Didn’t the Industrial Revolution transform Paddington? Masses moved here seeking new lives. St. Stephen’s Church emerged as a beacon during this time.
Let’s delve into the story of St. Stephen’s Church. It became the heart of a growing community. Developer Stephen Phillips envisioned a grand church as a selling point for new housing. An Act of Parliament encouraged church construction in populous parishes. St. Stephen’s became a key part of Paddington’s expansion.
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey and Stephen Phillips donated the land. Paddington Vestry and local residents contributed generously. Even Rev’d H. W. Brooks helped finance its construction.
Architect brothers Frederick John Francis and Horace Francis embraced the Gothic style. They designed at least 20 other London churches. St. Stephen’s may be their last surviving London church. Its unique location is due to the Crescent and merging roads. The altar sits at the west end instead of the traditional east. The Bishop of London approved this unusual layout for St. Stephen’s. Inside it evoked a grand mediaeval church.
Over time St. Stephen’s has changed. Side galleries were removed in 1884 to improve aesthetics. The organ moved from the tower. Electricity arrived. In 1900, the chancel was rebuilt as a curved apse encroaching on the pavement. A side chapel, vestries, a porch, and a lobby were added.
The most noticeable change at St. Stephen’s is the missing spire. It was removed after the war due to safety concerns. Reconstruction would have cost a lot. The Parochial Church Council opted to replace it with a battlemented parapet.
By the 1980s, St. Stephen’s and the surrounding area declined. Poverty and inadequate housing plagued the neighborhood. A 1989 report suggested demolition. In 1991, masonry fell. The building was declared unsafe and closed.
But St. Stephen’s had potential. It stood as a focal point needing a vision. Reports confirmed the structure was sound. Refurbishment would cost a lot. Local associations and English Heritage supported refurbishment.
In 1993, a proposal was presented to the Bishop of London. He appointed Tom Gillum as Priest in Charge. Tom was struck by the dampness. Yet he saw the potential of St. Stephen’s location and impressive height.
He shared his vision. On September 25, 1994, he and others started services in a nearby school. Generous donations helped begin roof and stonework repairs. By Easter 1995, weekly services were held in the church.
In 1997, Tom was instituted as Vicar. The community celebrated the resurrection of St. Stephen’s. A hall area formed under the gallery in 1970 was improved.
After a car crashed through the doors, access and aesthetics were improved. An unused gallery area became a meeting space. Vestries were reconfigured.
In 2004, cracks appeared. The church was subsiding. Historic England placed it on the “at risk” register. Extensive structural repairs were needed.
In 2017, the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a grant. Repairs began in 2018. The congregation moved out. Steel supports were added. Repairs finished in October 2018. In June 2019, Rev’d Richard Dryer became vicar.
St. Stephen’s is now a viable parish church again. It is a place of Christian prayer and worship. Its buildings bless the community. It has a vision to reach out. One person recalled visiting St. Stephen’s when it was in terrible condition and signing a petition to oppose its demolition.
St. Stephen’s stands as a testament to resilience. It showcases community spirit. Its history whispers stories of transformation. It reminds us that even in decline, hope can flourish.