett assumed his new office. This selection of Mr. Scarlett was largely personal, for he had been a boy in Trinity Church, Columbus, when Bishop Atwood was Rector; and the Bishop had followed his progress as student in Cambridge and as assistant at St. George's. Another reason was that the young man had shown unusual ability as a preacher; so that Dr. Hainsford had put him regularly in charge of the evening service at St. George's.

For the next ten years, Dean Scarlett as he continued to be known by his friends in Arizona, filled an important place in the life of the church and of the greater community. Always an appealing preacher, he soon filled the church with eager listeners from within and. from without the parish, and steadily added to its membership. In his sermons and teaching, as well as in his class in Personal Religion, the Dean lifted his people to high levels of spiritual experience. Young men were deeply interested, and accepted his leadership, as of one who could understand their point of view; their needs, and their aspirations. His interest in youth and in education resulted in his appointment by the Governor to membership on the Board of Regents of the State University.

At the Convocation of 1912, the committee on Cathedral Constitution reported that no progress had been made, because nothing definite had been done about a new building. The committee was therefore continued, and very soon thereafter met and adopted The Institutes of the Pro-Cathedral. The Bishop then formally resigned as Rector, and the vestry nominated the Rev. William J. Scarlett as Dean and Rector. The Bishop confirmed the nomination most gladly. This arrangement, however, was to be temporary because of the recognized difficulty of joining a Cathedral System with a parish organization.

At this same Convocation, Bishop Atwood made the official announcement of the passing away, a few months before, of the Rt. Rev. John Mills Kendrick, D.D., Bishop of New Mexico, and for more than twenty years Bishop of Arizona.

“Known to and loved by many in this missionary district, my own friend for many years and my Bishop from 1906 to 1911, our grief at his departure has been as great here as in New Mexico - - Bishop Kendrick was a born missionary; the pioneer blood ran in his veins, and he was full of the pioneer spirit. He loved to blaze new roads in the wilderness. He wanted always to make straight the pathway in the desert for the coming of his King.”

1915 Trinity Cathedral House begun on West Roosevelt

The extraordinary growth of the congregation and the work of the parish, together with the continued expansion of the city to the northward, continued to make necessary the proposed new buildings. It was, however, realized that the lots already purchased on Central Avenue would not be large enough for the kind of plant required, and the situation was getting to be too far downtown. Other lots, better located and not so costly, were available on West Roosevelt Street. The selling of the Central Avenue lots, as well as the church and lot of the present building, would go far towards the completion of the project of the new Cathedral. This was accomplished, and was so reported by the Bishop to the Convocation of 1914. By the following year, the excavation for the first unit of the new buildings, the Cathedral House, was begun. The work progressed speedily, and on October 31st, 1915 the cornerstone was laid. This was to be the cornerstone of the whole group of buildings which should eventually arise. The ceremony was under the combined auspices of the Church and the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arizona. The Bishop and many of his clergy including the newly appointed Archdeacon, who was Grand Chaplain, were Masons. The presence of the Honorable Thomas R. Marshall, Vice-President of the United States, who made the principal address, gave an added luster to the occasion.

The original church building on West Washington Street continued in service by the Salvation Army until the 1940's when the City of Phoenix purchased the building for use by the city courts. The building was later razed, and the location today serves as the major parking garage for the City of Phoenix Municipal complex.

The last service in the old brick church was held on Sunday, December 15, 1915, and on Christmas Day the first service in the new building was an occasion of great joy. The auditorium was appropriately and reverently arranged for church services with the altar from the old church set in a recess, and the old choir seats and other articles of ecclesiastical furniture on a platform before it. On the second floor were office rooms for both the district and parish, and others were also used for the choir and for the organizations as well as for class rooms for the Church School. This building had been made possible by gifts in memory of Sheldon and Albert Emery by their mother.

Vestments, which had not hitherto been worn by the excellent chorus choir, were now secured, as more fitting for the new days, and at the same time, a children’s vested choir was carefully and reverently trained by Mrs. Franklin D. Lane, long associated with the music of the church worship.

In January of 19l6, the Vestry formally accepted the plan for the relation between the District and the Parish, by adopting the Institutes which had been drawn up before the old church was abandoned; and so reported to the Convocation, which met in the new building in May.

In the spring of 1918, the Bishop's residence was completed, and the Bishop moved from the house that he had owned and occupied since the early days of his rectorship, into the more spacious and convenient home where his widest and kindliest hospitality were to prevail for many years. For the next three years these two buildings were the only ones of the group which had been the objective. Great activities along many lines were to prevail and fine influences were to flow forth into the community and state. Growth was continuous, keeping up with the marvelous expansion of the city.

When Bishop Atwood arrived in 1904, the city had a population of around 7,000, and in 1920 it had reached 29,000. The Roosevelt Reservoir had made possible the irrigation of wide tracts of desert land in the Salt River Valley, which now was rich in citrus and other forms of agriculture.

Funds had been accumulating for the benefit of the Cathedral, and the first shovel of earth was turned on January 29th, 1920. By summer, the walls began to rise. Walls of brick they were, but covered with blocks of white tufa stone from the hills of Arizona. The pure mission style was followed; the woodwork being of California redwood, including the mighty beams and trusses. The pulpit was a memorial to Bishop Kendrick. The supervising architect was a devout member of the parish, Mr. V. 0. Wallingford and he gave himself heartily to the task. The first service was held in the new location on Roosevelt Street on Christmas Day, and the Cathedral was consecrated on April 1st, 1921. It was reported to the Convocation held in April, 1922 the cost of the land, the Cathedral, the Bishop's house, the parish house, all furniture organ and bells was estimated to have cost $230,000.

That Spring the Cathedral congregation, as well as a wide circle of friends in the city and state, were saddened by the resignation of Dean Scarlett, who had accepted a call to become the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis. On Palm Sunday he presented the largest class for Confirmation in the history of the parish (6l in all), and on Easter Day he closed his brilliant ministry of nearly ten years as Rector of Trinity Parish and Dean of the Cathedral. Although his congregation and his hosts of friends were distressed to have him go, they did not wish to stand in the way of his acceptance of a call to a much wider field of services, and the earnest prayers and good wishes of all went with him.

1920's Christian Education at Trinity Cathedral

Before going on with the story of the Cathedral, and the coming of a new Dean, it is quite fitting to note the development of the Church School, and the difficulties that had attended its progress. During all his years of service in Phoenix, Dean Scarlett had never had a regular ordained assistant, and the load of his work had grown steadily greater. At the beginning, in the old church, he had taken personal charge of his Sunday School, with several laymen as teachers, and had built up an excellent school. But, after the moving into the new building, the time soon came when he was obliged to select a layman as Superintendent; so that he, himself, might be more free to carry on his pastoral and preaching duties and to attend to many special responsibilities. However, fortune seemed to be against him; for his new and most promising Superintendent fell a victim to the dread influenza epidemic and was taken away.

Several Superintendents successively found many difficulties in keeping the school up to its former high standard. All this impeded the progress of the school; hampered the Dean in his constantly expanding work, and before he could put the school on its feet he was called to St. Louis.

1921-1926 Herbert L. Johnson+ Second Dean of Trinity Pro Cathedral

It was then that the Bishop and Vestry called another young man, the Rev. Herbert L. Johnson, Associate Rector of St. Stephen's Church, Lynn, Massachusetts. This choice, like that of his predecessor, was at least indirectly personal; for the Rector of St. Stephen's, the Rev. Malcolm E. Peabody, was a godson of the Bishop, and he strongly recommended his associate for the Phoenix position. This selection of a Dean was indeed most fortunate, especially in view of the needs of the Church School; for Mr. Johnson was a trained and experienced expert in religious education. With all his other duties looming before him, the new Dean tackled the problem of the Church School and rapidly restored it to its former high status; more than that, he lifted it to new and higher usefulness. In due time it became one of the outstanding church schools of the West.

One of the chief agencies employed in this remarkable operation was the establishing and personal direction by the Dean of the order of The Knights of Sir Galahad. This organization took boys from below their teens and carried them on with religious and social training well into their young-manhood.

During Dean Johnson's administration, laymen were once more brought into willing service. One of those was Mr. Edward L. Freeland, who had been connected with St. George’s, in New York, but had been living in Phoenix for several years. So efficient were his services that he was induced to study for holy orders. Being a graduate of Yale University, this process was readily hastened, without the necessity of his taking a seminary course. Late in 1922 he was made a Deacon by Bishop Atwood and became at once officially the Curate of Trinity Cathedral parish. The next year he was ordained to the priesthood. One year later he became Vicar of Epiphany Mission in Flagstaff, but afterward returned to Phoenix as Canon.

Another accomplishment of this era was the beginning of the first mission of Trinity Cathedral. During the 1920's, growth in the Phoenix area was extending to the west toward and beyond the Arizona State Capitol. To serve these members and to expand misisonary efforts in this neighborhood, Archdeacon Jenkins was directed by the Bishop to establish a mission in the capital area. St. Andrew's was established in 1925 and soon the first Arizonian to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church was appointed as Vicar. The son of a local printer, The Rev. Fred McNeil had grown up at Trinity Cathedral, and graduated from Phoenix Union High School before attending college and seminary. In 1929, a church building was dedicated at 20th Avenue and Monroe Streets. It remained as the location for St. Andrew's until 1958 when the parish was moved to Glendale.

Although the Cathedral had been practically finished three years before, yet during this time many special gifts were being received. Notable among them was a handsomely carved lecturn in memory of Mr. J. Hull Browning, of New York. A pair of very beautiful eucharistic candlesticks followed, and also brass vases and altar books; all as memorials. A font placed near the entrance was given by Bishop Atwood, in memory of his wife, and a large copy of Correggio’s "Holy Night," a memorial to Frances Hunt Catlin, of New York, was hung behind the font. Communion silver and altar linen were presented by Mrs. Edith Knowles.

