All Saints’ Centennial
A Century of Worship and Community
1925 - 2025
Celebrating All Saints’ Beverly Hills Centennial
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, over 400 parishioners, clergy, and honored guests gathered for a Festival Choral Eucharist and Gala marking 100 years of worship, community service, and spiritual leadership at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills. The celebrations marked a pinnacle of centennial observances, honoring the church’s faithful presence since its founding in 1925.
Festival Choral Eucharist – Sacred Ground, Living Legacy
On Saturday morning, the All Saints’ campus was alive with joy as parishioners were reunited with visiting clergy, former postulants and longtime friends for a special worship service featuring the world premiere of the “All Saints’ Mass” by Canon Dr. Craig Phillips. Scored for organ, brass, tympani, and choir, the majestic work embodied Dr. Phillips’ extraordinary contributions to sacred music. Widely regarded as one of today’s foremost composers of liturgical repertoire, his music lifted spirits and filled the church with transcendent sound.
From the moment the service began, the congregation was moved as white-stoled visiting priests processed behind Verger Jonathan Roberts to the hymn dedicated to All Saints Day, “For All The Saints.” The Beatitudes from Luke’s Gospel were lovingly read by the retired Rev. Joseph Lund, adding depth to the sense of continuity and reverence of the worship service.
A highlight of the service was our guest preacher, The Rev. Carol Anderson who served as rector for two transformative decades. Her presence sparked joy and spontaneous applause. She reflected on Jesus’ invitation to “abide in my love”—not merely as comfort, but as a deep and active calling. “Abiding in Christ,” she said, “means allowing love to transform us, even in the hard work of listening—especially to those with whom we disagree.”
Her sermon challenged the congregation to discern God’s voice together, reminding us that “rectors come, and rectors go,” but the fabric of All Saints’ is built on a faithful people who listen to God. She offered a stirring prophecy of hope: “All Saints’ will flourish, and God will provide.” The sanctuary erupted in a long ovation, filled with gratitude, awe, and conviction.
A reception was held after the service where former rectors The Rev’s. Stephen Huber and Carol Anderson shared a light moment with All Saints’ Priest-In-Charge, The Rev. Canon Andrea McMillin.
Centennial Gala Celebration
As day turned to evening, the celebration continued at the historic Ebell of Los Angeles, located adjacent to Hancock Park. The 1927 Spanish Revival venue with its arched colonnades illuminated under warm lighting, set the perfect stage for the night’s festivities. Guests were welcomed in the Ebell’s Garden and Art Salon to the sounds of jazz pianist John Proulx. Amid music, laughter, and embraces, old friendships were rekindled and new connections formed in a spirit of shared faith.
A remembrance table in the Art Salon held place cards and photos of All Saints’ parishioners who have passed away. Photographer Megumi Calver captured the evening as guests posed before the Centennial step-and-repeat or hammed it up in the festive photo booth.
Dinner: A Tribute in Word and Song
Cascading bells summoned guests into the Ebell’s grand dining room for a candlelit dinner. The room featured a long “kings table” for clergy, and intimate round tables for guests. Spring-themed floral arrangements adorned the tables, with personalized place cards and archival images streaming on elevated monitors—each detail a tribute to 100 years of parish life.
Gala co-chairs Cathy Barna and Jeff Smith served as emcees, recognizing returning clergy, staff, postulants, vestry, and the centennial gala committee. The Rev. Canon Andrea McMillin, priest-in-charge, welcomed all, including Bishop John Taylor of the Diocese of Los Angeles who offered a gracious invocation.
Centennial Program Chair Chris Cook expressed gratitude to the many who helped make the Gala accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. He introduced a beautifully produced video retrospective by filmmaker and choir member Jean-Paul Jones—a moving visual hymn blending sacred music, archival photos, and oral history.
The dinner came to a close with a heartfelt performance of “You Raise Me Up” by parishioner and entertainer Jan Daley, followed by an eloquent champagne toast from All Saints’ longest-serving member Bonnie McClure who reflected on many years of parish life.
Dancing Through the Decades
Just when the night seemed complete, the Beverly Hills High School Marching Band surprised guests to “When the Saints Come Marching In” ushering them into the soaring and gilded ceiling of the Ebell’s Lounge ballroom. A DJ spun nostalgic favorites from across the decades, and generations danced side by side in joy and celebration.
A Future Rooted in Faith
The All Saints’ Centennial was more than a celebration of the past; it was a bold statement of faith in the future. Through music, memory, worship, and joy, the parish honored its 100 years of tradition while listening anew for God’s call. The hope proclaimed throughout the day was clear: the next 100 years of All Saints’ will be shaped, once again, by a people who abide in love, trust in God’s voice, and walk forward together in faith.
