Ascension progressed to the position of a parish on November 1, 1944.  The triumph of becoming a parish and the end of World War II marked a new era in church growth.  Property was purchased on Blue Lakes Boulevard North and plans were laid for the church building to be moved to its present site, which was accomplished late in 1953.  Later expansion of the facility much improved the church edifice and added classrooms upstairs and down, a kindergarten room, and parish hall to be named as memorial to the Rt. Rev. Frank A. Rhea, a memorial room, an excellent kitchen, new study and office space, and a bell tower entry vestibule, all connected with cloistered walks at the side and across the front.

    The beautiful structure was completed in the fall of 1958 and a service of evening prayer to dedicate the new facilities was conducted on November 9, 1959. The Rev. Norman Stockwell presided as M.C. over the dedication of the banquet.  As the church continued to grow and flourish, a youth group formed, the Thrift Shop opened offering considerable financial support to the church, and the Cursillo movement developed.