At the Convocation of 1925, there were two most welcome visitors. The Rt, Rev. Arthur W. Moulton, D. D., Bishop of Utah, and at one time associated with Trinity Church; and the Rev. Carrol M. Davis, D. D., Secretary of the Department of Missions. At this Convocation it was reported that an additional hundred feet of land just beyond the Bishop's house had been secured, where a residence for the Dean could be built, when funds should be obtained. At this same session, the Bishop announced his intention of retiring during the year, since he would be sixty-eight in June. Then, following a report of his year's work, he gave an impressive ‘valedictory’, saying:

"My final words of counsel - - would be that in the missionary call that is sounding in our ears at home and abroad we recognize as our duty the preaching and pastoral office (upon which I have so often dwelt) and with greater emphasis in these modern days when a suffering humanity calls out for love and service."

Quite naturally, this report of the Bishop was not joyfully received, for it was felt that he was still in good health and should not take too literally the new regulations on retirement of bishops. However, the members of Convocation, and the people of the district in general, respected his judgment in the matter, as helping to establish a precedent; although they were loath to have him leave them after his years of constructive leadership and pastoral devotion.

It is not inappropriate that we should record here in advance a portion of the specially prepared tribute that was presented at the following Convocation in 1926;

"The life of a missionary Bishop is in itself a monument, builded, stone by stone, out of his selflessness, his consecration, his tireless devotion to the betterment and spiritualization of his flock. The Rt. Rev. Julius W. Atwood has for more than fifteen years been to the people of Arizona, quite literally, a ‘Father in God’. They have looked to him for many things, and they have not looked in vain. They have looked for friendships and he opened his heart to them and was preeminently their Friend, the fireside friend, a companion, a mirth-bringer, a song in the heart. They looked for counsel; and from many pulpits they heard his voice ring out, serene, uncompromising, lucid, warm with an understanding begot of human sympathy, kindled by the fire of divine love. Whenever Bishop Atwood's name is mentioned, this exacting task, so tenderly undertaken 'for His sake who went about doing good,' springs inevitable in mind."

And now, going back into our story to 1925, at the General Convention meeting in New Orleans, the House of Bishops accepted Bishop Atwood's resignation and proceeded to elect his successor. Their choice was the Rev. Walter Mitchell, of the Diocese of New Jersey. Although completely surprised by his election, he graciously accepted the new responsibility and was consecrated on January 5, 1926, at Christ Church Pro-Cathedral in Trenton, New Jersey.

The Arizona Convocation of 1926 met in Prescott, Arizona in April. Bishop Atwood made his report for the preceding year and was followed by the new Bishop, who expressed his purpose to continue to build on the broad and deep foundation laid by his predecessor.

One month previous to this in March 1926, after four years of fine service, Dean Johnson had resigned to accept a call to be Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in Detroit. His influence remained; for the impulse he had given to the Church School was to continue long after his brief service to Trinity Cathedral and Parish. He placed the school in a commanding position that prevailed into the 1950's and beyond.

To fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Dean Johnson, the Rev, Edwin Seldon Lane, of Redlands, California, was elected, and began his long years of service in July of 1926.

At the Convocation on January 12, 1927, Bishop Mitchell spoke of the need of a permanent organization of the Cathedral, with a constitution to replace the old Institutes of the Pro-Cathedral as it was still officially called. No report of that now somewhat historic Committee on Constitution had been received since 1932; nor was anything definite to be presented, even at this Convocation, in spite of the Bishop's appeal. In fact, for three more years nothing was reported but "Progress”!

Meantime the Church School of the Cathedral had reported an enrolment of over six hundred pupils, and a large staff of teachers. So it was that on January 1. 1927, the Rev. Eason Cross, of Bisbee, Arizona, became attached to the Cathedral, as Canon for Religious Education, and special assistant to the Dean, for work among the youth.

Referring to this in his report at Convocation of that year. Bishop Mitchell remarked,
"Canons to the right of us. Canons to the left of us, in the persons of canons, honorary, and others actively at work in the parish but the Institutes do not indicate by whose authority Canons are to be created."

The Cathedral Bulletin in that period reported in addition to the names of the Bishop, the Dean, and the Archdeacon:
The Rev. Eason Cross, B. D., Canon for Religious Education
Honorary Canons;
The Rt. Rev. Julius W. Atwood, D. D.
The Rev. Bertrand R. Cocks
The Rev. W. J. Dixon, A..W., B. D. (Rector of Grace Church, Tucson)
The Rev. John W. Suter, D. D.
The Rev. Charles A. Dowdell, B. S., Canon in charge of St. Andrews (The Cathedral Mission)

Dr. Suter, a retired Presbyter of the Diocese of Massachusetts, was accustomed with his wife, to spend the winters in Phoenix, where he often assisted the Dean or the Bishop in many ways. The Rev. Mr. Cocks was the popular and efficient Superintendent of St. Luke's Home, which he and Bishop Atwood had founded several years before. Canon Cross left in the fall of that year to return to Massachusetts. On January 8, 1928, The Rev. Ed. L. Freeland, of Flagstaff, Arizona was appointed Canon.

The Deanery was erected 1n 1928 through the generous gift of Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey McKellips, of the Cathedral Congregation, together with a substantial anonymous gift. This, of course, was a most valuable addition to the Cathedral property, and also added to the comfort and efficiency of the Cathedral personnel. This building, located at 114 West Roosevelt Street has since served as offices for the Cathedral and currently serves as Diocesan House for the Diocese of Arizona.

On November 23, 1929, the Rev. Fred P. Sutton was appointed Assistant at the Cathedral.

1930 Construction of Bishop Atwood Hall

In a separate history of Spanish work in Arizona, Archdeacon Jenkins tells the story that prior to 1930, a wood sunday school building was located at the east side of the property where Bishop Atwood Hall now stands. Before constructon of the new hall, this building was moved to the Golden Gate neighborhood for the use of El Buen Samaritano Mission and, later, when El Buen moved to its new location and a new building constructed at 18th Street and Grant Streets, it was moved again to be used as the church and recreational facility for Mision San Juan in 1939 or 40. This new location was on the east side of 7th Street south of the Southern Pacific tracks, almost across the street from the present location of Chase Field. Having served the church ably for over 10 years and two moves, this building burned in 1940.

The constantly growing work, especially of the Church School and among the young people, made imperatively necessary a further expansion of the Cathedral plant. Hopes were expressed that there might be an addition to the Cathedral-house extending at a right angle toward the street; thus to complete the three sides of the quadrangle and to form a Cathedral close.

A campaign to this end was started in December of 1928, with a goal of $60,000. Contributions and pledges began to come in, and in October of 1920, the Dean and Vestry published a letter in the Cathedral Bulletin addressed to parishioners and friends, in which they announced that $26,000 had been received and that the American Church Building Fund had promised $10,000 as a loan. They now made an appeal for still more pledges. Plans already had been drawn by Mr. V. C. Wallingford, of the parish, who was Supervising Architect of the Cathedral. By the middle of the month, a generous offer of $5,000 was made by another member of the parish, if the congregation would raise a like amount. The Vestry met and awarded a contract for the building, and the additional amount was raised. On Sunday, December 28, 1930, fifteen years after the original cornerstone had been laid, Dean Lane laid the cornerstone of the new addition of what was to be called ‘The Bishop Atwood House’ as a tribute to the devoted Churchman who had for so long been connected with Trinity Parish and the Cathedral. The Dean was assisted in the ceremony by Bishop Mitchell; and also by Canon Cocks and the Archdeacon; as well as by the Architect, all of whom had been associated with the entire work since its inception.

The story of the following fifteen years is a long record of many significant events and persons in the history of Trinity Cathedral. And here it is fitting that we pay tribute to one who gave his life for the Church in Arizona, but especially for St. Luke's Home.

As has been previously stated, Bertrand Richard Cocks, a young graduate of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, in California, had come with his wife Mary, in 1907 to join the Rev. Mr. Atwood, in organizing and building up St. Luke's Home. Soon ordained Deacon, and a year afterward ordained Priest, this active, enthusiastic, and consecrated man gave himself without stint and without limit to the work unfolding before him. And not only, although chiefly, as an institution-builder, but also in missionary work throughout the district, he poured himself out. He was made General Missionary, and even after Bishop Atwood acquired an official Archdeacon, Mr. Cocks was still needed in the field and continued to hold his title. Hearty and genial in his manner, and filled with a love for humanity, especially in its sufferings, always public-spirited in community events, ‘Bert’ Cocks as he was affectionately called by all his friends, was known and loved throughout the State of Arizona, and far beyond. From his appeals money flowed in for his work from all sides, and he had the oft-repeated satisfaction of seeing new buildings arise and old ones made like new. His interest in and efforts for the Cathedral were continuous. At first made an active Canon, and afterward an Honorary Canon for the rest of his life his presence was always felt.

Far from being a well man when he came, Arizona did much for him and for Mary, who was his ‘other self’, but the pace he set could not be continued forever; and, after several set-backs, he finally had to retire from active service, although never losing interest and devotion. On May 23, 1941, he passed into life Eternal. Writing about him soon after, Bishop Mitchell paid him a worthy tribute, which he summed up as follows:

"It has been my fortune to have known fairly well a large number of men, prominent in the political life of our country, and, to a lesser extent, such men in business and the professions. In many respects, Bert was the most remarkable of them all and one of the most useful."

