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Vestry
Vestry
Our History
In December of 1961, several residents of Gastonia, North Carolina met to discuss the possibility of establishing a new parish in the eastern part of town. This initiative was led by The Rt. Rev. Matthew George Henry, Jim Perry and Roland Whitemire. After meeting with twelve local families and discussing that the focus of this new church would be missionary work, the group recruited The Rev. Robert E. Johnson to be their priest. A site for the future church was determined to be at the corner of New Hope Road and Robinwood Road. Subsequently, their first worship service was held in an old house located on the property in February of 1962. Seeking to be officially recognized by the Western Diocese of North Carolina, the now twenty-member congregation petitioned Bishop Henry for acceptance. On March 4, 1962, All Saints Episcopal Church was officially recognized by the diocese. By May of 1962 a temporary chapel was erected and by 1968 a parish house was completed.
The Rev. Robin Johnson worked tirelessly for twenty-four years to bring into fruition, the concept of a missionary driven church. During his tenure he established outreach ministries such as Alcoholic Anonymous and the Hospice program in its infancy. He provided pastoral care to both members of the church and to the wider community of Gaston County.
Father Robin E. Johnson
To assist us through a transitional period, The Rev. Stephen Stanley was called to be our rector in June of 1987. Father Stanley served in this capacity until June of 1990.
Father Stephen Stanley
In March 1991, The Rev. J. Houston Matthews, III was called to be the third rector of All Saints. He served from June 1991 until his retirement in January of 2005. Under Father Matthew’s leadership, the sanctuary underwent a major renovation, a new parish hall was constructed, and a fifty-five-niche columbarium was built under the oak trees in the parish yard. Continuing with our goal to be a mission driven church, All Saints became actively involved in Family Promise, a program where area churches house the homeless for a week. Additionally, the Towel Ministry and the Order of St. Luke were introduced into our parish community.
Farther Houston Matthews
After Father Matthew’s retirement, The Rev. Ben G. Robertson, IV, became our priest. While at All Saints, he encouraged Christian youth education. The Godly Play Curriculum was adopted and the senior high school youth group became very active: traveling to many conferences. Under his sponsorship, Anita Ware was ordained as a Deacon. Working as a team, Deacon Anita and Father Ben, created the Ecclesiastical Garden which continues to provide vegetables for the Salvation Army Kitchen. To promote social gatherings within the church family, the Foyers Dinner Groups began. Father Robertson served All Saints until September 2010.
Father Benjamin Robertson
The Rev. Dr. Gary Butterworth answered God’s call to become our fifth priest in the summer of 2012. Recognizing the importance of community outreach, Father Butterworth supported our participation in the Back Pack Weekend Food Program of Gaston County and a local food pantry was established at the church. Christian education of the youth was encouraged through the implementation of the Children’s Word during Sunday morning worship services. He also supported Gaston County the local food pantry was established at the church. Christian education of the youth was encouraged through the implementation of the Children’s Word during Sunday morning worship services. To also promote community partnerships, Father Butterworth reached out to our Spanish speaking community to share our church space. In 2018, Father Butterworth accepted the position of an interim priest as a first step toward retirement in the mountains of North Carolina.
Father Rev. Dr. Gary Buttherworth
The Rev. Lynn Orville has become our sixth priest in September 2021. She brings to All Saints a passion for teaching and and pastoral care. All Saints is excited to welcome her and begin the next chapter of our story together.
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Over the course of our history, we have been extremely supportive of members who were called to the ministry. All Saints has sponsored several people to be ordained.
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With God’s blessing, All Saints will continue to be a strong light of hope for our world.
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