Christ Church of the Ascension

Christ Church of the Ascension is a historic church located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. The church has a rich history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century, and has been influenced by notable figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright and John Muir. The church's architecture and design have been shaped by the works of Ralph Adams Cram and Bertram Goodhue, and its worship services have been led by esteemed clergy, including Desmond Tutu and Rowan Williams. The church is also affiliated with the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches.

● History

The history of Christ Church of the Ascension is closely tied to the development of Phoenix, Arizona, and the church has played a significant role in the city's growth and evolution. The church was founded in the early 20th century by a group of Anglican missionaries, including James DeKoven and Charles Chapman Grafton, who were influenced by the Oxford Movement and the Cambridge Platonists. The church's early years were marked by the leadership of Bishop Joseph H. Johnson and Bishop Walter Mitchell, who played important roles in shaping the church's mission and ministry. The church has also been influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, with notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks visiting the church and speaking about issues of social justice. The church's history is also connected to the Ecumenical Movement, with partnerships and collaborations with other Christian denominations, including the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Methodist Church.

● Architecture

The architecture of Christ Church of the Ascension is a unique blend of Gothic Revival and Art Deco styles, with influences from the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. The church's design was led by the architectural firm of Emerson & Emerson, which also designed other notable buildings in Phoenix, Arizona, including the Heard Museum and the Phoenix Public Library. The church's interior features stunning stained glass windows, designed by John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany, and its exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings, crafted by Lee Lawrie and John Gregory. The church's architecture has been recognized and praised by notable architects, including I.M. Pei and Frank Gehry, and has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest and The New York Times.

● Worship and Ministries

The worship and ministries of Christ Church of the Ascension are centered around the Episcopal Church's tradition of Anglo-Catholicism, with a strong emphasis on liturgy and sacraments. The church's worship services are led by a team of clergy, including Bishop Gene Robinson and Bishop Barbara Harris, and feature music from the church's renowned choir, which has performed with notable musicians such as Leonard Bernstein and Duke Ellington. The church's ministries include a strong focus on social justice, with partnerships with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The church also has a thriving youth ministry, with programs and activities led by Youth Specialties and Young Life.

● Location and Community

Christ Church of the Ascension is located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, in the Downtown Phoenix area, near the Arizona State Capitol and the Phoenix Art Museum. The church is surrounded by a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of arts and culture venues, restaurants, and shops. The church is also close to other notable landmarks, including the Heard Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden. The church's location has made it a hub for community activity, with events and programs that bring together people from all over the city, including the Phoenix Festival of the Arts and the Arizona Pride Festival. The church is also affiliated with the Phoenix Community Alliance and the Downtown Phoenix Partnership.

● Notable Events and People

Christ Church of the Ascension has hosted a number of notable events and people over the years, including visits from Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II. The church has also been the site of important ecumenical gatherings, including the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation and the Lutheran-Episcopal Coordinating Committee. The church has been led by notable clergy, including Bishop Paul Moore Jr. and Bishop John Shelby Spong, and has been influenced by the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Reinhold Niebuhr. The church has also been involved in significant social justice movements, including the Civil Rights Movement and the Anti-Apartheid Movement, with partnerships with organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the American Friends Service Committee. The church's notable events and people have been recognized and celebrated by the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, and have been featured in publications such as The Episcopal News Service and The Anglican Journal. Category:Episcopal churches in Arizona