When Bishop Atwood in 1925 had reached the age of sixty-eight, the official retiring age for all clergy, he very properly retired, as has been said above, although he might have remained longer, since the rule was not absolutely compulsory. He thought it best, however, to set a good precedent. When, therefore, his successor, Bishop Mitchell, came to be our Chief Pastor, he very soon announced that he would follow the same course when he should reach sixty-eight. Although, before he reached that age, the regulation was changed as to the retirement of Bishops, making seventy-two the canonical age; yet Bishop Mitchell felt bound to act consistently with his formerly declared intention, and in 1944, he announced his retirement. The House of Bishops did not meet until February 1945, at which time it accepted the resignation.

During the nineteen years of his administration he gave unstintingly of himself, laboring incessantly, enduring hardships and cheerfully accepting many sacrifices incidental to the work of a consistent and consecrated Missionary Bishop. He set no task for his Clergy more difficult than his own, nor required of them more devotion to high ideals of service than he himself was glad to render. At the Convocation in October 1944, the last year over which he would preside, and while his already presented resignation was waiting for the action of the House of Bishops, the Committee on the State of the Church in its report said:

"Since it is likely to be a number of months before the House of Bishops will meet it seems probable that our Bishop will be able to abide with us and work with us for a number of months to come. So it would hardly seem fitting for us at this Convocation to pass any special resolution or to take any formal action to express our appreciation of his many years of service. But we do sincerely wish for him that the days now immediately before him may witness a continued activity in good works and bring him greater satisfaction and joy in his service of this District and of his Master."

When Bishop Atwood had retired, in 1926, although he continued his canonical connection with the District of Arizona, he took up his actual residence in Washington, D. C. However, he made several visits to Arizona in the following years, and was always most cordially welcomed. It was with no little sadness, therefore, that the news came of his passing away on April 10, 1945. A Memorial Service for him was held in the Cathedral on Wednesday, June 6th, and, by his own request, his ashes were deposited beneath the altar. The service was conducted by Bishop Mitchell, assisted by Archdeacon Jenkins, Canon Dowdell, and the Rev. Edwin. L. Freeland, a former Canon. At the Convocation which met on October 9th of the year, the following Resolution was adopted;

"Be it resolved. That on this the first Convocation of the Missionary District of Arizona since the passing away of our former Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Julius W. Atwood, D.D., we, the members of this Convocation, wish to express our reverence for his memory as we recall his years of active and progressive service in Arizona. His ashes now rest beneath the Altar of our Cathedral which he built, but his influence will be felt far and wide throughout the District and in the hearts of many people."

"The hearts of many people" did not refer to those in Arizona alone, for Bishop Atwood had been known and appreciated by hosts of friends on both sides of the Atlantic. Persons prominent in the affairs of Church and of State, and literature, beside many in private life, counted him as their friend. Among those close to him were the members of the Roosevelt family, who affectionately called him ‘Uncle Bish’. He was a frequent and welcome guest at the White House and had baptized all the Roosevelt grandchildren. It was a most significant fact that on the day of his death his daughter, Mrs. Steven [Ellen Atwood] Ives, wife of Colonel Steven Ives, of Washington, received the following telegram from the President at Warm Springs:

“I am shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of your father, who as priest and patriot has left a full record of faithful service in many and varied fields. I can only assure you of my personal sorrow in the sorrow which has come to you and yours, for Uncle Bish was a devoted friend of mine and of our family. I shall be glad to serve as an honorary pallbearer.”
"Signed: Franklin D. Roosevelt."

"Affectionate greetings to all those in Arizona who will permit me to share in THE GREAT ADVENTURE of Christ and His Church in that great State. God Bless You. All. (S) Arthur B, Kinsolving, 2nd."

It had been a great service in Calvary Church. The Consecrator was the Rt. Rev. Henry St. George Tucker, D.D., Presiding Bishop. He was assisted as Co-Consecrator by Bishop Mitchell, and Bishop Beverly D. Tucker, of Ohio. Nine other Bishops took part in the service, and Dean Lane represented the District of Arizona.

Bishop Kinsolving and his family arrived in Phoenix early in the summer for a brief sojourn before leaving for a much needed vacation. They came permanently in September, when they were most cordially received. On Wednesday, October 10th, during the sessions of Convocation, the new Bishop was officially installed in the Cathedral, the pastoral administration of him, who has won the hearts of his people as he has been valiantly leading them forward "in THE GREAT ADVENTURE of Christ and His Church."

As has already been said, the history of Trinity Church is a story of personalities who have been the real builders. Our story now is of the Very Rev. Edwin Seldon Lane, Dean from October 1, 1926, to December 5, 1945. Not only as an able Administrator, but as Priest, Prophet, and Shepherd, he was in all things a great Friend. The manifold duties developing along all those lines and increasing from year to year, called heavily upon his strength. During the year 1945, he showed many signs of over-strain and was far from well. His heart became affected, so that near the end of the year he went to a local hospital for treatment. An operation was found necessary, but it proved too much for him, and on December 5, 1945, he passed away. The service was held on December 10th. Bishop Kinsolving and Bishop Mitchell conducted the service, and were assisted by the Archdeacon, Canons Dowdell and Averill, and Chaplain Sutherland.(Chaplain Sutherland was a veteran of World War 1, who for a number of months had been very useful in the work of the Cathedral, especially among the young people.) The members of the Vestry were pallbearers. Many prominent citizens were present, including Governor [Sidney P.] Osborn, the members of the Ministerial Association, and Rabbi [Albert] Krohn, of Temple Beth El.

A few words of biography of a very personal nature may not be out of place here. In his youth he had been nurtured in the atmosphere and tradition of St. Mark's Church, Philadelphia, and always had had a natural appreciation of the beauties of an ornate ritual. Yet he was in heart and mind definitely evangelical, and expressed his theology and churchmanship within the broadest boundaries of Christian fellowship. He was always glad on fitting occasions to welcome to his pulpit his fellow clergy of other communions, and he mingled freely among them all and united with them in frequent union services.

He was an active member of the Ministerial Union, and was for a while its President. He gave himself freely to the civic affairs and was for a number of years chairman of the Public Library Board. For the last few years of his life he was, by appointment of the Governor, chairman of the State Home for the Blind and Deaf, at Tucson. During the great war, having served as Chaplain in World War I, he gave himself with deep personal interest and ready sympathy to the young men of the parish who were called into service; as well as to many in neighboring training fields. Constant letters to and from them, and close pastoral relations with their families, added greatly to the self-giving ministry which was his in a remarkable degree. As to his ministry in the parish, he was forceful and interesting in the pulpit, and pre-eminently effective as a teacher. With classes and other religious groups he was interesting and lucid, whether the subjects were The Bible, the Prayer Book, Church History, or World Events. One year he conducted a regular course in Bible Study at the State College in Tempe and gave lectures at the local Y.W.C.A. His closer friends often realized how effectively he would have filled a chair in a Theological Seminary. He had a wonderful missionary spirit and led his congregation in gifts for the Church’s work is in the farthest fields and in the nearest community.

A resolution adopted by Bishop, Canons. and Vestry of the Cathedral, included these words:

"Throughout the years of his ministry in Phoenix, he has been close to us in the intimate and sacred experience of family life. He has baptized our children, prepared them for Confirmation, and blessed their marriages; visited us in sickness; stood by us in the hour of need, and prayed for our souls. We shall not forget these and countless other tender and intimate associations with which he has endeared himself to us."

During Dean Lane's time the Cathedral Choir of men and women, which had been started way back in the old church in Dean Scarlett's days, reached a high peak of eminence, not only for the high quality of their music, but also for the reverent manner in which they rendered their part in the worship. This was in a great degree due to the leadership, and the mastery of the wonderful organ, of Arthur J. Smith. A business man of mining interests, he was an accomplished musician of devout character. He found the soul of his organ, and it entered into his soul. He too was to be 'numbered among the saints' of Trinity Cathedral who gave their lives in service; for immediately after playing for a wedding in July on 1942, he collapsed without warning in the Cathedral office.

In October, a Memorial Service was held for him in which some of his own music was sung, being portions of a Communion service he had composed.

Mr. Smith was succeeded by Mr. John Doan, an accomplished musician who trained the choir for several years and was followed by Mr. William Fairfield Brown under whose leadership the music of the Cathedral continued its high traditions of excellence.

In the autumn of 1945 there had come to Phoenix the Rev. William Roland Otto and Mrs. Otto, from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to spend the winter. Mr. Otto had preached at the Cathedral a few times before Dean Lane's death and had become well known and well liked by the congregation. In January the vestry met and asked Mr. Otto to take temporary charge, as acting Dean, as of January 1, 1946.

Although not in good health, Mr. Otto accepted the position for a depth of spirituality were manifested in all his preaching, and his kindly personality appealed to all; as did his new ideas for the organization of the parish. Then, a few months later, the Vestry asked him to accept the regular office of Dean, as of March 21st he assented, although he must have realized that it might mean the giving of his life. And so it was. The burden was too great for him; the task was beyond his strength. On May 7, 1946, he too laid down his life, following so soon after Dean Lane!

His body was taken to Naples, New York, where the burial service was held, and on the same day a Memorial Service was held in Trinity Cathedral, conducted by Bishop Kinsolving, assisted by many of the Clergy of the District. To Dean Otto the Bishop gave this tribute:

"Once again one of our Fellowship has been called to the higher life. We had learned in so short a time to look upon Dean William Otto as a beloved Disciple. His going gives us a bewilderment of sorrow, never only for ourselves but for his loved ones; and that dear wife who was so much a part of his belovedness. He would fight the good fight. You know the risk he took with his health. He begged to take that risk. Every available examination was given it. I shall never place the responsibility on others for granting his request. In this his gallant spirit seemed to illustrate so well the daring slogan of all Christian adventure; 'He that keepeth his life shall lose it. And he that loseth his life for thy sake, shall find it.' I am sure he has found adventure in the 'many mansions’, because of his influence among us. His high courage is evidence in the action of the Vestry. They have already rallied from their sorrow to carry on the destiny of this Congregation, strengthened and inspired by the vision he gave us, of what we ought to be. If we all face forward courageously I think we can hear the text of his life's Sermon: ‘Greater love hath no man than this!’”

