The Friends of St Stephen’s Church
A Church at the heart of the Community
Since its foundation by Abbot Ulsinus of St Albans, in AD 948, St Stephen’s Church has been an integral part of the community from welcoming pilgrims before they visited the shrine of St Albans to our clergy presiding at Baptism, marriage and funerals of parishioners. There are several outreach groups such as our popular Lunch Club which meet on a regular basis.
The size of the church has grown from a small building to what it looks like today after being restored in the 1860s by George Gilbert Scott. The church hall was added in 1991 after the demolition of the old Cavalier Hall on Watford Road.
The eagle lectern is a copy of the much earlier famous Dunkeld Lectern, which it replaced. The original Lectern is on loan from the church to the Museum of Scotland.
The six bells, rung before services, for weddings and important state occasions were recast in 1957 to make them lighter. The previous bells were too heavy for the frame.
Other points to note are the 13th century piscina in the Lady Chapel, the squint in the Sanctuary, the Victorian pews and other woodwork. The pulpit and canopy dates from 1936
Who are the Friends of St Stephen’s Church and how can I become one?
The Friends of St Stephen’s Church was started in 2023 with the specific aim to provide for the conservation, maintenance and development of the fabric of St Stephen’s Church, together with its facilities, fixtures, furnishings, and amenities. Also to provide for the maintenance of the Churchyard and to promote the conservation, protection, and improvement of the physical and natural environment.
The projects planned to help the church remain at the centre of the community in which it is placed will vary in size such as the replacement of a church noticeboard or the provision of interpretation boards for the wildlife area of the churchyard. Others will be bigger such as donating to the improvement of the church organ. Your participation in these endeavours will ensure that it is there for future generations.
The church has been lucky to receive bequests from previous parishioners enabling specific projects to be implemented such as the installation of new porch doors, but there are many other smaller tasks which are ongoing, and it needs your help to do this. It costs approximately £200 per day to keep the church available for those who wish to visit it and spend time there.
A variety of fundraising events will be held each year to include talks, concerts, and quiz evenings.
How do I become a member of The Friends?
Membership of the Friends of St Stephen’s Church is open to anyone who subscribes to its objects. Individual members must be over 18 (and each have a vote at General Meetings); Group membership is intended for groups of two or three people over 18 and their children below that age (and only have one vote per Group).
If you would like to join, please download the membership form here and return it c/o The Vicarage, 14 Watling Street, St Albans AL1 2PX.
The correct email address for the Friends is friendsofststephen@gmail.com
More than Births, Marriages and Deaths, a part of the Community
Friends’ Events
Scarecrow Trail
Friday 24 May - Friday 31 May All day Around the parish
Squarecrows with a childrens’ book theme form a trail around the parish which can be walked, run, cycled or driven to find the scarecrows which have been decorated / developed by members of The Friends, members of the congregation and local community.
The theme is children’s books and a list of suggested titles is here. Please contact friendsofststephen@gmail.com if you wish to host a scarecrow.
A map will be available to buy and then follow as much of the trail as you wish.
All about Bees and Honey
Sunday 9 June 3.00pm - 5.00pm St Stephen’s Church Hall
A talk about bees and honey and their place in the churchyard. It will also be part of the church “Count on Nature” week.
Tickets available from friendsofststephen@gmail.com