St Stephen’s 125 Anniversary

St Stephen’s (Belle Vue Road, Cinderford) turns 125 on Friday (29 May).

The foundation stone for St Stephen’s Church (one of seven churches built in the Forest of Dean in the 19th century) was laid on November 1, 1883 by Lady Crawley Boevey of Flaxley Abbey. The nave was consecrated and opened for public worship on May 29, 1890. The formal opening was conducted by Lord Bishop of the Diocese, Dr Ellicot. After the service 100 people attended a luncheon served in the Parish Hall.

To celebrate 125 years, a service will be held at 11 am on Friday 29 May (125 years to the day of the consecration) followed by a bring and share lunch (hopefully on the lawn!) at 12 noon. The church will be decorated with photographs and items from events, such as weddings and baptisms, through the years.

It would be wonderful to have anyone for whom St Stephen’s means something to come and join us in this celebration. If the day is fine, we will picnic on the lawn after the service, so please bring along fold-up chairs / picnic blankets to sit on.

If you have any photographs, press cuttings or memorabilia that you would like to be included please let Rachel Witham (719438) or Sheila Llewellyn (822394) know ASAP, or bring them along on the day to share over lunch.