The Bishop and Vestry acted promptly to fill the vacancy caused by Dean Otto's death, and on Sunday May 19, 1946, a public announcement was made that the Rev. James W. F. Carman, a National Council Field Officer for the Third Province, had accepted a call to become Dean of Trinity Cathedral, and that he would arrive on the first of September.

1946-1950 Morton Trippe Kelsey+ Canon of the Cathedral

In the meantime, a new assistant who had been called before Dean Otto's death, arrived early in July and took charge of the Cathedral and its summer activities. This was the Rev. Morton Trippe Kelsey, who came from the Diocese of Central New York. He was a graduate of Washington and Lee University and the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As one of his strong points had been work with young people, his coming was greatly appreciated.

On October 13th, the new Dean, and Mr. Kelsey, his assistant were formally installed by the Bishop, who had just returned from the meeting of the General Convention in Philadelphia.

The work of Mr. Kelsey, who was soon made ‘Canon’, was most effective along many lines. His greatest service was among the young people of the Cathedral whom, with the Dean, he organized as ‘The Junior Church’ with a Vestry and program of their own. For their benefit a regular Sunday Morning Service was held at nine-thirty. This before long became a Family Service which brought together the young people and the older children with their parents. Not only among these but among other members of the parish he became a pastor in a very personal way. It was therefore a matter of great sorrow when in 1950 Canon Kelsey accepted a call to become Rector of St. Luke's Church, Monrovia, California.

1950-195? Paul West+ Assistant to the Dean

In the Fall of 1949, the Rev. William Brewster Van Wyck of the Diocese of Connecticut was called to become Rector of the Junior Church, a position which he is filling with satisfaction to all. In October, 1950 the Vestry invited the Rev. Paul West, of Colorado, to become Dean Carman's assistant. It has proven to be a very happy choice, for Mr. West is an old friend of our Dean, who in fact had been instrumental in bringing him into the Ministry of the Church from a business and civic career. Paul had previously served the citizens of Boulder as their sheriff. His devoted personal service, especially along pastoral lines, has added greatly to the spiritual life and efficiency of the Cathedral Parish.

As to the parish itself, it has had a steady, almost phenomenal, growth with a communicant membership of over 2,400, representing more than 1,800 families, and a Church School numbering well above 1,000. It has three choirs, under the able direction of Mr. Wllliam F. Brown; an outstanding Men's Organization; A Woman's Auxiliary that includes Trinity Guild and numerous associated organizations, all filled with the spirit of service; and the Young People's Fellowship (Y.P.F.) activities of worship as well as service. These represent the life of Trinity Cathedral. And leading, as well as backing them all, there is Dean Carman with his quiet forcefulness and good judgment and pleasing personality. It is needless to say that Bishop Kinsolving gives his hearty approval and co-operation, and is justly proud of his Cathedral.

early 1950's New missions of the Cathedral planned

This is indeed a bright picture, filled with opportunity and challenge, but it indicates strongly, with its array of statistics, the evident need of expansion through vision. As far back as 1948 a report of the Vestry says; "Dean Carman is holding meetings of all Cathedral organizations for the purpose of obtaining information and guidance in plans to build two new churches. Today there are already two such church organizations, and services are being held in temporary buildings on large plots of land, already purchased. One of these is in conjunction with a project of St. Paul's Church, formerly a Cathedral Mission, situated for a number of years at Sixteenth and Fillmore Sts. Having found it desirable to sell its property and to move to a more suitable locality, in a rapidly growing neighborhood, and backed by the Cathedral, it secured excellent lots on Thirty-first St. near Thomas Road, and already has built the first unit of a Church plant, a parish hall, and is worshiping there under the able leadership of the Rev. Donald B. Robinson. Now the Cathedral families living in that region are finding a spiritual home at St. Paul's.

The other Church organization, known as All Saints Mission, has an equally desirable, as well as strategic, situation on Stella Lane, off Central Ave., about four miles north of the Cathedral. Services are being held regularly. A rapidly growing Sunday School has been assembled, and other organizations are being formed. The Rev. Mr. Van Wyck is at present conducting the services, in addition to his duties at the Cathedral. In July the Rev. Richard L. Sumner, of Tucson will become Minister in Charge. Thus ‘Old Trinity’ in its sixty- seventh year is continuing to give a good account of its stewardship.

1947 Vicar, St. Paul's Mission

Before bringing this narrative to an end, and flashing on the screen the vivid picture of the Cathedral today and its great projects for the days to come, it is fitting for us to pause and to make note of two of those who, as Canons, have made an unusually fine contribution not only to the Cathedral, but to the district as a whole.

The Very Rev. Edward Wilson Averill, D.D., who had recently retired as Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, and who had previously spent several winters with his family in Phoenix, established his residence in this city in 1941, seeking the benefits of the climate for his wife. He at once became active in the work and worship of Trinity Cathedral, and made himself so useful and indispensable that he was made Canon the following year. His special contribution was in his conducting of the early celebrations of the Holy Communion on Sundays and Tuesdays, and often taking the Wednesday ten o'clock service. Not infrequently he was asked to preach, and would bring a clear and effective message to the people. He endeared himself greatly to all, even to those of the clergy, and others, who encountered him on the golf links, where he could 'swing a wicked club'!

In 1947, when St. Paul's Mission of the Cathedral was having a difficult time, he was asked to take temporary charge as Vicar. He did this gladly, but perhaps unwisely for his own benefit; as his wife had recently passed away, and he was not in as robust health as formerly.

He took hold of his new work heroically, and within the period of a few months, put the Mission on its feet and gave the congregation new courage and ambition; such as they had never known before. But, the cost was too great, and he too joined the ranks of those who had given their all. Again the Bishop and many of the clergy assembled in the Cathedral to commend a noble soul to God and to pay tribute to his memory.

1924-195? Canon Charles A. Dowdell, Assistant to the Dean

When in 1927 Bishop Mitchell made his humorous remarks at Convocation about "Canons to the right of us; Canons to the left of us," he included in his list one who was at the time temporarily in charge of St. Andrew's Mission, in Phoenix. That was ‘Peter’, as he was lovingly called by all who knew him best,, otherwise, the Rev. Charles A. Dowdell, B.S.. But as ‘Peter’ may he be called for many years to come! It was way back in 1924 that Mr. Dowdell had come from Western New York to St. Luke’s Home, as a patient. He was lonesome and discouraged, but, Bert Cocks cheered him up, and St. Luke's, plus Arizona's climate, did the rest, and in two years he was discharged, and was ready to go to work. But first he went ‘back East’ and married Miss Frances Sweet and brought her to Phoenix. Very soon they built for themselves a charming adobe home, out on the real desert, just under the mountains.

Mr. Dowdell served in various places and in various capacities until he was made Canon, and then he settled down and served the Cathedral with efficiency and joy. In 1944, he was elected Secretary of Convocation combining with it the position of registrar which he had filled for several years previously. His presence in the Chancel is always appreciated, as is his rendering of the services. His celebrating of the Holy Communion with simplicity and devotion is most appealing. His presence in the Cathedral office always brings a special ray of sunshine. It is truly said of him that he is rendering an invaluable and devout service in all he does. May it continue for many years!

And what shall I say more? For the time (and space) would fail me to tell of all those whose personalities have mingled with the life story of Trinity Cathedral. Of outstanding men and heroic women; yes, of young folks who have grown to take the torches that have been handed down to them and who have carried on: Clergy who have served in various capacities, and have stepped aside, and laity who have lingered long and passed away. It is a long list, but is not for this story.

The Cathedral today, and its plans have hopes for tomorrow; Dean Carman, Canon Kelsey and all the staff; the splendid Church School; the choirs, not one but three; the outstanding Men's Club, ‘raring to go’ and to do; the Auxiliary, and all its associated bodies filled with the spirit of service; the Young People; the Congregation as a whole, and Bishop Kinsolving, always inspiring and leading.

1948 Parochial Report

It is indeed a vivid picture that is flashed upon the screen: To see this picture better, let us quote from a recent report:

"Time was when this Cathedral was a relatively small parish. In 1900 our communicants totaled 199, and by 1910, the number had reached 310. In another decade, 1920, we had only 789 communicants. The year 1930 found us with 853. Today, eighteen years later. Trinity Cathedral has grown to such a stature that of the more than 7,000 parishes and missions of our church in the United States, this is one of the largest, with 1950 communicants. We of the Cathedral may be proud of this, our parish, and its position among our contemporaries. But the faith and effort of the past which have won this distinction for us have conveyed greater responsibilities upon the present staff and each individual parishoner. Trinity Cathedral must continue to grow. That it cannot grow within the limits of its present facilities is obvious to all. As this report is being written, Dean Carman is holding meetings of all Cathedral organizations for the purpose of obtaining interest and guidance in plans to build, under the sponsorship of the Cathedral, two new churches. The Cathedral Vestry has assumed the financial responsibility of an expansion program on a large scale. But while the missionary spirit of the congregation at the moment is centered upon their own immediate area, the Cathedral continues to be interested in the world-wide mission of the Church. On February 29th, in response to the Presiding Bishop's appeal, the congregation made an offering for the World relief fund of $2,591.88."

These words express well the spirit of Trinity Cathedral, and may this spirit and high purpose prevail for years and years to come.

Trinity Cathedral in the 1950's ASU Library and Archives

So ended the earlier history written in the early 1950’s by Archdeacon Jenkins.

