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Episcopal services began on Orr’s Island
in July 1892. They were held in the dining room of a boarding house called Bellevue
Cottage. Among the guests was the Rev. Elwin K. Smith of Lambertville, New Jersey, who
conducted a series of five services during that summer. An offering made at the last
service of that summer constituted a beginning of a fund for the building of a chapel on
the Island. The consent to forward this project was cordially given by the Rt. Rev. Henry
A. Neeley, Bishop of Maine, who wrote, "I heartily and gratefully approve of the
movement for the erection of a simple church on Orr’s Island, believing that such a
provision would be for the spiritual advantage, not only of summer visitors, but also of
permanent residents." The next summer the Rev. Mr. Smith returned to the island as the guest of Miss Harriet S. Baquet of Burlington, New Jersey, and Miss May S. Decker of Manchester Green, Connecticut, both whom were vitally interested in the building of a chapel. In 1897, two services were held in the Moulton’s Ice Cream Parlor, and in 1898 services were held in Seaside Hall. During the years between 1994 and 1900, the plan of building the chapel was carried out by summer residents. On August 6, 1900, the Feast of the Transfiguration, all debts having been met, the Chapel was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Robert Codman, Bishop of Maine and successor to Bishop Neely who had died in 1899. In 1901 the services were in charge of the Revs. Samuel Upjohn and John B. Falkner of Germantown, Pennsylvania, the latter continuing the work during the summers between 1902 and 1905. In 1907, the Rev. Charles Henry Arndt of Germantown conducted the services. The Rev. Arndt continued his ministry at the chapel for many years, later marrying the daughter of the Rev. Falkner. Dormer windows and extensions for side aisles were added during the Rev. Arndt’s tenure. In the nearly 100 years since its consecration, many of the furnishing have been given as memorials. Descendants of the Rev. Arndt, as well as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of several of the founders, continue to worship at All Saints. The chapel is also the site of many weddings, baptisms, and memorial services. Plans are underway for a centennial celebration on August 6, 2000. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 9 a..m. in July and August. Services on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend are held at All Saints, Orr’s Island in the even numbered years and All Saints-by-the-Sea on neighboring Bailey Island in the odd numbered years. |
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