“A corrugated iron hut? You wouldn’t expect to find such a humble beginning for St Stephen On The Downs, would you?” The sturdy stone church standing strong before you is a testament to a rich history full of faith and resilience.
St Stephen On The Downs was built to serve a community once known as Langley Bottom, a part of Epsom that was separated from the rest by the Downs. In the early 1900s, worshippers had to make do with a private house for their gatherings. In 1919, a corrugated iron hut was erected as a temporary place of worship, serving the growing community.
The church was dedicated in 1961 and it replaced the tin hut, but a WW2 memorial was built in such a way that it seems like it was made around the same time as the new church, though its connection to a previous memorial remains unclear. This memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the war.
One thing that might not be obvious to you is that St Stephen On The Downs is actually a daughter church of St Martin of Tours. This means that it is a branch of St Martin of Tours, and the two churches share a spiritual connection.
St Stephen On The Downs is a true symbol of the community’s faith and dedication. It stood as a beacon of hope during times of hardship and has continued to play an important role in the life of Langley Vale for over a century. As you look at the church, remember the story of its humble beginnings and the unwavering faith of the people who built it.