During Dean Carman’s time, the second floor of Bishop Atwood Hall, which had contained a very popular indoor skating rink used by many Phoenix youth in the 1930’s was converted to a children’s chapel where 200 to 250 children in kindergarten through third grades together with a children’s choir worshipped at 9:30 and a second smaller group at 11 a.m.. Additionally, the Chapel of the Resurrection was added east of the Tower room as a memorial to the many young men of Trinity Cathedral who had lost their lives during World War II.

The Sunday schedule of services called for an 8 am Holy Communion (said) with a Junior High and high school-age junior choir at a 9:30 service and the Cathedral Senior Choir singing at 11 am. Holy Communion was celebrated at 9:30 on the 3rd Sunday of the month and at 11 on the first Sunday. The second service was later moved from 9:30 to 9:15am to allow more room for coffee hour and Sunday School ‘shift’ changes. On Easter Day, Eucharist was celebrated at 6, 7, 9 and 11 am with a near capacity crowd of 550 at the 7:00 service. At 9 and 11 A.M. overflow crowds sat in the Chapel, in Bishop Atwood Hall and in the Bishop’s garden to the west of the Cathedral, the voices and music furnished by remote speakers. The Cathedral bulletin following Easter Day 1950 reported that Easter attendance had shattered all records. Over 3,000 persons attended; over 1,800 of them being communicants who received sacraments at the altar. 700 children including 212 under 6 were in attendance at the 9 am service.

About this time, when the current author was graduating from high school, attending Phoenix College and Arizona State College in Tempe, the Cathedral began a gradual but steady slide, almost to oblivion. The City of Phoenix, still experiencing a steady growth, continuing to nearly double in population with each passing decade, was seeing the residential and commercial communities shifting to the north. Park Central, the first suburban shopping center was constructed in the 1950’s in the former location of Central Avenue Dairy. St. Joseph’s Hospital moved from Fifth Street and Fillmore to west Thomas Road. The Cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale and Scottsdale grew toward each other creating a tug of war over where the city boundaries were to be drawn. Phoenix Union High School, its campus located on Van Buren Street between 5th and 7th Streets, was soon to close, and Goldwater’s Department Store, Sears, Penny’s, Montgomery Ward’s and other downtown stores gradually began to be moved to new shopping centers leaving vacant buildings in the central core of the city.

About 250 Cathedral families had been transferred to All Saints to help it get a start in the early 1950's. St. Barnabas was also begun in 1954, taking a nucleus of Cathedral families who had moved north and east to Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. St. Andrew’s, which had begun in the capital region southwest of the Cathedral moved to West Camelback Road in 1958 and many Glendale and west Phoenix Cathedral members transferred in that direction. All this was done most intentionally with encouragement by key lay and clergy leaders as noted above to assist the Cathedral’s sister (and daughter) congregations make a substantial start better to serve a growing and expanding population.

When Dean Carman was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Oregon in 1956, there were three clergy on staff. Paul West was replaced in 1954 by Canon George Ray. William B. Van Wyck who had served as the first Vicar of All Saints’ Mission moved to Cave Creek where he served as first Vicar of Church of the Good Shepherd. He was replaced by The Rev. Claude Boydston. The Rev. Otto Gallagher, former Rector of St. John’s, Globe continued to assist during his retirement until development of Alzheimer’s disease forced him to end his active ministry. (His neighbors on West Portland Street later learned to watch for him and return him home when he wandered.) These three were affectionately referred to as the “Troika” because administration at the Cathedral was handled somewhat similarly to the rather confused period when the USSR was governed by three Premiers. It was recognized by the Vestry and Bishop Kinsolving that a strong Dean would be required to follow the much loved and energetic Jim Carman. Following a long search process, the Vestry selected and Bishop Kinsolving approved the most personable and handsome Dean of the Cathedral in Dover, Deleware, Thomas M. W. Yerxa to serve as the sixth Dean of Trinity Pro Cathedral in 1956.

At a service held on June 23rd, 1957, Bishop Kinsolving installed the three clergy as Canons of the Cathedral.

1958-1959 Paul Roberts+ Interim Dean

It came as a great shock to the congregation when in 1958 Dean Yerxa left his wife and two children in the deanery at 114 West Roosevelt to run off with a member of the Cathedral choir’s soprano section! However, Bishop Kinsolving, as usual, had a solution in the form of Paul Roberts, the former Dean of St. --- Cathedral, Denver, Colorado to serve as interim Dean. Paul Roberts was a man for all seasons, and for the job. He had just completed an assignment in Honolulu Hawaii where the Cathedral there had experienced a similar situation.

It was said of Dean Roberts’ sermons that he was able to step on your toes so gently that you hardly realized he had done so until you were completely converted. One of the many aphorisms for which the Dean was famous was “the task of the preacher is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable”. He was able to remember every face and put a name to it accurately and with affection. He managed not only to hold a dismayed and shocked congregation together, but to prepare them for the next phase of their ministry to the residents of Phoenix and the downtown; which continued to be the affirmed ministry of the Vestry and organizations of the Cathedral. He continued in his retirement in Phoenix to assist St. Paul's Parish and, with Canon Walter Dugan assisted in establishment of St. Luke's at the Mountain, Phoenix. He preached his final sermon at age 97 seated in a chair in the center of the aisle of St. Luke's, Phoenix in 1989.

In the summer of 1959, a call was extended by the Vestry and Bishop Kinsolving to George Rhys Selway, D.D. A native of Steubenville, Ohio, Dr. Selway was Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing, Michigan from 1945 until April 15, 1959. Previously he had served as Rector of Trinity Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio, from 1930-1932; as Curate of St. Paul’s Church, Akron, Ohio, from 1932 to 1934; and as Rector of St. Mark’s Church, Toledo, Ohio, from 1935 to 1945.

George and Edna Selway had four children, two of whom accompanied them to Phoenix, Peter, an 11th grade student and Michael, a fifth grader.

Among Dr. Selway’s past church duties in Michigan, he was president of the standing committee of the Diocese, chairman of Christian Social Relations, and a member of the executive council, music commission and department of promotion. Additionally, he held an impressive array of civic responsibilities. While in Lansing, he was instrumental in establishing three new Episcopal missions.

A great pastor and preacher, he also was a supporter of the Department of Christian Education led by Church School Director, Mary Elizabeth York and a cadre of volunteer teachers. Two sessions of the church school were held to accommodate all who wished to attend during the 9:15 and 11 am services. About this time, in keeping with the greater emphasis given to the Eucharist by the Episcopal Church, the Eucharist was held at all Sunday services. The Trinity Cathedral Choir under the continuing able direction of William Fairfield Brown continued its reputation as a highly performing ensemble.

Perhaps it would be helpful here to describe the interior architecture of the original Cathedral house and Bishop Atwood Hall as it existed in the 1950’s; because the present interior has gone through a series of transitions. As has been previously reported, the Cathedral complex was constructed in three phases. The earliest building, referred to as Cathedral House is the central portion of the “U” shaped buildings and originally served as the nave and sanctuary for Trinity Church. Many public buildings built near the turn of the 20th Century before even evaporative cooling were recessed making them easier to keep cool. The first floor of Cathedral House was approximately four feet below grade at the west end with entry from the tower room (the Narthex) down a half-flight of stairs. Extending east from the tower room, the original nave led up a series of steps to the sanctuary. The second floor served for offices for the Missionary Jurisdiction and church as well as meeting and class rooms. After the construction of the new Cathedral nave in 1920, the first floor housed Cathedral offices, classrooms and later during Dean Carman’s tenure, the Chapel of the Resurrection, seating about 30 was added as a memorial to WWII dead, used for small weddings and weekday services. With the addition in 1930 of Bishop Atwood Hall, the first floor (also recessed to the level of the Cathedral House sanctuary) contained a spacious kitchen at the north end opening into a hallway to the great hall. A stage at ground level led to the large classroom, also at ground level at the south end of the first floor. A stairway leading off the hallway between the kitchen and great hall led to a skating rink over the great (Atwood) Hall and a second large classroom on the second floor at the south end. The space at the north end served as an apartment for the Sexton, occupied by Clark Smith and his wife in the 1950’s. During Dean Carmen’s tenure, as previously reported, the skating rink was converted to a children’s chapel. A steel exterior stairway still exists leading to ‘room 200’ as it was then designated, now redesigned as conference room and choir rehearsal hall.

Although the Cathedral congregation had generously supported the establishment of new congregations with their time, their talent and their treasure as well as a good number of their numbers, it was not without a price. The Vestry and Dean Selway soon realized that major renovations in the building would be necessary. The old steam boiler in the basement under the sanctuary was beginning to leak, and the steam pipes under the floors of offices and Bishop Atwood Hall were causing the maple flooring to appear like twisted pretzels and produce geysers that vied with Yellowstone both in appearance and aroma. The roof had developed several leaks and the tufa façade of the Cathedral exterior was in bad need of re-pointing (replacement of the mortar between the blocks). Likewise, the Bishop’s and Dean’s residences at 110 and 114 West Roosevelt Street also showed their age and years of neglect. A decision was made to purchase a new residence for the Dean in the Palmcroft neighborhood to the north and west of the Cathedral but additional resources were not available beyond emergency repairs to the old heating and cooling system.

During this period, the offices of the Cathedral and the Diocese were also moved to new quarters at 202-208 West Roosevelt. The buildings had once served as the residence of the Dorris family, a local merchant. The offices of the Bishop, formerly located on the second floor of Cathedral House (approximately the present location of the Cathedral offices) were relocated on the second floor of 202/204 West Roosevelt and the Cathedral offices occupied the first floor. The Cathedral offices formerly shared with the Chapel of the Resurrection the space now occupied by Olney Hall. Across a small courtyard, 206 West housed the ‘Canterbury Shop’, the Cathedral bookstore operated by the St. Anne’s Guild of the Cathedral.

