HISTORY & CAMPUSSixty years in Sabino Canyon.
A Spanish mission-style sanctuary designed by Tucson architect Bernard Friedman serves a community that grew from 80 charter members to a parish home for thousands.
Our Historic Campus
St. Alban's campus features a Spanish-style church, choir room, parish hall, offices, and a preschool with eight classrooms. Our church, designed by renowned Tucson architect Bernard Friedman, has been part of our campus since 1982. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and find peaceful moments for prayer among the desert landscape.
History of St. Alban’s Campus
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1964
Ten acres of land were purchased in September as the future home of St. Alban's Chapel. This visionary acquisition laid the foundation for our parish's long-term presence in the Sabino Canyon area.
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1972
St. Alban's held its first service on February 13th in the Fruchthendler Elementary School cafeteria. Eighty St. Philip's parishioners attended this inaugural service, with 35 continuing as charter members of the new mission.
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1973
Ground was broken for construction of our first sanctuary and west wing. This milestone marked the beginning of St. Alban's physical presence on our current property.
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1974
Our Spanish mission-style chapel was completed, featuring the iconic cross window. In just six months after opening, attendance grew to 205 at a single service, demonstrating remarkable growth for the new chapel.
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1976
St. Alban's achieved financial self-sufficiency, becoming fully self-supporting. This important milestone paved the way for full parish status just three years later.
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1979
St. Alban's Episcopal Church was officially dedicated as a parish. The Reverend Robert Swift, previously Vicar, was installed as the first Rector of the new parish.
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1980
The congregation launched plans for a new 3,800 square foot sanctuary north of the chapel. The design incorporated a second cross window, continuing our tradition of meaningful sacred architecture.
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1981
St. Alban's made Arizona Episcopal history by appointing the Reverend Margaret Babcock as assistant priest. She became the first woman priest to serve in this capacity within the Diocese of Arizona.
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1982
Construction of our new sanctuary and education wing began in January. The building was completed in just eight months, with the first service held in August of the same year.
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1985
St. Alban's established its preschool ministry to serve both parish families and the wider Tucson community. This education ministry continues to thrive as a cornerstone of our outreach.
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1987
The parish demonstrated remarkable stewardship by paying off its mortgage loan in full, just five years after construction. This financial achievement freed resources for expanded ministry.
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1990-1998
St. Alban's experienced significant growth, adding kindergarten (1990), four classrooms with a playground (1991), and a kitchen with parish offices (1998). The enclosed courtyard transformed our campus appearance.
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2019
The parish embraced environmental stewardship by installing 176 solar panels. This green initiative reduced our annual utility costs by approximately $18,000 while decreasing our carbon footprint.
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2021
Our distinctive sign was installed, establishing a clear presence on Sabino Canyon Road. Uniquely designed as a cell tower, it provides a steady income stream to support parish ministries.
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2022
St. Alban's celebrated its 50th anniversary on February 13th with more than 200 parishioners gathering to honor our history and look toward our future together.