St Stephen’s Anglican Church

The inscription on the memorial window above us tells a story of both faith and hardship. Let’s delve into the captivating tale of St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Richmond, a place where history breathes life into its very stones. The foundation stone was laid in 1850, and the incomplete church opened just a year later. This grand old church, with its soaring arches and intricate stained-glass windows, has witnessed the pulse of Richmond for over a century and a half. Even today, the church holds many treasures from the past, including exquisite windows crafted by renowned glassmakers Ferguson & Urie. One of the most remarkable is a triple-light chancel window, a testament to the life of Stephen George Henty, a pioneering businessman who generously supported the church’s construction. And speaking of generous gifts, the east five-light window was donated by famed entertainer and politician George Selth Coppin. It features the church’s namesake, St Stephen, the patron saint, in the center. In fact, the church has a special connection to a prominent figure in Australian theatre history – George Coppin, a respected entertainer and politician. It was Coppin, a pioneer in Melbourne’s performing arts, who gave the church a beautiful chancel window. This window embodies the church’s spirit – the unwavering faith of a community tied together through the shared legacy of those who came before. St Stephen’s Church is not just a place of worship. It’s a sanctuary steeped in the rich tapestry of Melbourne’s past and a window into the enduring spirit of community. Let’s pause here and take a moment to appreciate the stories whispered by the stained glass and the quiet beauty of the church grounds.