In 1962, Bishop Kinsolving reached the age of mandatory retirement of 72. He announced his intention to retire at the 1961 Diocesan Convention. Yes, the Missionary Jurisdiction of Arizona was now a full-fledged Diocese. Accordingly, a nominating committee was appointed to bring a slate of nominees to the 1962 Diocesan Convention for the first time. “Tuey” Kinsolving as he was affectionately referred moved to a modest home in north Phoenix with his “Lady K”, Edith.

1962-1979 +John Joseph Meaken Harte, 2nd Bishop, Diocese of Arizona

On May 8, 1962, the Diocesan Convention elected John Joseph Meaken Harte to serve as the second Diocesan Bishop of Arizona. Bishop Harte was consecrated Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas on June 29, 1954. Born in Springfield, Ohio July 28, 1916, following graduation from General Theological Seminary in New York he was ordained Deacon in the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in 1939. Following his ordination to the Priesthood, he served churches in Oklahoma, Rochester, New York, and served as Rector of All Saints Parish, Austin Texas before being invited to serve as Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in Erie, Pa. which he served from 1951 until his election as Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas under Bishop Mason.

Did Harte ever live in 110 W Roosevelt?)

1959-1963 E. Thomas Leyba+ Curate

As the area continued to decline and Cathedral families were moving to the suburbs, together with increasing maintenance cost, it became necessary to reduce staff of the Cathedral. Otto Gallagher was unable to provide pastoral care and assist at services. Thomas Leyba, a former tenor in the Cathedral choir had been ordained in 1959 having received a degree from Church Divinity School of the Pacific and served briefly at El Buen Samaritano Mission which was soon closed due to the expansion of Sky Harbor Airport. He served as curate at the Cathedral from 1960 until early 1964.

The final remaining Canon of the Cathedral at this stage was George M. Ray who was called to the Cathedral in 1954 and appointed Canon in 1957 as previously reported. When approached by a group of Cathedral families who had moved residences from downtown Phoenix to Paradise Valley and northeast Phoenix, Canon Ray agreed to assist them in establishing a new congregation, Christ Church of the Ascension. Meeting for a time in Cudia City, a former movie production studio on East Camelback Road, they eventually purchased land from Senator Barry Goldwater, (still an active member of Trinity Cathedral and Senior Senator for Arizona) who sold them a corner of his property located on East Lincoln Drive. Unfortunately, Canon Ray’s decision to initiate a new mission was not shared with Dean Selway or the Vestry of the Cathedral until it was fait accompli.

1964-1971 Raymond P. Dugan+ Canon Pastor

To fill the vacancy left in the staff, Dean Selway called The Rev. Raymond P. Dugan who was then serving as Vicar of St. John’s Mission in Williams, Arizona. His assignment was to serve as Canon Pastor providing pastoral care to an aging congregation and to consider outreach opportunities for the Cathedral’s participation. Shortly after his appointment in February of 1964, yet one more Dean of Trinity Cathedral was elected to serve as a bishop of the church, this time, in the Diocese of Northern Michigan. By July of 2004, the clergy of the Cathedral consisted of Bishop Harte and Canon Dugan.

Having lost yet one more Dean to the episcopacy and the larger church, the Vestry decided it was time to focus on the aging physical structure of the church. Their profile reflected a deteriorating facility in a declining inner-city neighborhood. However, it expressed a great vision for a congregation with strong historical roots and great pride in a Cathedral that served a diocese poised for great growth and renewal with communicants and a vestry committed to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to a troubled world. The 60’s were a time of change, and the Cathedral leadership were torn between the desire to preserve the past while at the same time to meet the challenges of the future. They sought for their new dean a man who could meet those challenges.

Their search brought them to Detroit, Michigan and an associate of Bishop Emrich of the Diocese of Michigan. Elmer Bradbury Usher, they learned, had accepted the challenge of preserving the historic Mariner’s Church which for over a century had served a ministry to the sailors of the great lakes under the auspices of the Diocese of Michigan. The old stone building stood in the path of Cobo Hall construction on Michigan Avenue. Having prevented the City’s effort to condemn the property on the basis that it had been chartered by the State of Michigan, ‘Tip’ Usher, as he was known to one and all, negotiated an agreement with the City and supervised the moving of the structure several hundred yards down Michigan Avenue. A former crane operator, Tip actually drove the tractor that moved the building. He then became the Vicar, and soon the Rector of a rapidly growing congregation whose communicants were new residents of the apartments and condominiums being built around Cobo Hall in the City of Detroit’s urban renewal area. Here was a man, they concluded, who is suited to the task we have before us.

A call was extended to Tip Usher, but before he accepted, he related to this author an incident that nearly changed his mind. During the summer of 1964, the senior Senator from Arizona, who had grown up with Trinity Cathedral accepted the nomination of the Republican Party to run for President of the United States. During the acrimonious debate that occurred during that election, Mr. William Stringfellow, a prominent New York lawyer and member of the National Council of the Episcopal Church was quoted in a major national news magazine as saying that Barry Goldwater was falsely claiming membership in the Episcopal Church. Upon reading this report in Newsweek Magazine, the Vestry of the Cathedral wrote and distributed to every Episcopal congregation in the United States a ‘pastoral letter’ requesting that it be read from every pulpit. The letter strenuously defended Senator Goldwater’s loyalty and generosity to the Cathedral over the years, affirmed that he had seen his daughters married from the Cathedral and attended church on the rare occasions that he visited in Phoenix during his service in the US Senate. The evening of the day that Tip received his copy of this letter, he walked the streets of Detroit through an entire night praying and wrestling with his soul over his decision. As the dawn broke, he had decided he would accept the call and try to work with this vestry which plainly differed politically from his own strong views.

1966-1967 The Windows of Trinity Cathedral

Upon his arrival in late September of 1964, he faced the daunting task of the major restoration of Trinity Cathedral’s infrastructure. Early in the renovation process, new windows were installed in the nave of the Cathedral. The story can best be told in the introduction of a booklet published by Joseph C. Lincoln describing and illustrating these windows. Joseph Lincoln was the owner of Glassart Studios of Scottsdale which was commissioned to render these windows, envisioned by Dean Usher and glass artisan Glidden Parker.

“Trinity Parish was founded in 1888 when Phoenix was a village, not a city. The Cathedral itself was built in 1920. The architectural idea from which the existing sanctuary of the Cathedral was developed is a Spanish colonial church in Majorca. The building has an air of simple elegance and dignity.

“Not many years ago, there was a serious doubt about the Cathedral’s future. By 1960 the Cathedral, the original building erected in 1915, and the Bishop Atwood House, constructed in 1930, were in a bad state of disrepair. There was talk about moving the whole parish to a suburban location, following the example of many other downtown churches. With the leadership of Dean Usher, the decision was made to keep the Cathedral in its present location. An architectural analysis of the Cathedral building complex was initiated, with an eye toward efficient present use and orderly evolution toward the future. This was followed by decisions to repair the damage caused by 50 years of hard use, and to modernize the existing Cathedral Church and its adjoining buildings.

“Not long after these basic decisions were made, Dean Usher called on Glidden Parker, then Chief Designer for Glassart Studio in Scottsdale. Working together, they created the designs which resulted in the faceted stained glass windows for Trinity Cathedral. They were executed and installed in 1966 and 1967.

{mosimage}“Later on, at the request of the Dean, Mr. Parker designed the entryway doors for the Cathedral. Here, inspiration came from the open Spanish grillwork of wrought iron. I n warmer countries, such as Puerto Rico or southern Spain, this grillwork would have been left unglazed. To solve the problem of Arizona’s heat extremes, they conceived the idea of filling in this grille with lightly-worked leaded stained glass. The interwoven triangles in the overall design of the doors make up a tree of life, reminiscent of Spanish-American and Mexican folk art design.

“Sometime in the future, the orientation of the nave will be reversed. The heavy Spanish entryway doors will be moved to the new entrance in the north wall of the original 1915 building, beyond the bell tower. A new apse and altar will be constructed near the Roosevelt Street entrance. The existing plan calls for covering the inside wall of the semicircular apse with a three-dimensional glass mosaic, similar to the one photographed on page 3. When finished, the Cathedral will face an open, airy courtyard, between its north façade and Portland Street. The Holy Land garden will be in this court.”

Obviously, there was a change in plans and the orientation of the nave was not reversed, and of course, today, a driveway (Atwood Court) and parking garage now occupy the space planned for the "open, airy courtyard".

There is an interesting story in connection with the doors. The long-time gardener, who lived in the apartment over the carriage house at 202 West Roosevelt was a Russian emigre by the name of Fred (his last name was unpronouncable, so we just called him Fred, or sometimes "the mad Russian" due to his habit of clapping two boards together and shouting loudly to drive the pigeons away from the bell tower). When he died, it was learned that in his will , he had left all his worldly goods to Trinity Cathedral. He had amassed over $25,000 which was a sufficient sum to pay for the doors, and they are dedicated to his memory.

In the initial phase, the original Cathedral House and Bishop Atwood Hall were brought to ground level and the old steam plant, located in the basement under the sanctuary was replaced with a contemporary zoned central chilled water heating and cooling system substantially reducing the cost of utilities which annually exceeded the original cost of Trinity Church’s construction. The plant occupies space previously occupied by only a portion of the kitchen.

The Chapel of the Resurrection and offices and classrooms located on the first floor of the original 1915 portion of the building (Cathedral House) were brought to ground level and the space renamed Olney Hall.

