St John the Baptist
Frenchay, Gloucestershire
It was on 1891 that the Vicar of a nearby church had such a large congregation he felt there was a need for another church to be built in the area. Unfortunately this could not immediately get underway as there was a greater need for schools at the time. However the suggestion was not forgotten about as in 1903 the foundation Stone for St Stephen’s was laid, the work continued until the church was finished in1904.
The design of this auspicious building was the work of a local man called Dr Skelton, who in fact was the brother in law Dr WG Grace, the famous cricketer.
At this present time St Stephen’s is very much a ‘middle of the road’ Church of England, it is not steeped in history, nor is it in anyway architecturally unique. It does have several attractive, colourful stained glass windows on the west side of the church which because they no longer back onto the outside of the building, are artificially lit.
The pews are all quite old, but are not original as it seems at first there were not pews.
Also there is a lovely organ which again is sadly not original, but as it is well maintained it does produce some beautiful sounds. The inside roof of the building is very high which probably contributes to the quality of the organ sound. This high roof is partly supported by six pillars along either side inside the church.
Although we may not have artefacts or anything of structural interest what this church is particularly noted for is the warmth of the welcome that we always offer to visitors. Many people who have been seeking a new place to worship have tried several churches, but then felt on arriving at St Stephen’s they had ‘come home’. St Stephen’s supports, and have offered the use of their facilities to many groups and organisations. These include young and old, people with learning difficulties, dementia, drama and dancing groups, and even a rehearsing brass band, to mention a few. The church considers itself to be fully inclusive, in fact everyone is welcome.
It is a church that at first was built for the local people, when a lot of them would have been miners and their families, as the area was noted for its many coal mines. Now it embraces a congregation of people from all walks of life and from a much wider catchment area.
What ever it may lack in structural interest, it certainly makes up for in spades is one is willing to experience the life within the walls.