History

The Christian hero whom the parish claims as its patron saint is Alban of Britain. He is the first identified Church martyr in the British Isles. Tradition holds that Alban was a young Roman soldier, recruited from the native Britons and stationed in a city northeast of London. The city later was renamed 'Alban' in honor of his martyrdom, and the Cathedral of St. Alban stands today on the site of his sacrificial death. He gave shelter to a Christian priest who was fleeing persecution, and was converted by the priest. When Roman officers came to arrest the priest, Alban exchanged clothing with the priest and allowed himself to be tortured and executed, traditionally dated in 304.

This parish was founded in 1957 when seven people began to gather regularly for worship here in Wickenburg. In 1959, through the generosity and vision of Charles (Squire) and Sylvia Maguire, the church was built and the land given to the Diocese of Arizona. It is believed St. Alban was the patron saint of the Maguire's parish in their native Iowa. This parish became a self-supporting congregation in the same year and was granted official parish status. The Rev. Dean E. McMann was called to be the first Rector in 1960. The Rector Emeritus, the Rev. Dan J. Gerrard, served the parish twice, 1962-65, and again, 1988-96. The current Rector, the Rev. David L. Thom, STM, began service in January of 2006.

Josten Hall, the parish hall including education, nursery, and other rooms downstairs, was built in 1964, though nearly destroyed by fire in 1979. The Mary Chapel was dedicated in 1967 and along with the church itself, contain very fine examples of traditional stained glass. During the tenure of the Rev. John A. Smart, the traditionally designed chancel and sanctuary were creatively remodeled in 1999, and now feature a more contemporary seating of the choir behind a free-standing altar. On the rear wall of the church to the right of the entrance doors, a stone from St. Alban's Cathedral in Britain was mortared in place, establishing a physical as well as a spiritual union of the congregations.

As of this writing, St. Alban's active membership includes some 110 households in Wickenburg and several surrounding communities. These Episcopalians support the parish's many ministries and the 2003, $181,310. budget by their generous annual stewardship. The budget and capital expenses are supplemented also through investment income established in the past by committed and visionary donors and parish leaders.