Avery Olney was a loyal and long time member and usher at Trinity Cathedral who gave major funding for these changes in memory of his beloved Gladys. A spiraling staircase was added leading to the then unfinished second floor. The old staircase at the north end of Bishop Atwood Hall was removed, the large kitchen cut in half to accommodate the new central air conditioning plant and the level of Bishop Atwood Hall brought to ground level so the entire first floor of chancel, sanctuary, Olney Hall and Bishop Atwood Hall were for the first time on the same level.

The original Cathedral, constructed in the era when altars were placed on the (liturgical ‘east’) wall, had a stone altar at the far north end of a sanctuary, with a chancel for choir and nine (count them) stairs between altar and front pew of the nave. Indeed the words of institution in the Eucharist were remote, if not foreign to members in the nave pews. With the demolition of the old steam plant and refrigeration chillers removed from the basement under the sanctuary, it was possible to create a space more suitable to corporate worship in which laity and clergy shared. The altar was brought nearly one third of the distance closer to the great doors of the Cathedral and the space behind, separated by a great arch, allowing conversion to space for a replacement of the Chapel of the Resurrection. The capacity of the Cathedral was reduced from seating for 500 (plus balcony and chancel choir seating of about 50) to the present capacity of less than 400.

Trinity Chancel 1940 Trinity Chancel 1987

Trinity Chancel 2009

The arch separating Cathedral nave and sanctuary from the chapel contained several hundred niches for a columbarium (an archibarium?) It has been reported that the Dean had hopes that sales of these niches would pay for the balance of the reconstruction; however this expectation was far from realized. At the time the arch was removed, only about 20 niches had been reserved. When the Cathedral renovation was completed, the architect (NAME) received an award of excellence in design (Looking for more complete story). In one of the more controversial moves of the restoration, the pews were removed and individual cathedral chairs were substituted. The pews were replaced years later amidst much cheering and joy.

A combination of factors contributed to the inability of Dean Usher to complete the charge which he was given when he was called to serve as Dean of Trinity Cathedral in 1964. First, the inner city of Phoenix was experiencing what many large cities in the United States were undergoing in the 60’s and 70’s; a flight to the suburbs. This was compounded by the construction of the last link of Interstate 10 across Phoenix; the route chosen less than ¼ mile north of Trinity Cathedral. Land was purchased, homes destroyed and a large swath of ugly vacant ground remained for nearly 10 years while the federal, state and local planners decided on the final plan for the highway. Margaret Hance, a member of Trinity Cathedral and Mayor of the City of Phoenix left a legacy of expansion of the Phoenix park system and the deck park now situated atop Interstate 10 just north of the Cathedral is a legacy to her memory and a vast improvement over one plan which called for an elevated Interstate highway creating a barrier through central Phoenix. Over half of the members of Trinity Cathedral who had lived within three to five miles of the Cathedral now resided in North Phoenix, Scottsdale and new suburban valley communities.

A second factor was flight from the Episcopal Church. Issues of prayer book revision, race relations, support for the United Nations, ordination of women and opposition to an unpopular war caused many to leave the Episcopal Church. Many Cathedral members who disagreed with national church policies, the Dean and the leadership of the Cathedral who supported him transferred their membership from the Cathedral. More than one prominent, politically active former member of the Cathedral claimed that he was “Ushered” out of Trinity Cathedral.

Before moving on with the story, one other narrative must be made. It was an unsuccessful venture that ultimately had a fortuitous outcome. The Cathedral membership had a growing proportion of the elderly who were considering optional senior living arrangements. In response to this need and the desire to retain this portion of the Cathedral family, Dean Usher looked to the successful model of The Beatitudes, a senior citizen “Campus of Care” offering a full range of care from assisted living to full nursing care begun by the Church of the Beatitudes in north Phoenix. He and a committee of Cathedral members developed plans for a similar high-rise model to be constructed adjacent to the Cathedral complex. Properties between the Cathedral and Central Avenue, behind the Cathedral to Portland Street and west midway between 2nd and 3rd Avenues were purchased. A master plan was developed in consultation with managers of The Beatitudes and submitted to US Housing and Urban Development. However, before the plan could be acted upon by HUD, President Nixon froze the federal funds. The plan was hastily reconfigured to seek private development funds. This time, by the time the plan was ready, interest rates had risen to an insurmountable level, and the plan had to be discarded. The good news was, land purchased at a time when property in the vicinity of the Cathedral was available at rock bottom prices became a means for future development of the Cathedral and Diocesan properties with proceeds from developers of Post Properties.

During the period from 1964 to 1979, in addition to a decline in the support of the Cathedral, the pastoral and administrative support declined as well. In Dean Carman’s day, the Dean was assisted by three full-time priests, a full-time organist and choir director, a Christian Education Director, a business manager, two to three office assistants, a sexton and part-time assistant, a grounds keeper and a large cadre of volunteers. By the time of Dean Usher’s arrival, one canon remained, the Christian Education Director remained for only two years and the business manager and two secretaries were soon to be reduced to one position. Following the death of William F. Brown, Directors of Music were only part-time, a part-time office manager and one secretary, a grounds keeper and sexton position were combined after two years. To assist in pastoral duties, in addition to Canon Dugan, Dean Usher brought in for short stints Priests Harold Weicker of the Connecticut Weicker family who served for about one year as minister of youth, James Titcomb who was brought from Winslow to serve for about one year before transferring to All Saints, Sam Hosler, who soon moved to Berkeley, CA where his wife attended seminary, and I think I’ve forgotten someone else! By 1970, Canon Dugan was the only remaining clergy assistant and was told at that time the Cathedral would not be able to continue to support him. Dean Usher remained with a single secretary to assist him.

The residence purchased in the 1950's for the use of Canon George Ray and subsequently occupied by Canon Dugan continued to be owned by Trinity Cathedral until 1975 when Canon Dugan was requested to purchase the house or move. Value of the residence had increased from $16,000 to about double that amount; but was still a tremendous investment and in 2008, Canon and Mrs. Dugan continue to reside in that home.

We would welcome stories of lay leadership, guilds and other organizations and staff of the Cathedral during the “Usher era”]

(Deceased November, 2008)

In 1979, yet one more election was held for a new Bishop of Arizona, this time due to the resignation of Joseph Harte. The Diocesan Convention selected the former Rector of St. Phillips in the Hills, Tucson, Fr. Joseph T. Heistand due to his skills as an administrator, in an effort to solidify the southern congregations more firmly into the Diocese and in general to create a stronger unity within the Diocese.

One of the first challenges to be faced by the new Bishop was the inability of Trinity Cathedral to meet its current operating expenses and its assessment payments to the Diocese, much less, to complete the rehabilitation programs ambitiously undertaken by Dean Usher. As anyone who has been involved with major construction or rehabilitation knows, costs will always exceed estimates, particularly in a period of inflation. The consequences of these factors led to a decision having to be made by Bishop Heistand and the Diocesan Council. An insurmountable debt with an incomplete reconstruction project led to the request that the Dean resign and the Diocese assume direct control of the Cathedral. Dean Usher's final Eucharist at Trinity Cathedral was celebrated on Pentecost, September 27th, 1987. His final service was a wedding conducted on October 10th. After much discussion between Bishop, Dean, Vestry and Diocesan Council, the transfer was made and Trinity became the fourth true Diocesan Cathedral in the United States. Most US cathedrals are parishes in their own right which have been appointed to serve as the seat for the Bishop (designated as “pro-cathedrals”). Trinity joined Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and the Washington DC National Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul as cathedrals under the authority of Diocesan Bishop with a “Chapter” that serves in the capacity of a vestry. From that point henceforward, the Deans of Trinity Cathedral have been named by the Diocesan Bishop and serve at his pleasure.

During the episcopacy of Bishop Harte, the former Bishop’s residence west of the Cathedral had been converted to offices for the Diocese. Maintenance of this building, the second oldest unit built in the Cathedral complex, had also been neglected for many years, and many structural and engineering issues existed. The former Deanery at 114

West Roosevelt had received some attention during Dean Usher’s service and had been converted to offices for the Cathedral, replacing the units at 202-208 West Roosevelt which were razed. The Diocesan offices were now moved next door to 114 West Roosevelt and the Bishop’s residence converted to a residence for out of town families needing a place to stay while loved ones were hospitalized in Phoenix.

198? Episcopal Community Services

This latter item of history requires an explanation. Following his retirement as Bishop of the Diocese Northern Michigan, Bishop Selway returned to Phoenix with his wife, Edna to live out his retirement years. He assisted Bishop Harte, as well as conducting services at the Cathedral from time to time. One of his wishes was to see the Diocese and Cathedral carry out greater services of outreach to the community and state. To this end, he established Episcopal Community Services a non-profit Diocesan institution. When 110 West Roosevelt Street became available, it was used for the aforementioned purpose for several years. The offices of the Chaplain for the Homeless were located on the first floor of the building. A retired Presbyterian minister, The Rev. Jerry Roseberry, attended Trinity Cathedral and served as the first Chaplain to the Homeless of Phoenix. Shortly thereafter, for health, safety and security purposes, the former Bishop’s residence became uninhabitable. For several years, it remained a vacant reminder of a neighborhood that had seen better years until, assisted by a grant from the City of Phoenix, the residence received substantial rehabilitation and from the time of Bishop Shahan has served again as the residence for the Bishop of Arizona.

William Jamieson was a fourth generation Arizonian who had served in the administration of Jimmy Carter at the time he was Governor of Georgia. Upon the Governor’s election as President of the United States, Mr. Jamieson returned to Phoenix and accepted a post in the administration of Bruce Babbitt first as Director of the Department of Economic Security and later as Director of the Department of Administration. While holding this latter post, he read for holy orders under Paul Urbano, the Rector of All Saints Parish where the Jamiesons attended. Once Governor Babbitt’s terms of office ended, Bill was ordained as a deacon by Bishop Heistand who promptly assigned him as Archdeacon with responsibility of oversight of the Deacons of the Diocese and responsible for much of the administration of the Diocese.

