All Saints Catholic Church in North DeKalb was dedicated and then officially opened by Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan on Saturday, December 22. The church opening followed a Dedication Mass at which the Archbishop blessed the church buildings and consecrated the altar.

In his talk to the parish family and guests the Archbishop said: “My prayer today is not so much for this building as for you … that you may go forth as a living example of the Lord Jesus Christ in you.”

The church sanctuary and parish center are located on 11 acres at 2443 Mt. Vernon Rd. across from Mt. Vernon shopping center. Both buildings are contemporary rustic to blend with the wooded surroundings. Groundbreaking services for the new church were held in October of 1978.

The parish was organized in May 1977 to serve the Northern DeKalb and greater Dunwoody areas. Starting with 267 families the parish has grown to 830 family units. Since 1977 church members have carried on religious activities in office space at Exchange Place behind Peachtree High School.

Even though the church sanctuary seats over 800 persons, the 2 hour long dedication ceremony was carried out before a standing room only crowd.

Participants in the dedication ceremonies were the Archbishop and priests from adjoining parishes, representatives of parish committees and organizations, the architects and contractors. Special music was rendered by the 50 member adult choir and 15 member youth folk group.

Father Joseph Beltran, pastor, in his message said: “This place of worship … reflects the ideas, sacrifices and service of hundreds of us, the pilgrim people of All Saints parish family. It will be a living memorial of our faith to people for generations to come.”