St. Stephens Episcopal Church

Nestled in West Valley City, St. Stephens Episcopal Church has a unique story. It’s a story of humble beginnings and steady growth. It all began in a rather unexpected place: a dry cleaning establishment. In 1962, All Saints Church recognized a need for a place of worship in the southwest part of the valley. This led to the first service of the South West Episcopal Mission being held in October 1962 in that converted dry cleaner. Bishop Richard S. Watson led the service, and attendance exceeded expectations. The following year, the congregation was officially named St. Stephens Episcopal Church and received its first Priest-in-Charge. In 1964, the church acquired land and established a vicarage for its first full-time priest, The Rev. Paul Taylor. St. Stephens Episcopal Church continued to evolve. A multi-purpose building was erected in 1966. This marked the beginning of significant expansion. By 1986, a new church building, parish hall, retreat center, and day-care facility were completed. The original worship space was then remodeled into a parish hall. The 1990s brought further renovations to St. Stephens Episcopal Church. The church interior was redesigned, creating a semi-circular worship space. A new baptismal font was installed, and a quiet play area for children was added. In 2000, a new parish hall, meeting room, and office space were constructed. The former church/parish hall was converted into Sunday school classrooms. St. Stephens Episcopal Church has also been a place of inclusion and community outreach. In 2003, a Latino congregation, San Esteban, joined St. Stephens. This created a vibrant, multicultural parish. Over the years, St. Stephens Episcopal Church has seen numerous clergy come and go, each contributing to the church’s rich history. From The Rev. W. Lee Shaw to The Rev. Dr. Matthew Seddon and The Rev. Mary S. Janda, each leader has guided the congregation. Today, St. Stephens Episcopal Church stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of those who first gathered in that humble dry cleaning establishment. It continues to serve the community, offering a place of worship, fellowship, and outreach.