Alan began as Leichhardt changed dramatically with the influx of migrants from southern Italy. The congregations dropped dramatically with the choir outnumbering the congregation until it too dropped. Youth activities became non-existent. During Mr Donohoo’s ministry Bill Lenten was appointed on the staff to reach out to the non-church Italian community. This proved unsuccessful. Some years later a second attempt was made by Luciano Ricci. The church hall became the Italian church for some years. Choruses played by guitarists were introduced for the opening of Morning Prayer. Several musicals were performed by the Sunday school in the church hall during this time.

As Australian society changed All Souls’ was able to change with it. A band was started with drums, guitars, and singers to begin the Morning Service. Lay led Bible studies were initiated along with regular fellowship teas in each other’s homes each month. Scripture teaching in the schools was encouraged. However, the area had only a small proportion of Anglicans resulting in smaller congregations and fewer young people in the church.

At the end of Mr McKinney’s time the service station closed and after numerous proposals were considered a restaurant opened in its place bringing much needed income to the church.

This was a period of rapid change in the Leichhardt area as young professionals began to move into the inner west and land values soared. Norton St became popular and vibrant with the southern end undergoing major development in the late 90s.

There were numerous changes in the church as well. The band was given more prominence, the crying room built and the back part of the entrance was widened to accommodate more people for supper and morning tea. An assistant minister was employed in 2000 in an attempt to reach some of the young professionals, although with high rentals this was an expensive exercise that was discontinued after two years. Over this period there was slow but discernable growth.
The church became a recipient of the Sydney Aircraft Noise Insulation Project which spent almost $2 million in sound proofing the church building, providing a new roof, double glazing, seismic proofing and air conditioning. The church was reinstated as a full parish again just as Mr Crain left in January 2002 to be replaced by the present Rector.

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