The recommendation of Archdeacon Jamieson as well as a number of other diocesan leaders was that the Cathedral complex be sold and the Cathedral relocated to a neighborhood with greater potential than was seen in the Roosevelt neighborhood. For a time, the Diocesan offices were relocated to a fine old residence that had recently been rehabbed on North 2nd Street south of Roosevelt. An attempt to demolish 110 West Roosevelt was frustrated by its designation by the City of Phoenix as a historic building. Other possibilities were explored by Diocesan Council and Bishop.

In the meantime, attendance at services at Trinity Cathedral hit an all-time low.

(looking for Bishop Frensdorff's story. Any takers?)

A young priest, Tim Kazan was appointed to serve as Priest in Charge of the congregation and served in this post from 1987 until in 1991, Bishop Heistand appointed the popular young priest who had recently married Karen to serve as Vicar of St David's Church, Page. Timothy had grown up in Page and was confirmed at St. David's in 1962. Tragically, Tim and Karen were killed in an automobile accident shortly thereafter and the Cathedral held yet another sad memorial service.

In July, 1991, the Episcopal Dioccese of Arizona hosted the 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church welcoming them with one of the hottest summers ever experienced in Phoenix. The Phoenix Civic Plaza saw t-shirts and coffee cups decorated with Episcopal Mitres and the greetings "But it's a DRY HEAT!" A choir under the direction of organist and choir director, James Clapp, gathered from area churches rehearsed and assisted in the worship in Trinity Cathedral for several celebrations during Convention held by Daughters of the King, the Church Periodical Club, and Integrity. Bishop Browning celebrated and preached on Sunday, July 14th. The National Altar Guild held their service on July 18th and the choir performed the Faure Requium on July 21st.

Anticipating this major event, in late 1990, Bishop Heistand invited Richard M. George to serve as the ninth Dean of Trinity Cathedral, and the first appointed as Dean of the Diocesan Cathedral. In preparation for the event, George Stephanopolus was employed to complete the renovations on the second floor of Bishop Atwood Hall and the auditorium. A portion of the funds available to Camps and Conferences in the James Newell Fund were utilized as the space is being used extensively for Diocesan training events. John Haldiman, Jr. also assisted with molding and other extensive repairs in readiness for the arrival of delegates of General Convention. Junior Warden, Dan Moore was also of great assistance during this period maintaining heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical repairs required during this interim period. Christ Church of the Ascension also generously supported this restoration.

 

After sixteen years in Wisconsin, Dick was called to be Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral, Peoria, Illinois where he served until called to All Saints', Phoenix, where he served as Pastoral Assistant. Bishop Joseph Heistand appointed Dick to serve as the eleventh [or ninth?] Dean of Trinity Cathedral where he served until his retirement. He retired with the title of Dean Emeritus conferred upon him by Bishop Robert Shahan.

When Trinity Cathedral's Interim Dean Bill Greeley was called to be Rector of the Church of the Advent in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in April of 2006, Bishop Kirk Smith called Dick out of retirement to serve as Interim Dean until a permanent Dean would be appointed.

Shortly after the resignation of Rebecca Hatch, Bishop Shahan added to the duties of The Rev. Rebecca McClain, Canon to the Ordinary by appointing her to serve as the eleventh Dean of Trinity Cathedral. During her tenure, the Cathedral continued a gradual but steady growth as the area of downtown Phoenix also enjoyed a resurgence into a strong and vibrant central city of the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the United States. Among her accomplishments were the negotiations with Post Properties who purchased many of the properties previously purchased by the Cathedral with hopes of converting into a senior retirement community.

Alan DePuy was hired as music and choir director and did much to restore the tradition of a strong musical and arts program at the Cathedral. He supervised the installation of a new Shantz pipe organ in the Cathedral sanctuary, replacing the small Slicker organ which had been installed in the balcony during the tenure of Dr. David N. Johnson. A separate corporation, Cathedral Center for the Arts promoted special musical offerings and sponsored a different artist who showed their paintings and sculptures each month in Olney Hall. As the area became known as an arts community Trinity Cathedral has continued to participate in First Friday events featuring area art galleries and programs.

Outreach programs of the Cathedral included services to the homeless, many of whom found shelter in nearby parks and even were frequently found sleeping in the Bishop's garden west of the Cathedral and in the Cathedral-owned vacant properties prior to the advent of Post Properties development. The Rev. Gerald Roseberry, a retired Presbyterian minister maintained an office at the Cathedral where he served as Missionary to the Homeless, recognized by Central Arizona Shelter Services, the City of Phoenix and other agencies serving the homeless population in central Phoenix. (The Rev, Mr. Roseberry and his wife, Vada continue as active members of the Cathedral and reside in a nearby condominium.)

Under the direction of Deacon John Mather, another agency, not a subsidiary of Trinity Cathedral but supported by many members of the Cathedral was established. Cathedral Health Services for a number of years maintained their offices in the Cathedral. This agency continues to offer health screening and other services to congregations throughout Arizona. Likewise, Just Coffee, a coffee shop located in property to the east of the Cathedral parking garage was developed to provide an outlet for coffee cooperatives in southern Mexico enabling the coffee farmers to remain in their community and support their families as an alternative to emigrating to the US to find work. Initially owned and managed by Cathedral Center for the Arts, the coffee shop has recently been sold but continues serving the neighborhood and supporting the coffee growers in Chiapas.

(Story by Judi Villa and Stephanie Paterik, The Arizona Republic, October 10, 2002)

Gilbert Zereino said parishoners plan to gather for Sunday services, even if they had to use the Cathedral's courtyard. "It will be again," he said. [end of article by Villa & Paterik]

By the following Sunday, the smoke had not yet cleared and interior cleaning of Atwood Hall, which was significantly smoke-damaged had not been completed. And so, services were indeed held on the courtyard under a tent led by Bishop Shahan and Dean McClain. By the following Sunday, sufficient cleaning had been done to allow Bishop Atwood Hall to be set up and used for worship on Sunday. The Slicker organ, which had been moved to the hall at the time of the installation of the new organ was used for the next two years while the Cathedral nave and sanctuary were restored. The congregation reflected the attitude of Mr. Zereino's statement of "It will be again," adopting the slogan "Out of the ashes, we will rise."

Damage to the offices, Olney and Atwood Hall and the conference rooms on the second floor was limited to smoke and soot. The door punched out by Teri Murphy was the only physical damage to these areas. The heroic transient was never identified, but many prayers of thanks offered for his act which may have saved a couple of lives.

The other heroes were members of the Phoenix Fire Department who refused to give up on saving the roof of the sanctuary and chancel area of the church. In addition to the total loss of the year-old Shantz organ, a 12 foot Bosendorfer concert piano also was totally consumed in the inferno. The flames were chimneyed by 32 foot wooden organ pipes located on the north wall to the rose window and the 48 foot high arched ceiling handcrafted from old, carefully arched redwood.men, before attacking the flames tipped the cathedra, (the Bishop's seat) and the Dean's and Canons' chairs face down which protected the needlepoint designs from fire and water damage. The rose window suffered a number of cracks and was destroyed; however the redwood beams and windows in the nave required "merely" to be cleaned to be destroyed. "Merely", because the entire redwood ceiling and beams required hand-sanding of up to 1/4 inches of char from the redwood beams. (Redwood, it should be observed, is quite fire-resistant). Other than being rendered several shades darker, the Cathedral ceiling and lighting remain as previous.

The Brotherton Memorial Cross

Work on the Cathedral restoration was completed in November of 2004. Over the next three months, the new $1.4 million, 5,401 pipe organ was installed and tuned. The Bozendorfer Piano Company, upon learning of the destruction of the 12 foot piano informed Canon Musician Alan de Puy that an order for a 14 foot grand had been canceled, and they would be pleased to supply it as a replacement for the settlement price agreed to by the Church Insurance Corporation. Dedication of the restored Cathedral was held April 1, 2005. Members of the Phoenix Fire Department were present both for the first service held in the tent following the fire and for the service of dedication.

[Persons wishing to provide a story of the Stations of the Cross rendered from objects destroyed by the fire are invited to contact Canon Dugan!]

Perhaps the final chapter of the restoration is the story of the needlepoint chair cover that was on the Cathedra at the time of the fire. This was miraculously preserved by the fireman who tipped the chair face down during the inferno preserving the needlepoint. Restoration of this needlepoint has been completed in July of 2009 and the piece has been hung temporarily in the Cathedral offices. Following discussion with a number of persons, the concensus appears to be that the needlepoint was completed by Jonnie Bender, former secretary to Dean Usher. The original needlepoint is to be seen in the Narthex of the Cathedral as a memorial of the fire. A new Diocesan shield has been rendered for the present Cathedra.

Needlepoint by Johnny Bender

Refinished Cathedra, Dean's and Canon's Chairs, 2009

Kirk Stevan Smith was elected the Fifth Bishop of Arizona on October 18, 2003 at All Saints in Phoenix. He was consecrated at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Phoenix, on April 24, 2004 and seated on October 15, 2004 at Trinity Cathedral.

A full biography of Bishop Smith may befound on the diocesan website at azdiocese.org

DATE:	EVENT/PERSON:	TITLE:	LOC.
Intro.
1874-1876	+William Forbes Adams	Missionary Bishop of New Mexico & Arizona
1880-1888	+George kelly Dunlop	Missionary Bishop of New Mexico & Arizona
1887-1890	Dr. Robert W. Pierson+	Vicar, Trinity Church, Phoenix
Jan. 1890	First Service held in Trinity Church	2nd Ave & Washington Streets
1889-1911	+John Mills Kendrick	Missionary Bishop of New Mexico & Arizona